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Folic Acid for Fertility - Does It Help?
Proper nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy. Hence, if you are looking to conceive, it is vital that you take the required supplements to ensure that your body is in the best condition.
One of the substances that is generally recommended for women trying to conceive is folic acid. It aids in the production of red blood cells as well as DNA. While it is known that are a lot of benefits that come with ingesting folic acid for pregnant women, it is equally beneficial for women trying to get pregnant and for men as well.
What is Folic Acid?
A synthetic form of the vitamin B9, folic acid is one of the water-soluble vitamins that aid the fundamental action of cell metabolism. It is one of the eight vitamins that are soluble in water and in its natural form, vitamin B9 is called folate. They are found in many foods that are eaten commonly including spinach, pumpkin, oysters, carrots, okra, asparagus, liver and broccoli. There are a lot of other foods that provide the same, including poultry, rice, beans, eggs, nuts, meat and dairy products.
If needed, folic acid can be added to other foods so as to increase their vitamin content. It can be found in nutritional supplements as well if needed and they’re found in bread, pasta, cereals, rice and a lot of other grain-based foods.
How does Folic Acid Help Increase Fertility?
Folic acid is known to be great for fertility. Here are some ways it can enhance fertility.
Male Fertility
Folic acid plays a role in helping male fertility and increasing chances of helping the sperm fertilize the egg. Here are some other ways in which it is useful:
Higher sperm count:
Folic acid increases sperm count and this can help men gain the necessary supplements in order to help their partners get pregnant. While women need to generally time their cycle correctly and know when they’re ovulating, sometimes; the problems could be with her man. When a man’s sperm count is low, there won’t be enough sperm to travel and fertilize the egg because the pathway is long.
This pathway runs via the fallopian tubes from the cervix to the egg and the sperm generally traverses this path. If pregnancy occurs when the man takes 700 mcg of folic acid, then it can be attributed to the folic acid.
Lesser risk of sperm abnormalities
When men consume folic acid, it doesn’t only help with their sperm count but actually helps in reducing their 20 to 30%. This reduces the risk of chromosomal abnormalities which can end up leading to birth defects such as Down Syndrome.
While it was believed that babies were born with chromosomal disorders due to egg defects, it has come to light that sperm abnormalities can cause issues as well. Folic acid consumption on a regular basis can help in bringing down these problems and improving fertility in men.
Boosts fertility when taken with other supplements
The best way to make folic acid work for men is to have it with other male fertility supplements such as Vitamin C and zinc. These can help increase sperm count and improve the quality of the sperm as well. When mixed with folic acid, they can help increase the overall motility and usefulness of the sperm. Folic acid boosts fertility in men by around 74% in a study conducted by a Netherlands-based medical University.
Female Fertility
Folic acid is crucial in enabling women to increase their chances of pregnancy by improving the fertility conditions in her body. Here are some of the ways in which folic acid is beneficial for women:
Working with other vitamins
By working with other vitamins and minerals, folic acid helps women to get pregnant faster by improving conditions for sperm fertilization. There are a lot of other vitamins that aid in the process and folic acid is not the only one required. Women are generally advised to have a folic acid supplement along with a prenatal vitamin that usually has about 40 mcg of the nutrients.
A bit of extra folic acid is always recommended along with vitamin C, vitamin B6, zinc, iron and niacin amongst others to help get pregnant.
Increase the egg quality
Similar to how folic acid improves the quality of sperm in men, it also aids in improving the egg quality in women. If women begin having folic acid a few months before they attempt conceiving, then the chance of a baby born with a chromosomal/birth defect reduces greatly. The folic acid will help in keeping the egg healthy and away from any disease-causing agents.
Improve the quality of the cervical mucus
Consistency in the cervical mucus is very important when it comes to helping women conceive. A lot of women chart their cycles by checking the texture and colour of the cervical mucus but when the ovulation is near, it is important to note that there is a substantial amount of the mucus. This mucus helps the sperm travel and meet the egg.
