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Is It Normal to Have Brown Discharge While on Birth Control Pills?
Taking birth control pills is one of the most effective ways to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Birth control pills are hormonal pills that stop the body from ovulating by thickening the cervical mucus which then prevents sperm from getting through and changing the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilised egg. However, birth control pills, can have a number of side effects. One of the common side effects of taking birth control pills is brown vaginal discharge. To know more about brown vaginal discharge, read this article. This article talks about brown discharge and how to prevent it.
Causes of Brown Discharge While on Birth Control Pills
Taking birth control pills is one of the many causes of brown discharge in women. Listed below are some other factors that could result in brown discharge when you are on birth control pills:
1. Old Blood
Most of the time, brown discharge is nothing but the old blood. After your period, your body may expel the remnants of the uterine lining that are still left inside. The iron content in the old blood gets oxygenated and makes it appear brown. Brown discharge can sometimes be the remnants of old blood that could not pass the last time you had periods.
2. Spotting
In the initial 6 months of taking birth control pills, your body will try to adjust to the hormones in the pills but a consequence of this is spotting or breakthrough bleeding that is brown in colour. The pills affect the amounts of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in the body. This makes the uterine lining thinner, and the excess endometrial tissue (inner lining of the uterus) is shed and is expelled as brown discharge.
3. Low Dose of Birth Control Pills
In some cases, brown discharge is basically spotting which is a result of very low levels of hormones present in the birth control pills. This is risky as it reduces the effectiveness of the pills. If this is the reason, ask your doctor if the dosage needs to be increased.
4. Missed Pills
Birth control pills work effectively only if they are taken at the same time each day. If you miss taking 1 or 2 pills, your body’s hormonal balance will be disturbed and result in brown discharge. This happens because the endometrium starts thinning again.
5. Sensitiveness to Specific Pills
Birth control pills usually contain the hormones oestrogen and progestin in varying concentrations. Brown discharge could be a side effect if you are sensitive to a specific birth control pill.
6. Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growth inside the uterus. These can cause spotting in the form of brown discharge. Fibroids can be diagnosed by your doctor by conducting an ultrasound test. Uncommonly heavy periods ending with brown discharge are also a cause for concern as this may be due to uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing such symptoms.
7. Implantation
If you are on birth control pills but still ovulating, you may get pregnant. In this case, the cause of brown discharge is implantation bleeding. When a fertilised egg implants itself into the uterine lining, a tiny amount of blood will come out. This spotting may look like brown discharge. If you suspect this, take an early detection home pregnancy test to confirm. Stop your birth control if you are pregnant and consult an obstetrician soon.
8. Ovulation
Birth control pills suppress ovulation. However, if you miss a dose or the dosage itself is too low, you might ovulate. There is usually brown discharge when you ovulate. This happens 10-14 days prior to your next period. For this, you may need to use a backup method of birth control and speak to your doctor immediately.
9. Infections
Sometimes, brown discharge can be a sign of a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It could be bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia. If you have redness, pain, itching, fishy odour, or discomfort in the vaginal area along with brown discharge, consult your doctor immediately.
10. Pap Smear
The pap smear is a cervical smear test performed on women to check for cervical cancer. It involves using a speculum to open the vagina and scraping tissue from the outer opening of the cervix to examine it for cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. In some women, the scraping can cause light bleeding for a few days. This bleeding can appear as a brown discharge.
Tips to Deal With Brown Discharge
Brown discharge may be due to various reasons. Here are a few tips to deal with brown discharge:
Use Pads:Use pads or panty liners every day for the first few months after you start taking birth control pills. Carry extra pads or liners with you in case the discharge is heavy and you need a fresh pad.
Backup Contraception: Use a backup method of contraception for a while after you start taking the pills. This is to make absolutely sure that the dosage is correct for you and the pills are working. Taking birth control pills with low dosage of hormones in them may lead to brown discharge. Furthermore, you will be at the risk of getting pregnant if you do not use backup options like condoms or spermicide.
Consult a Doctor: If the brown discharge continues and does not disappear on its own, consult a doctor immediately.
