Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Benefits & Risks of Eating Walnuts During Pregnancy
When a woman comes to know that she is pregnant, she is very careful about her diet (as she should be). If you are pregnant, you must have also considered making changes in your diet after consulting with your doctor. Your gynaecologist must have recommended that you eat only healthy foods. She may have also suggested that you start eating dry fruits and nuts such as almonds, apricots, and walnuts. In this article, we will talk about walnuts. Many expecting women are not aware of the nutritional benefits of walnuts. So, let’s look at the benefits of walnuts during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Eat Walnuts During Pregnancy?
Walnuts, known as akhrot in Hindi, are extremely healthy and completely safe for consumption during pregnancy. The kernel of a walnut resembles a brain and they not only just resemble brain but also help in the proper functioning of the brain. Apart from this, there are a number of other potential benefits of consuming walnuts while pregnant.
Nutritional Benefits of Consuming Walnuts During Pregnancy
It is believed that the mothers-to-be who eat nuts during pregnancy are less likely to have kids with nut allergies. The delicious and crunchy walnuts also contain a lot of nutrients that are beneficial for a pregnant woman. The benefits of eating akhrot during pregnancy are mentioned below.
Walnuts are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the development of brain activity in a baby. Eating walnuts during pregnancy can also boost the development of a baby’s brain.
Walnuts contain Vitamin E in the form of gamma-tocopherol. The gamma-tocopherol form is considered to be a very effective form of Vitamin E because of its unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It even helps get rid of harmful free radicals.
Walnuts are a rich source of vitamins, fibre, magnesium, copper, and manganese. They are also loaded with calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients add to the numerous advantages of walnuts.
It is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid – an essential fatty acid required for the baby’s development.
Health Benefits of Eating Walnuts in Pregnancy
Now that you are aware of the nutritional value of walnuts, let us understand more about how eating them can help you during pregnancy.
Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and proteins which can help in the development of the eyes and brain of your unborn baby.
Walnuts contain plant sterols which can help in controlling blood cholesterol levels and increase the good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your body.
Eating walnuts in moderate quantities can also help in maintaining the optimal lipid profile during pregnancy.
Walnut oil is found to be beneficial in preserving the function of endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels throughout the body. These cells play an important part in blood vessel flexibility. Hence, inflammation of blood vessels can be controlled with regular consumption of walnuts.
Since walnuts relax the blood vessels, they can even help control high blood pressure.
Walnuts are a good source of proteins and fibre, both of which are vital for an expecting woman.
The antioxidants present in walnuts can help strengthen the immune system of an expecting woman. It is recommended that you eat walnuts along with the brown skin. This is because 90 per cent of the antioxidants found in walnuts is concentrated in its skin.
The copper content in walnuts can help in the proper growth and development of the foetus.
They also contain polyphenols and copper which can prevent damage from free radicals and cancer.
Post-delivery, it is recommended that mothers consume walnuts to keep postpartum depression away. Their alpha-linolenic acid content is good for battling postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, and even dementia. So, you can continue eating walnuts post-delivery.
Walnuts also help regulate melatonin levels. Melatonin induces sleep and eating walnuts, especially during the third trimester, can be very beneficial as sleep becomes a major concern at that time.
Walnuts can make you feel full for longer and prevent you from binge eating, thus keeping your weight in check.
Walnuts contain copper which is required for the formation of red blood cells. It also helps repair tissues and breakdown sugars.
Manganese is a crucial nutrient required for the development of baby’s bones and cartilage. Half of the daily required amount of manganese can be provided by one serving of walnut.
How to Include Walnuts in Your Pregnancy Diet
There are many ways in which you can eat walnuts. They can be eaten separately or in finely chopped form. They can also be added to various dishes including baked goods, meat and fish, and vegetables and fruit salads. Women also consume walnuts as a remedy for several health problems as medicines may not be advisable during pregnancy.
You can mix 3-4 finely chopped walnuts in 1 tablespoon of honey and eat them with a glass of water. It can provide relief from a headache, insomnia, or stress.
Mix chopped walnuts with grated lemon skin and 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl. Consuming 1 tablespoon of this mixture before meals would prove beneficial if you suffer from the symptoms of anaemia and avitaminosis (long-term vitamin deficiency).
You can include walnuts in your diet as a mid-meal snack. To get maximum benefits from them, eat soaked walnuts.