Prevent anaemia
Women who suffer from even the slightest bouts of anaemia can find it hard to ovulate because the lack of iron can disturb the balance of the hormones. When close to 400 mcg of folic acid is added to other mineral supplements, at least 3 months before conceiving, it can help increase the levels of iron in the blood. Iron helps in regulating the hormonal regulation and due to this, ovulation will return to expected levels.
Recommended Intake of Folic Acid for Men and Women
The intake levels of folic acid for men and women can be segregated as follows:
For women 14 years and above, as well as for men, 400 mcg is recommended
For breastfeeding women, 500 mcg
For pregnant women, 600 mcg
Enriched bread and cereals are the best way to get your dose of folate and folic acid. Most of the foods are added with extra folic acid, so regular consumption of these should improve fertility levels.
Foods that are Rich in Folic Acid
Here are a few foods that have rich content of folic acid in them. You can consume them regularly to help your body gain the necessary nourishment:
Food
Amount
Beef liver
215 mcg
Spinach
131 mcg
Asparagus
89 mcg
Black-eyed peas
105 mcg
White rice
90 mcg
Romaine lettuce
64 mcg
Brussels sprouts
78 mcg
Avocado
59 mcg
Broccoli
52 mcg
Spinach
58 mcg
Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/folic-acid-for-female-and-male-fertility-1959878
Is It Safe for Women to take Folic Acid Supplements?
Folic acid is an important requirement for women and despite it being added to breads and cereals, a lot of women don’t get enough of it. Women who are looking to get pregnant are recommended a daily dose of 400 mcg of folic acid. During pregnancy, around 600 mcg is advised.
A lot of doctors will recommend prenatal vitamins to help women conceive or just a multivitamin to be had daily. As long as the multivitamin includes 400 mcg of folic acid, it is good to go. Folic acid is also a water-soluble vitamin so it needs to be replaced on a daily basis.
What are the Risks of taking High Doses of Folic Acid?
There are risks involved when you end up having too much folic acid as well and it is important that you only have the dosage recommended by your doctor. The daily intake of folic acid should not exceed more than 1000 mcg. Large doses may cover for vitamin B-12 deficiency but folic acid and infertility can occur if too much is consumed. B-12 levels need to be tested before going ahead and including extra supplements.
Also, high doses can harm the DNA synthesis inside the sperm and it can also interact with other medications. Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin, which is an anti-seizure drug. Some fertility blends also include some herbs which interact with the fertility drugs and cause problems.
Thus, folic acid can play a big role in ensuring that both men and women are able to increase their fertility levels. While they are found in most common foods, an extra dosage of folic acid on a regular basis can help in conceiving. It is recommended that you visit a doctor before going ahead with any extra dosage as too much of it can cause issues as well.
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Easy Tricks to Dry Clean Clothes With a Little Time and Effort at Home
Buying expensive and delicate clothes is something most of us love indulging in, but with it comes great responsibility. We may often find ourselves torn between washing the expensive garments at home and sending them to a dry cleaner. Well, dry cleaning not only burns a big hole in the pockets but also does not provide one with the surety that their clothes would not get ruined. So, what is the option that you have? Well, you can actually dry clean your delicates with the least amount of effort and time at home. If you wish to know some easy tricks of dry cleaning the clothes at home, we suggest that you go through the following article.
How to Dry Clean Your Clothes at Home
Here are some simple and effective ways to dry clean your expensive clothes at home:
Hand Washing
Following are some steps you should take when hand washing delicate clothes:
Read the label carefully because all delicate clothes come with washing instructions. If the label reads ‘dry clean only’, then it is a wise thing to send it to the dry cleaner. But if reads ‘dry clean’, you can consider washing it at home too.
Do a patch test of a small section that is usually hidden or not seen when you wear the garment. If the colour remains intact and the texture does not change, you may wash it at home.
Use cold water and mild detergent to clean the garment. Gently rub the garment and refrain from harsh or vigorous scrubbing. Also, do not twist the garments tightly to squeeze extra water.
Air-dry the garment on a hanger or put directly on the clothesline. Do not leave it to dry under direct sunlight as it may fade the colour of the garment.