How to Prevent Brown Discharge While on Birth Control Pills
Here are some ways to prevent brown discharge while on birth control pills:
Take the pills at the same time every day. If you take it much later than the previous day, your hormonal balance will be disturbed and it may lead to brown discharge.
Do not miss taking the pills. If you miss a dose, consult your doctor and ask her what should be done for it. Missing more than 1 dose continuously can make the birth control pills ineffective and can also cause brown discharge.
Do not take over-the-counter birth control pills. It is best to take the birth control pills that are specifically prescribed to you by your doctor and contain the right dosage of hormones for your body. If you take pills that are not prescribed for you, they will be ineffective and would result in brown discharge.
Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help flush out toxins from your body and prevent brown discharge.
Talk to your doctor; he will suggest you the birth control pills that suit your body. If the pills are not strong enough, your periods may not come on time. And you might have irregular menstruation and brown discharge.
When Is Brown Discharge a Serious Problem?
Although brown vaginal discharge is a common side effect of birth control pills, there are some instances when the discharge could indicate a serious health problem. You should consult a doctor if you experience the following along with brown discharge:
Foul or fishy odour: If there is a foul odour emanating from the vagina along with discharge, you should talk to a doctor soon. This is usually a sign of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Redness in the vaginal area: Redness in the vagina is again a sign of infection and should not be taken lightly.
Swelling and soreness: Pain and swelling usually occur when there is an infection in the vaginal area. Itching in the vaginal area along with brown discharge should also not be ignored.
Pain or cramps in the abdomen: Having brown discharge with abdominal pain is also an indicator of vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or chlamydia.
Fever Higher Than 100.4°F: Consult your doctor immediately if you have a high fever along with brown discharge. This could mean that a vaginal infection is progressing and needs immediate treatment.
Symptoms similar to flu: If you feel fatigued and experience body pain along with a fever and brown discharge, visit a doctor soon as it could be a sign of a serious infection.
FAQs
1. Is it Normal to Have Brown Discharge After Sex?
If you notice brown discharge after having sexual intercourse with your partner, then it could be a sign of vigorous sex. It is fairly common, but if it occurs quite frequently and you feel sore, then perhaps you should take it slow. And if it continues, it is best that you check with a doctor.
2. What Infections Can Cause Brown Discharge?
Some common infections that can cause brown discharge are pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia.
3. Is Brown Discharge a Sign of Perimenopause?
Menopause refers to the end of the menstrual cycle in women. It usually happens when a woman is between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause is the time period before menopause. Brown discharge could be a sign of perimenopause, especially for women in their 40s. Women in their perimenopause phase can notice brown discharge throughout the month. But it will also be accompanied by some other symptoms of perimenopause such as mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, headaches, etc.
When you start taking birth control pills, your body will take some time to adjust and deal with the extra hormones that the pills contain. Not all women will experience the same side effects. Some women may have light spotting, some may get their period twice in one cycle, and some may have brown discharge. After 6 months, your body will get used to the pills, and spotting or brown discharge will automatically reduce or disappear. However, consult your doctor in case the brown discharge doesn’t clear on its own within a few days.
Also Read:
Can Birth Control Cause Infertility?
Can You Get Pregnant while on Birth Control Pill?
Birth Control Methods for Men and Women
Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Read more
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4 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect
Congratulations! So, you found out that you are pregnant? You must be elated and dying to break the news to your partner and loved ones. Why not! But, maybe, you should first confirm the same through a blood test at a medical centre. This week literally marks the beginning of your pregnancy because you have just missed your period and found out that you are pregnant. You must be elated!
Video: 4 Weeks Pregnant - What to Expect
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jeR49X4O2U
Your Baby’s Growth during Pregnancy - Week 4
4th week of pregnancy is a week for implantation. The blastocyst finally sets itself up in the uterine lining and splits into two to form placenta and embryo. This is the week when the amniotic sac or the bag of water and the yolk sac, a part of your baby’s digestive system, forms around the little embryo. Your little embryo also grows into three distinct parts during the 4th week. These three parts of the embryo, endoderm (the inner layer), mesoderm (the middle layer) and ectoderm (out layer), later form your baby’s body organs. No doubt, it’s an important week for the growth and development of your little wonder.