What Are the Risks of Eating Walnuts During Pregnancy?
While walnuts can be consumed during pregnancy, you should not eat them excessively. An excess of anything can prove detrimental for your health, and that stands true for walnuts too. You can eat walnuts during pregnancy as long as you eat them in moderation. It is not recommended to consume more than 30g of walnuts in a day while pregnant. This is because consuming too many walnuts can trigger complications for the mother as well as the unborn baby.
Here are some of the possible complications that may arise if you consume walnuts in excess during pregnancy.
Consuming walnuts in excess amounts can lead to diarrhoea during pregnancy.
Eating walnuts may interfere with the absorption of iron and lead to anaemia in the long run.
A mild allergy to walnuts may get aggravated during pregnancy. If you are highly allergic to nuts and end up consuming even a small amount of walnuts during pregnancy, it can cause skin rashes, swelling of lips, itching, dizziness and wheezing.
Eating walnuts in excess may increase the chances of bleeding during delivery.
Walnut Allergy in Pregnancy
If you have a nut allergy, especially walnut allergy, you should refrain from consuming walnuts during pregnancy and even after delivery. But if you are not allergic to walnuts, you can eat them in moderate amounts. Many women believe that eating nuts during pregnancy is unsafe and that the baby can develop a nut allergy in future. However, this is just a misconception. Consuming nuts during pregnancy will not increase your baby's risk of developing an allergy to nuts. Babies born to women who refrain from eating nuts during pregnancy can develop a nut allergy too. So, you can eat walnuts during pregnancy, just remember to eat them in moderation.
Now that you are aware of the immense health benefits of walnuts, don't think twice before making them a part of your pregnancy diet. You can eat 2-3 walnuts daily during pregnancy without worrying about their side effects. As long as you eat them in moderate amounts, you won’t have any problem. However, while buying walnuts, make sure you choose the ones that are oblong and have a thin shell. Avoid consuming kernels which have dark spots on them and have a rancid taste. Have a healthy pregnancy! Read more
Suggested for you
Check out this new Memory
Fayiza Khanum
Mom of a 1 yr 3 m old girl
12 mins ago
Pic within 1st week of birth.My sunshine ,my ray of hope
1 Likes
0 Comment
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
Suggested for you
10 Common Reasons Why Kids Misbehave
One of the questions that must be going through your head might be “how to deal with a misbehaving child?” You’re not alone as this is a question that is in the mind of countless other parents. As children begin to grow, they are exposed to new environments and conditions that could cause them to act out.
Reasons Why Children Misbehave and How to Respond
Below are some of the causes of children’s misbehaviour:
1. Parental Behaviour
The interesting bit about kids is that they often mimic their own parents. Instead of being polite to others around them, they may have an attitude of indifference towards their peers and elders.
What Can You Do
Make it a point to be polite to your partner whenever you interact with him. This could even mean something as simple as saying good morning every day with a smile. Don’t be surprised if you find your munchkin doing the same in a few weeks.
2. Testing Their Limits
As children get older, they will start questioning rules that have been set up. At the very least they would try their luck and see how far they can get away with doing something they shouldn’t.
What Can You Do
Stay vigilant and do not be afraid to make them aware of the consequences of behaving inappropriately.
3. Television
Have you noticed that your child is talking obnoxiously after they started watching a particular channel or playing a certain video game? Children are very susceptible to the environment around them and can easily pick up bad habits from people around them.
What Can You Do
Rather than stopping them from watching television altogether, identify which show has caused this sudden behaviour. Then, try to find an alternative show with the same genre that they can watch where the protagonist acts as a role model.
4. An Inability to Control Their Emotions
Children are emotional beings, but sometimes it can be hard for them to recognise these feelings. For instance, one of the teachers at school might be harsh on him. This may cause him to act out later, but he himself may not know why he is doing it because he is unable to realise that he is hurt. So, the next time you wonder why does a child misbehave at school? This could be the reason.
What Can You Do
Awareness about their own emotions is essential for controlling misbehaviour. You need to teach him about emotions and tell him ways in which he can control them like deep breathing. Once this happens, he will have a better handle on his conduct.
5. Inability to Comprehend Rules
This case of misbehaviour is often a misunderstanding on the part of parents. There may be situations where you may think that your child is deliberately misbehaving when that is not the case.