If only a part of the garment needs cleaning, you can even opt for spot cleaning. This method involves only cleaning the dirty part of the garment and not the whole garment. You can soak a soft cloth in some liquid detergent, gently clean the area with water, and air-dry the garment.
Machine Washing
Here are some instructions you should follow when washing clothes in a washing machine:
If the garment is made of nylon, spandex, polyester or cotton fabric, you can try washing it in a washing machine.
Again, look for the wash care instructions mentioned on the label. If it states ‘dry clean’ instead of ‘dry-clean only’, you can consider a machine wash.
Turn the cloth inside out and put it in a mesh bag that is designed for washing delicate clothes.
Always use cold water when washing delicate clothes in the washing machine. Warm or hot water may result in fabric damage.
Use a shorter cycle instead of prolonged or longer cycles to avoid extended exposure to water.
Use a gentle or soft cycle for your delicate clothes. Also, wash lighter and darker colours separately.
Avoid drying the clothes in the dryer as it may lead to shrinking or damaging of the texture or fit of the clothes. Dry the clothes on a hanger or on the clothesline.
Refrain from exposing woollen and other delicate clothes to direct sunlight. Dry them in a shaded area.
Kitchen Hacks for Removing Stains
Apart from using laundry detergents and other fabric cleaners, you can also use various easily available kitchen ingredients to clean your expensive clothes. Here are some easy kitchen hacks for removing stains:
To remove a wine stain from clothes, you can dilute some vinegar by adding water or you can dilute soda with water and apply it on the stain. You can use this hack to get rid of grease or coffee stains from clothes as well. Make sure you apply it on as soon as the clothes get stained.
For fighting tough stains on clothes, baking soda, vinegar and salt work like magic.
Oil stains on clothes can be managed well by using salt.
Rubbing corn starch on oil stains can also help in getting rid of the stains.
Using Steam
If your favourite silk sari or cashmere sweater just needs some gentle and basic cleaning, steam cleaning is one of the best resorts you can opt for. Steam works well in cleaning woollen and silk clothes, and it is also great for gently cleaning off dirt from other expensive and delicate clothes. Here is what you need to do:
Take any good steam cleaner and put a fabric cleaner in it.
Gently run it over the garment that needs to be cleaned.
Leave the garment on a flat surface for drying and get a shine on your delicate clothes.
FAQs
If you have certain questions regarding dry cleaning clothes at home, here are some frequently asked questions or FAQs answered for some detailed knowledge:
1. Which Clothes Need Dry Cleaning?
Well, most clothes that are labelled ‘dry clean’ or ‘dry clean only’ can be washed with some extra care at home only. Sometimes manufacturers only put these tags thinking that this the best way to take care of the garments, but in reality, dry cleaning may spoil the fabric and colour of the garments. However, there are some garments that require only expert guidance for cleaning and cannot be hand washed at home. These materials or fabrics include fur, leather, suede or rayon. These fabrics do not respond well to water and it is best to give such clothes to a dry cleaner for washing. Also, dry cleaning a coat or clothes that come with embellishments can get tedious at home and may also spoil the garment. It is best to send these clothes for dry cleaning.
2. Are There Any Alternatives to Dry Cleaning?
Yes, there are many options or alternatives that you can opt for rather than sending your clothes for dry cleaning. You can hand wash the garments, spin the garments on a gentle cycle, steam clean the clothes or use home dry cleaning machines for the purpose. However, the fabric of the garment is the major deciding factor for which method of cleaning can be used. If it is silk or woollen clothes that we are talking about, we can opt for any of the above-mentioned options. However, when it comes to leather, fur and other such delicate materials, amateur handling at home may lead to the garment getting spoiled. Under such circumstances, dry cleaning is the ideal choice for cleaning the garment.