What is the Baby’s Size?
This week is a critical week as it marks the onset of the embryonic period. Right now, the size of your baby, which is the embryo, is that of a poppy seed. This poppy seed has two layers, the epiblast and the hypoblast, that will go on to grow into your little one’s body parts. While the size of the baby when you are 4 weeks pregnant is practically microscopic, it is going through some major developments which are definitely noteworthy.
Common Body Changes
The various pregnancy hormones have been released in your body and your body this week is busy gearing up to adjust to these hormonal changes. You will soon start experiencing the early pregnancy symptoms. You will start feeling irritated and exhausted. You will feel the working of some chemical reactions inside your body, and it is but obvious to feel this way. After all, the blastocyst, your baby, in other words, is finally making contact with the uterus and settling down! It has been observed that 30% of the time, during the 4th week of pregnancy, implantation bleeding may occur in the form of spotting. This is not periods and there is nothing to worry about. Due to this, you may feel cramps in your stomach or even tenderness of breasts. But don’t worry, your body is made to withstand the body changes during pregnancy. You just revel in the good news and prepare yourself to become a mommy soon.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 4
The release of various pregnancy hormones in the 4th week makes your body behave weirdly. Some of the common 4-week pregnancy symptoms are:
Due to the release of progesterone in your body, you may feel puffed up and bloated.
Mild cramping in the stomach is a result of implantation and you must not worry about it. But if you experience severe cramping then, do tell your doctor all about it.
Implantation of the blastocyst into the uterus may also cause mild spotting which may be of pink, light red or brownish red colour. Again, there is nothing to worry about till it lasts for more than a couple of days.
The fluctuating hormones will cause your mood to go on full swing. You will have no control of it. Just pray that people around you understand what you are going through and cooperate! After all, they will only last for about 12 weeks!
Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms. About 90% of women get some sort of morning sicknesses like nausea or vomiting. It gets better after 9 weeks, so, just hold on!
Your body is really working hard to grow that small embryo into a healthy baby. It is but obvious that you will feel very exhausted. But it will get better after the first trimester.
The ever-increasing pregnancy hormones will also make your breasts feel sore and tender.
Belly at 4 Weeks of Pregnancy
Your stomach will bloat during the 4th week of pregnancy due to the release of progesterone in your body but it is still not the time for you to look pregnant. Your baby is just the size of a poppy seed this week, so, rest assured, your secret is kept!
4 Weeks Ultrasound
There is so much happening inside your body this week. The blastocyst in settling down in the uterine lining, and it is also splitting up to form embryo and placenta. The building block of your baby’s spine, brain, and backbone, i.e. baby’s neural tube is already formed. The amniotic sac and fluid are at work to form a protective cushioning for your baby, and all you can see in the 4-week ultrasound is a tiny dot like thing which is called the gestational sac. Disappointed? Don’t be. Just keep patience. You will see and feel everything as your pregnancy progresses.
What to Eat
Eating healthy is a key to delivering a healthy baby. Whole wheat, leafy vegetables, legumes, water, meat, fish, dairy products, and 5 servings of fruits should become a part and parcel of your diet for the next nine months now. If you haven’t started taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid or folate, then start right away. All this is critical for the healthy growth and development of your little one.
But there is one thing that you need to kick out from your diet starting today and that is caffeine. Caffeine is an abstergent that washes calcium and other key pregnancy nutrients and hence, must be avoided. If caffeine is what gets you started in the morning, then you may find it a little difficult to let it go. Don’t give it all up at one go. Just take it slow. Replace caffeine with some healthy drinks and some yummy protein snacks. You must be very careful about what you eat from now on.
Tips & Care
If you have been able to successfully conduct the test this week and have also discovered that you are pregnant, then it’s time not only to meet and finalise your doctor, but also to check your medical insurance: and start digging into it, and learn how you will be covered from prenatal to delivery. Other dos and don’ts include:
Do's
Get yourself a home pregnancy test kit.
Eat healthy food.
Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Get yourself a supplement of prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
Don’ts
Avoid junk food.
Quit smoking, drinking or using drugs.