What Can You Do
Be aware of your child’s own limitations. A 2-year old child will not know why you are upset with him if you ask him to wash the dishes and he doesn’t do it. This is not out of defiance but an inability to independently wash plates himself.
6. Boredom
"Idle hands are the devil’s workshop." This couldn’t be more true for a child. With so much free time on their hand, they may end up doing the mischievous activity on a regular basis.
What Can You Do
Make sure that you add structure to his life. Put in a good amount of activities that can keep their minds occupied. If you take up classes such as book reading, dancing or other extra-curricular, it has the additional benefit of giving them extra life skills.
7. Unchecked Bad Behaviour
Some parents may not accept it, but this happens more often than you would think. You may be strict when you say that they are not allowed to watch television after 9 p.m. However, there may be one day that they cry a lot and you end up agreeing to them. This is the worst thing that you could do because it enforces a negative behaviour. As far as they are concerned, they will think that behaving badly is the best thing they can do to get their way.
What Can You Do
You will need to be strict and cannot yield under pressure. There may be times where they may look so sweet and innocent that it will be hard to say no. However, you will need to think for the long-term and be stern no matter what.
8. Control
Children can get argumentative when they feel that they do not have enough control over their lives. This could lead to an adversarial relationship between the two of you which is not required.
What Can You Do
The solution is simple but unfortunately many parents are not aware of this. Offer them a choice when you feel an argument is on the way. For example, if you need them to do their homework, offer them a choice so that they feel they have some control over things. Say, “would you like to do your homework in the morning before school or before bedtime?”.
9. Vengeful Misbehaviour
This can happen when they deliberately behave in a rude manner with you or someone close to them. An example of this is that he does not wish you in the morning when normally they do. Another example could be not saying that he does not say that he loves you when you say that you love him.
What Can You Do
This behaviour is most likely because they have perceived some small incident in the past as hurtful. Perhaps he wanted to play with his friend, and you told him that he had to come back home because it was getting dark. This incident may have affected him as he would have felt that you didn’t care about him or the friendship with his friend. What you need to do is talk to him and identify why he is upset. Then, explain to him why you said or did what you did. For example, in the case above, you can tell him that you wanted him safe and that is why you insisted on him coming home before it got dark.
10. Refusal to Try New Things
There may be times when your child might say no to everything. Even if you ask him to try out something that he may like he says no. At first glance, it may seem as if he is deliberately trying to push your buttons. However, it is just a fear on their part that they may not do well.
What Can You Do
As this is a self-esteem issue, you need to constantly encourage them by saying words like “You can do it” and “I’m proud of you”. In addition, you can try out small activities so that they can gain confidence and then move on to bigger things. For example, in swimming, they can start in the kiddie pool and move to a regular pool once they gain some confidence.
Kids are kids at the end of the day, and it wouldn’t be right to treat them harshly just because they are behaving poorly. At the same time, it would not be wise to be lax with them as they may end up bullying you. While there is no single approach to parenting, the important bit is that you understand why they are misbehaving. Once that is clear to you, it will become easier to come up with a solution.
Also Read: How To Deal With Conduct Disorder in Children Read more
Suggested for you
Hormonal Changes after Pregnancy
Childbirth brings in a lot of new changes. It completely alters the life of the parents, as their life will now revolve around their new baby. Childbirth also changes the hormonal balance in the mother’s body. This causes several issues in the new mom, such as mood swings, hair loss, insomnia, and more. The body takes a few months to recuperate from childbirth and get back to normal. During this time, hormonal imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms in the mother, ranging from inconvenient to very serious.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance Post Pregnancy
Hormonal imbalance is caused by the sudden change in levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen in the new mother’s body. During pregnancy, the progesterone is at a high level in the body. After childbirth, the progesterone level drops suddenly, causing several unpleasant symptoms such as menstrual issues, recurring infections, and tiredness. A woman’s body takes six to eight weeks to recover from childbirth and restore hormonal balance. For women who are breastfeeding, it takes longer for the hormonal balance to be restored. This hormonal imbalance also affects the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroidism and inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis).