3. Is Dry Cleaning Better, as Compared to Washing?
While garments such as socks, undergarments, shirts, sheets, etc. respond well to washing, there are fabrics such as rayon, triacetate, acetate, etc. that have the tendency to shrink on coming in contact with water. Though you can ignore the ‘dry clean only’ label on the garment and wash it at home, this may amount to taking a risk, as washing may spoil the garment. So, the best option is to choose the cleaning technique as per the fabric or material of the garment. If there are some clothes with too many layers, have lots of pleats or are simply difficult to iron, send them to your dry cleaner.
4. Can I Wash Silk Clothes Even if They Are Labelled ‘Dry Clean Only’?
Yes, most silk clothes can be washed at home - even the ones that come with the ‘dry clean only’ tag. However, silk is a delicate material and it is essential to wash them carefully. If you are wondering how to dry clean clothes at home naturally, all you need to do is take some extra care that includes using a mild detergent, cold water and not twisting the garment. Refrain from using harsh chemical cleaners and do not soak the garment in water for long. To remove excess water, the garment can be placed flat between two towels, allowing them to soak extra water.
You can easily dry clean your clothes at home with some safe and easy tips steps. Follow these simple and easy tricks and wash your expensive clothes at home!
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Juice Fasting - Should You Try It?
Juice fasting is also known as juice cleansing. A juice cleanse can help you get rid of harmful toxins from your body and provide your body with vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.
What Is Juice Fasting?
Juice fasting or juice cleanse has become popular in recent years. Many people are opting for a juice cleanse in order to lose weight. When a person drinks juices of fruits and vegetables instead of the usual solid food for a time period of 3-10 days, he is on a detox diet or on a juice fast. This diet helps detox the body.
Health Benefits of Juice Fasting
Listed below are some of the health benefits of juice fasting.
The digestive system in our body gets time to recuperate from all the unhealthy eating that we do. Drinking juices cleanses the system, and as a result, all the toxins in the body get eliminated.
It helps you lose weight rapidly in a healthy manner since you get all the necessary nutrients that your body requires through the juices.
The elimination of toxins from the body takes away the lethargy, and you feel charged up once again.
Routine juice fasting may help in curing chronic diseases that are caused due to unhealthy eating and poor lifestyle. Toxins in the bloodstream may even cause nasal congestion but the phytonutrients in the juices help get rid of the toxins from the body.
The goodness of nutrients in the fresh juices can clean your entire system which results in glowing skin. Water retention is a result of excess sodium in the body. Taking juices which are high on potassium helps in eliminating the sodium from your body.
How to Do Juice Fasting
Here are the ways in which you should do juice fasting.
As soon as you wake up, drink two glasses of lukewarm water. You could also add a dash of lime and a spoon of honey. This will help clear the bowels.
Prepare fresh juice. In case of leftovers, keep it in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
Drink as many times as you want to or whenever you feel hungry.
Keep your body hydrated and to make the elimination of toxins smooth, drink plenty of water throughout the fasting period. You may even drink a few cups of herbal tea.
Do some light exercises, yoga, and deep breathing exercises like pranayama.
Take an afternoon nap to store your energy.
Continue the entire procedure for the next two days (or more number of days). Do not get deterred from your goal and get tempted by the food around you.
A Sample 3-Day Juice Fasting Plan
Here is a systematic and routine-wise representation of what and when to drink. You may change the juices according to your choice. However, be sure to include a variety of fruit and vegetable juices so that your body gets all the necessary nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Time of The Day
What to Drink
When you wake up
2 glasses of lukewarm water or lukewarm water with a splash of lime or lemon juice
8:00-9:00 am
A glass of orange juice/beetroot juice/spinach-kale-cucumber/green apple juice
10:30-11:30 am
Coconut water/a bowl of vegetable soup/smoothie with strawberries and apple slices/ Smoothie of leafy greens like lettuce and cabbage
1:00-2:00 pm
Kale-watermelon juice/Kale-pineapple juice/Apple-carrot-celery juice
3:00-4:00 pm
Sweet lime juice/peach-orange-apple-lettuce juice
5:00-6:00 pm
Herbal tea
7:00-8:00 pm
Spinach soup/almond or cashew nut milk
9:30 pm
Herbal tea
What Type of Juices Should You Consider for Juice Fasting?