Quit caffeine.
Stay relaxed and take rest when your body craves for it.
Be in touch with your doctor and avoid taking medicines of any kind.
What You Need to Shop for
Your shopping bucket for week 4 stays uncomplicated. A book on pregnancy, a pregnancy test kit and comfortable cotton bra if what you may what to pick if you haven’t bought anything yet. What you may want to add to this list are stretchy pants, leggings, and anything else that’s loose on the tummy. Your skinny jeans’ buttons may feel a little uncomfortable on your bloated tummy. So, don’t shy away from indulging in some extra shopping.
Previous Week: 3 Weeks Pregnant
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Giving Jaggery (Gur) to Babies
Jaggery, called gur in Hindi, is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or a date palm sap. It is made by boiling the sugarcane juice or date palm sap until it becomes a thick syrup, and then cooling it until it solidifies. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes in several South-Asian countries, including India. Jaggery is used in India as a sweetener in baby food. This article explains in detail the benefits and risks of feeding your baby jaggery.
Can You Add Jaggery to Baby Food?
You must be wondering if jaggery is good for babies or not. The answer is yes, but it must be used with caution. In rural India, doctors may recommend the inclusion of jaggery in food for babies less than a year old to combat anaemia, as jaggery is a good source of iron. Thus, including jaggery in your baby’s diet depends on feeding methods, lifestyle, and individual preferences.
When Can You Introduce Jaggery to a Baby?
Jaggery should be introduced to a baby’s diet only after the age of one year. However, this may vary based on the baby’s health and your doctor’s advice. Paediatricians recommend that babies should not be given any form of sugar until they turn one. For babies less than a year old, it is better to use various kinds of fruit purees to sweeten the food.
Amazing Health Benefits of Jaggery for Infants
Jaggery has several health benefits for babies - however, it is not recommended for babies less than a year old. Babies older than one year can be given jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery are:
1. Prevents Anaemia
Jaggery is a good source of iron. 10g of jaggery contains 0.3mg of iron, which is 3% or the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Including jaggery in your baby’s diet can prevent anaemia, which is caused due to iron deficiency in the blood.
2. Strengthens Bones
Jaggery contains phosphorous and calcium, which are minerals essential for the development of strong, healthy bones. Hence, consuming jaggery can help strengthen your baby’s bones.
3. Detoxifies the Liver
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that can help flush out toxins from the body. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver.
4. Increases Immunity
Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins B4, B5, B6, and choline. All of these together help in increasing your baby’s immunity.
5. Treats Symptoms of Flu, Cough, and Cold
Jaggery has traditionally been used as a home remedy to treat symptoms of cold, cough and flu in India. Warm water mixed with a bit of jaggery is given to babies suffering from cold, cough, or flu. This gives the baby an immediate relief. Jaggery has the ability to cool the body down. Having warm water with jaggery brings down body temperature when your baby has the flu.
6. Prevents Constipation
Jaggery stimulates regular bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. It also aids in digestion by activating digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine.
7. Eliminates Stomach Problems and Worms
Jaggery cools the body down and soothes stomach aches. Jaggery also provides relief from worms and prickly heat rashes.
8. Provides Instant Energy
As it is 97% sugar and is made of complex carbohydrates, jaggery takes more time to get absorbed by the body. It provides your baby with greater energy for a longer duration.
9. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
The mineral content in jaggery helps in regulating blood pressure and keeping blood pressure steady.
10. Good for Intestinal Health
The magnesium in jaggery promotes good intestinal health and aids digestion. 10g of jaggery contains nearly 4% of the daily RDA of magnesium.
Risks of Giving Jaggery to Babies
Jaggery contains about 97% sugar. Therefore, excessive use can be harmful to your baby. The risks of giving jaggery to babies are:
1. Too Many Calories
Jaggery contains about 38 calories per 10 g. As a result, excessive consumption of jaggery can result in the baby getting too many calories, causing an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes later in life.
2. Sugar Addiction
Jaggery can cause babies to become addicted to sugary foods later, leading to diabetes.
3. Unfavourable Reactions
Some babies may have unfavourable reactions to jaggery, such as rashes or stomach problems.