Causes of Oestrogen Dominance After Delivery
Oestrogen and progesterone are important hormones that play an important role in pregnancy and childbirth. After childbirth, the placenta is removed. The placenta is a major contributor to producing progesterone. As a result, progesterone levels in the body drop drastically. This causes oestrogen dominance, meaning a high level of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen dominance can affect the normal functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands. This can cause thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid glands, and hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid production.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance After Giving Birth
If you have several of these symptoms after childbirth, it could be an indication of hormonal imbalance in your body:
1. Loss of Sleep
Mothers who have hormonal imbalance could suffer from insomnia, which is the inability to sleep through the night.
2. Anxiety and Mood Swings
Hormonal imbalance can affect your emotional state and cause erratic mood swings and anxiety. This could be because of thyroid problems caused by the hormonal imbalance.
3. Fatigue
If you feel extremely tired all the time post-delivery, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance. It is normal to feel tired during recovery from childbirth, and the attention required by your new baby can also be overwhelming. However, if you feel constantly exhausted, you should tell your doctor about it so that he can determine if the exhaustion is being caused by hormonal imbalance.
4. Unable to Lose Weight, Baby Blues, and Postpartum Depression
The hormonal imbalance in the body makes it very challenging to lose weight post-delivery. Aside from this, new mothers often feel a case of ‘baby-blues’ which are feelings of sadness for several days after the baby is born. Mothers may be emotional and cry suddenly. They can be irritable and have trouble making decisions or sleeping. They may also feel overwhelmed by changes in their lives or that they are not caring well for their babies. Another symptom of hormonal imbalance is postpartum depression, which is much more serious than ‘baby-blues’ and is characterised by feelings of intense sadness or depression that last longer than a few weeks and do not go away.
5. Hair Loss
After the childbirth, you could experience hair loss due to the hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems. If you feel that the hair loss is unusually excessive, talk to your doctor about hormonal imbalance and remedies for it.
6. Recurring Infections
If you suffer from recurring infections like bladder or urinary tract infection, uterine or kidney infections, it is an indication of hormonal imbalance in the body. Hormonal problems can compromise your immunity and make you vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria, resulting in repeated infections.
7. Menstrual Problems
Menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding or painful cramps could also be due to hormonal imbalance and oestrogen dominance. Some women may also have very light bleeding during their periods after childbirth.
Ways to Restore Hormonal Balance After Pregnancy
Here is a list to help your body restore its hormonal balance after delivery:
1. Stay Away from Harmful Substances
Nicotine, alcohol and caffeine are three substances that can worsen the symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance after childbirth. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and cola.
2. Remember to Take Your Supplements
The body’s vitamin and mineral balance will also help to restore the hormonal balance. Hence, it is vital to take vitamin and mineral supplements daily after the birth of your child.
3. Avoid Soya Products
Postpartum hormones wreak havoc on your emotional state, causing mood swings. Soybeans and soy products contain phytoestrogen, which is a kind of plant oestrogen. This can mimic the effects of human oestrogen in the body and aggravate the problems caused by oestrogen dominance. Hence, avoid consuming soy products after delivery.
4. Eat Egg Yolk
Egg yolk is a great source of B-complex vitamins such as B12 and B6. It is also rich in selenium, which is crucial for converting inactive thyroid hormone to active thyroid hormone. Thus, consuming egg yolk can help in restoring hormonal balance in the body.
5. Make Sure You Are Getting Some Sunshine
Vitamin D is essential for the body to maintain hormonal balance. Deficiency of Vitamin D causes an increase in the level of parathyroid hormone, which will worsen the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. So, make sure you get some sunshine every day, as your body requires sunlight to synthesise Vitamin D.
6. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps combat hormonal imbalance. It also causes the release of endorphins in your body that improve your mood and reduce stress. Walking in a park or in a natural area is a great way to exercise and feel relaxed.
7. Take Magnesium Supplements and Use Clary Sage Oil
The mineral magnesium plays an important role in balancing hormones in the body. Magnesium is better absorbed by the skin. So, using magnesium oil is better than taking magnesium pills. Make sure you get enough magnesium to restore hormonal balance in your body. Clary sage essential oil helps in controlling the body’s oestrogen level. It also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body. Dilute this oil with a carrier oil and apply it on the skin or use a diffuser to spread it in your room.
8. Increase Your Fibre Intake
Dietary fibre helps in eliminating oestrogen in the body. Including food that contains dietary fibre such as greens, lentils, peas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can help restore your body’s hormonal balance by getting rid of excessive oestrogen.