It is important that at least fifty per cent of the juices consumed should come from green vegetables. Remember not to drink too much of fruit juices as fruit juices can increase your sugar levels. Try and stick to low-sugar fruit juices like grapefruit juice, green apple juice, and berry juice. You may also include lots of lemon and lime since they are low on sugar and will leave you feeling fresh and your stomach cool.
Side Effects of Juice Fasting
Although juice fasting is an amazing way to detox your entire system, it may have its share of side-effects. Below mentioned are the symptoms that may be apparent during juice fasting.
Headaches are a common occurrence during juice fasting. It could be more in people who are into coffee or tea. The other reason why you may have a headache is dehydration. It is important to stay hydrated. Remember to take 6-7 glasses of water throughout the day.
Nausea is another common side effect of juice fasting. This happens due to the intake of just one type of food or taking something in more quantity which you have never done before. However, with time you will get used to the process. To prevent nausea, go easy on green vegetable juices, or you may take them in the form of soup or broth instead of in the juice form.
Since there is very little or no fibre intake during juice fasting, you may experience constipation.
Some people may also experience diarrhoea while on a juice cleanse. In such a case, replace the fruit or vegetable juice with some other juice. You can also decrease the amount of fruit juice you drink. Keeping your body hydrated by drinking lots of water and the juice of tender coconut will provide you with electrolytes.
Like headaches, back pain can be a side effect when a person stops drinking tea or coffee while on this detox diet. To eliminate the back pain, you may drink a little coffee or tea for some time then gradually stop the caffeine intake.
Some people may experience fatigue or weakness. Take rest whenever you feel so. It is also a good idea to take an afternoon nap while you are on a juice diet. Also, get a full 8-9 hours of sleep during the detox period.
At times people following this diet may feel feverish. In such cases, drink lots of water and tender coconut water. They may even experience bad breathe or skin rashes. However, all of these are side-effects of being on a juice fast, and with time all these will go away.
Many people may experience muscle cramps or cramps in their legs. Drinking lots of water or tender coconut will take care of the electrolytes and provide relief from cramps.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently-asked-questions on juice fasting.
1. For How Many Days Should One Do Juice Fasting?
For beginners, a 3-day juice fasting is best. As you adapt yourself to the process, you may increase the number of days.
2. What Should I Eat Right After Juice Fasting?
The day you finish your juice cleanse diet program, eat very light food which will be easy on your stomach. Opt for fruit slices, juices, soups, broths, or boiled vegetables. Gradually you can start eating normally.
3. How Much Juice Should I Drink While on a Juice Fast?
You may drink as much juice, water or soups/broths while on a juice cleanse. Drink juice whenever you feel hungry or thirsty. However, according to experts, you should include at least fifty per cent of green vegetable juices in your juice cleanse diet.
4. How Can I Start Juice Fasting?
People usually do juice fasting to lose weight or for some health reasons. It cleanses your entire system and nourishes your body with nutrients. However, going without food for days is not easy. Therefore, the most important thing before someone starts juice fasting is to make up your mind for it. Then you have to set realistic goals – a three-day of juicing is good for beginners. After you complete your detox diet, you may then continue it with one day of juice fasting every week. Some even do it for seven days a month. However, it is advisable to go slow initially.
5. Who Must Avoid Juice Fasting?
Although juice fasting is a good way to get a healthy body, there are some people who should avoid it.
First and foremost juice fasting for diabetics is a complete no-no since most fruit juices contain quite a good amount of sugar.
Women who are pregnant or are nursing a baby should avoid it since these people require more calories in their daily diet which they cannot obtain from juices.
To heal and repair your body, one must take adequate proteins which are not present in juices. Therefore, people suffering from chronic diseases should avoid juice fasting.
Now that you know what juice fasting is all about and its pros-cons, decide for yourself and do what you think will suit you best.
Also Read:
Water Fasting: Benefits and Dangers
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Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
8 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
8 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
2 hours ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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