4. Cavities
Excessive consumption of jaggery can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth.
5. Obesity and Diabetes
Too much jaggery can cause obesity and diabetes in babies when they grow up.
Healthy Jaggery Recipes for Babies
Here are some healthy jaggery recipes for babies:
1. Sooji Halwa
Sooji or semolina is used to make a sweet dish along with jaggery.
Ingredients:
Sooji or semolina, jaggery, water, and cardamom powder.
How to Make:
Boil water with some jaggery in it. Roast the sooji in a pan until golden brown. Add it to the boiling jaggery water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a porridge-like solid form. Next, add cardamom powder. Stir well and your sooji halwa is ready.
2. Jaggery Syrup:
Jaggery syrup recipe for babies is simple and easy to make. It can be stored for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and used to sweeten the baby’s porridge.
Ingredients:
Jaggery and water.
How to Make:
Melt some jaggery with one tablespoon of water in a pan on a low flame. Sieve this into another pan and discard the lumps. Add 1 cup water to this, and bring it to a boil. Keep it on the heat for another couple of minutes, and allow it to cool. After cooling, it should look like a thick, golden brown syrup. Store this syrup in a refrigerator and use for sweetening the baby’s porridge.
Jaggery has many health benefits for babies, but it is best to check with your paediatrician before including it in your baby’s diet. Giving your baby jaggery also has some risks, so it is usually not recommended for babies less than a year old. You can sweeten infant food using fruit purees like mashed banana, pureed dates, or applesauce.
Also Read: Salt and Sugar for Babies - Reasons to Avoid Them Read more
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Hara Bhara Kebab
This typical entrée gets its name and the green colour from the spinach present in it. These tidbits prove to be an easy way to push some spinach nutrition into your diet - yes, even if you absolutely shun the unassuming spinach otherwise! You will love to munch on these scrumptious and nutritious kebabs and they are also a very good snack option for a family or an all-friends get-together.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
5 People
30-35 Minutes
25-30 Minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp chana dal
1 inch piece of ginger
4 cloves garlic, ground
3 Nos green chillies, finely chopped
1 cup spinach, blanched, drained and chopped
1/2 cup green peas, boiled
1/2 cup paneer, grated
1/2 tsp chaat masala
1/4 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
3 tbsp whole wheat bread crumbs
1 tsp oil for cooking
Method
Step 1
In a pressure cooker, add chana dal, ginger, garlic and green chillies. Add a cup of water and cook for 2 to 3 whistles.
Step 2
Drain out the water and mix this dal mixture with blanched spinach and boiled peas.
Step 3
Pulse this into a coarse using a mixer grinder.
Step 4
Next, add paneer, chaat masala, salt and mix well.
Step 5
Divide this mix into small balls and then using your palms shape them into flat kebabs.
Step 6
Roll the kebabs in bread crumbs and keep on a non-stick griddle with a little oil.
Step 7
Let the kebabs get equally browned on both sides.
Step 8
Remove and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Calories
172 Kcal
Proteins
8.2 g
Fat
6.7 g
Carbohydrates
26.4 g
Cholesterol
6 mg
Sodium
124 mg
Potassium
299 mg
Read more
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Mom Shares 5 Natural Remedies For Chronic Pain in Women. They Work For Post-Delivery Pains Too!
Pain is one of the earliest, primary indicators of something having gone wrong in the body. As women, we experience several kinds of pain through life, in various stages. From menstrual cramps to pregnancy bloating to postpartum pains, we are no stranger to body ache and discomfort! However, there are some kinds of pains that can persist for a long time and interfere with our daily life. While some of these are beyond our control, others are caused by preventable and manageable factors. When Surbhi, a mother to two children and also a physician, saw her mother diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it was a moment of utter despair for her...
Surbhi's mother was plagued with excruciating pain and inflammation in her joints. The physical pain also affected her on a psychological level - she feared the pain would drastically alter her life! No medicines seemed to soothe the painful and burning sensation in her joints...
Her mother was suffering with chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, which is usually intense but short lived and associated with conditions like viral fever or injury, chronic pain lasts much longer. There are different conditions that are characterised by chronic pain, the most common ones being fibromyalgia and arthritis. Some women even suffer from chronic headaches and chronic back pain. This kind of chronic pain can indeed greatly and severely alter the quality of life.
In her quest to help her mother and restore her quality of life to normal, Surbhi tried a number of solutions. She put together her expert knowledge with her love and affection and charted a complete chronic pain management plan for her mom. The solutions indeed worked miraculously and managed to do what even medicines could not!
Chronic pain sufferers often feel that life is more challenging for them. Yes, it is true that chronic pain wrecks your life. It can destroy your happiness and may affect career and relationships too, owing majorly to the limitations it puts on people. It disturbs your sleep and may cause irritability, depression and even lead to suicidal thoughts. With chronic sufferings, our system does not realise that there should be an end to the pain. Pain stimulates chemicals that cause inflammation, leading to other chemicals causing more pain... and so on and so forth it goes.
According to scientific studies, women experience pain more often and more intensely than men. Data reveals that women are 4 to 7 times more likely to suffer from a chronic disease conditions. Unfortunately, their pain is less likely to be taken seriously by doctors. Treatment offered is often aggressive. For women, a long list of biological (pregnancy, childbirth), psychological and social factors (such as issues of family stress, weight gain) can bring about the onset of chronic pain.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for chronic pain. Common anti-inflammatory and pain killer drugs that are prescribed by doctors give only temporary relief. While relieving pain, this drug may destroy the gastrointestinal tract and may produce potentially dangerous side effects.
Chronic Pain Management – A Daughter and Physician's Perspective
Managing chronic pain can get quite tricky, especially because of how closely it affects a personal mentally/emotionally, along with the physical implications. As a daughter and as a physician too, I have observed the agony of chronic pain up close. I know it affects a person’s mental and physical state so badly.
Here I am sharing a complete guide to natural remedies for chronic pain, hoping it will help others.
1. Massage
Massage is the most common and well-known method that works superbly in reducing the intensity of pain. It works in two ways. First, it increases the level of feel-good hormones (such as serotonin and endorphins) and reduces the level of stress hormones (such as cortisol). In fact, it shows great results in post-operative patients. Apart from reducing pain, massage also helps in significant reduction of anxiety level.
Useful for: back pain, osteoarthritis, tension headache, neck pain, and surgery-related discomfort.
Tips and Caution: it is a must to learn the correct technique and method of massaging. It is also mandatory to understand your disease condition; otherwise, it may cause adverse side effect and worsening of a disease condition.
2. Managing Stress
Most people do not realise that management of chronic pain is very closely associated with stress management. Most people tend to accept 'stress' as a 'part and parcel' of the modern day lifestyle. However, it need not be so.
It is a scientifically proven fact that there is a direct co-relation between pain and mental stress level. Especially in the case of chronic pain, mind and body management, and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) work really well.
Tips and Caution: There are various stress reduction techniques trending now a day. But not all are suitable for everyone. Pranayama, meditation, and use of creative arts are some of the common methods that work great in reducing stress. But for getting the best result, it is important to understand your disease, the type of pain, and your interest in a particular technique. You may take professional advice if your stress level is too high.
3. Accupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese science, in which thin needles inserted into the body at a particular point help to relieve pain. Even though there is lack of enough scientific evidence, it has been believed that correct placement of the needles helps in correcting the imbalance of energy, known as chi. It also improves the functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system, which is often where the pain originates.
Useful for: a migraine, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, tension/stress headaches and fibromyalgia.
Tips and Caution: Avoid self-treatment. It is recommended to take an expert's guidance. Results may vary from person to person. It is better to use it as an alternative therapy to other pain controlling methods.
4. Yoga and Meditation
While discussing natural pain management, how could we ever forget our own ancient powerful science of 'Yoga'? Yoga and meditation have tremendous positive effects on our physical, mental and overall health and well-being. Apart from improving the flexibility of our body yoga has a great neuroprotective effect: people who regularly practice yoga see an increase in their pain tolerance levels in due time. Yogis have better mental health and an increased and improved ability to manage their stress level. And this positive effect helps a lot to people who suffer from chronic pain.
Tips and Caution: Avoid over enthusiasm. Start slowly, learn perfectly and then practice regularly. Try to make it a part of your everyday life.
5. Use of Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Use of anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding 'trigger' foods (food that may cause allergic reaction or increase in pain) is the key to reducing chronic inflammation. Experts believe that certain chemicals in the food we eat can trigger the release of neurotransmitters and may increase pain and inflammation.
Second important thing that can cause pain is allergic reaction to food. Wheat, corn, eggs, soy, nuts, citrus foods and dairy products are some of the common foods that may cause allergic reactions. Learning to avoid these foods is a good place to start for avoiding inflammation and pain caused thereof.
Diet for Pain Management
Pain management through food is a revolutionary approach towards healing that can help a lot. Nutritional elements that fight chronic pain are:
1. Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There is evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce certain types of chronic pain and may even decrease the long-term need for anti-inflammatory drugs.
Best source of Omega-3 : Flaxseed, canola oil, walnut, eggs, wheat germ, chia seed, seafood and spinach
2. Anti-Inflammatory Foods
As explained above, anti-inflammatory foods can significantly ease chronic pain. Some of the foodstuffs you can try are:
Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It also can boost our immune system and helps in reducing swelling and inflammation.
Ginger: It is one of the oldest roots that used in ancient Ayurveda treatment for its great benefits. The substance called gingerols is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that it can work like anti-inflammatory drugs without any side effects.
Whole Grains: Of course, whole grains are the good source of fibre and have higher nutritional value than refined carbohydrate, but one surprising benefit of whole grain is that it can reduce the level of C - reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a marker that increases in various inflammatory diseases like in rheumatoid arthritis. So whole grains can be a good natural remedy for pain management.
3. Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the substance that neutralize the free radicals and prevent the cell damage. It is believed that free radicals may contribute to chronic pain. If left unchecked, these excessive free radicals can further damage the already inflamed tissues. Apart from neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants increase our immunity and improve the overall health. So, it is wise to include in our diet to reduce pain and inflammation. Best sources of antioxidants:
Green tea: It is an excellent source of polyphenols which are great antioxidants and help to reduce free radicals in the body which can cause pain and inflammation.
Berries: Cherries, raspberries, strawberries all had an exceptional nutritional value. Anthocyanins are the chemical component present in these fruits that have excellent antioxidant properties and work much like aspirin in the body!
Cayenne: Capsaicin is the active compound in cayenne that makes it a profound antioxidant agent and helps in reducing inflammation.
Green Leafy Vegetables: We already know of the multitude of benefits of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard. However, what many people don't know is they are excellent food for pain relief. They contain an abundance of carotenoids – the antioxidant that protect cells and play a vital role in reducing inflammation.
Turmeric: If we are talking about anti-inflammatory foods, we simply cannot skip turmeric! It is an important component of ancient Ayurvedic medicine and is used extensively in Indian cuisine. The curcuminoids in turmeric are the active and powerful ingredient that can be as powerful as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in fighting inflammation! The best part of turmeric is that it can be used as a part of our regular diet too, let alone diet for pain management.
4. Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies
Last but not the least, using herbal and homeopathic remedies form a time honoured approach natural pain management. However, these medicines work best according to individual symptoms. It is recommended to seek proper medical advice before trying any kind of natural remedies for pain management.
Any kind of diet for chronic pain sufferers can – or rather should – include a good amount of the above foods. This is a lifestyle change and will take a while for the benefits to kick in. But it will be worth the 'pain'!
How These Remedies Helped My Mother
So, back to my mom’s story: I wanted to help her as a daughter and as a physician too. As a step in that direction, we included the above great anti-inflammatory foods in my mom’s diet. She has given up unhealthy and processed food such as French fries, refined carbohydrates, etc. She also started a regular exercise routine. Lastly, she also paid constructive attention to her mental stress. We also tried accupuncture.
As we all know, “Hard work always pays in life.” And it did for my mother too. Her joint pain improved remarkably; the mobility in her joints increased. For me, it was one of the best moments of my life... I was amazed to see the healing power of these natural methods. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
36 mins ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
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