9. Avoid Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbs such as maida, white bread, pasta, rice, sugary sweets etc. can be digested easily by your body and contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar. This worsens the hormonal imbalance in your body. Stick to whole grains or unrefined complex carbohydrates like brown rice, brown bread, sweet potatoes, etc. to help your body restore hormonal balance.
10. Do Not Consume Foods High in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)
PUFAs can affect your endocrine glands, causing the symptoms of hormonal imbalance to worsen. Hence, avoid foods containing PUFAs such as margarine, safflower oil, peanut oil etc. after delivery.
11. Do Not Use Hormonal Birth Control After Delivery
Using hormonal birth control soon after delivery will aggravate the problems caused by postpartum hormonal imbalance. This is because hormonal birth control pills change the levels of natural hormones that your body produces. This results in a further hormonal imbalance in your body.
12. Try Yoga
Yoga has been found to relieve stress and relax both your mind and body. It also helps in relieving anxiety and insomnia. Yoga will help in restoring your body’s hormonal balance. If you are not familiar with yoga, learn from a trained yoga expert. Do not attempt to do yoga on your own, as you may end up injuring yourself.
13. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red Raspberry leaf is known for its antioxidant and restorative properties. It contains many vitamins and minerals that help in regulating hormones. Drinking red raspberry leaf tea can help resolve problems of the reproductive system.
14. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another popular alternative medicinal therapy that originated in China. It involves inserting fine needles at specific energy points on the skin to treat the hormonal imbalance.
15. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep deprivation increases the problems caused by hormonal imbalance after childbirth. Lack of sleep also negatively affects the mother-baby bonding. So, it is necessary to get as much sleep as you can. Get help from family members or a nanny for baby care and catch up on your sleep.
If you have just had a baby and are suffering from symptoms like hair loss, recurring infections, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, sadness or depression, you should consult your doctor immediately to determine whether these symptoms are being caused by a postpartum hormonal imbalance or oestrogen dominance. Do not include new foods or alternative medicines in your diet without consulting your doctor first. This is needed if you are breastfeeding your baby. Whatever you consume can be passed on to the baby through breast milk. It is, therefore, important to make sure you are eating only healthy and nutritious food. Try the tips suggested in this article to restore hormonal balance in your body.
Also Read: Body Changes after Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Migraines in Children
Migraines - they hit when you least expect them, especially your children. If there was a difference between a headache and a migraine, it's just that they're much worse than you think.
Your child's migraines may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, and sometimes around 24 to 72 hours as well! These headaches are often dismissed by many in schools and society, which is why it is extra important to be aware of them since they affect children's academic lives and daily productivity. The quality of their lifestyle is compromised when care is not exercised in the case of these headaches.
We'll cover what exactly you need to know about migraine headaches, diet and nutrition, and what you can do to prevent them in the first place. Here's what you need to know about severe headaches in children.
What is Migraine?
Migraines occur when there's a change in neurological activity in the brain, interfering with normal thinking patterns as a result of complex neurological alternations. Your child's headache may occur once a month, once a week, or even once a year. A chronic migraine impairs children's activities and is denoted by 15 to more headaches a month. Kids who have parents with a history of the ailment have a 50% chance of developing Migraine headaches over the course of their childhood.
How common is a Migraine in kids?
Migraines are very common in children and especially for girls who are going through physiological changes due to puberty. The headache manifests in different ways in children based on their age and is denoted by its sudden onset. Boys are likely to get a Migraine even before the age of four while girls go through it due to hormonal changes during puberty. Around 3.5-5% children experience these headaches around the world. Boys experience severe migraines mostly before puberty and infants are prone to this condition from 18 months of age. Children show signs of the ailment through problems related to poor vision, strong odours, increased headaches due to loud noises and often by talking about a sick feeling in the stomach along with extreme sensitivity to light. Infants between the ages of 8 months old to two years old are susceptible to migraines too!
Childhood Migraines causes
The common causes of migraine headaches in children are:
Puberty and hormonal changes in girls
Genetics and heredity
Emotional stress and anticipatory anxiety
Head trauma or injuries to the head
Illnesses like the cold and flu
Infections like ear and sinus infections
Brain tumours
Foods and beverages containing nitrates or the additive MSG
Loud noises and flashing lights
Chronic depression
Disturbed sleep patterns
Common Triggers of a Migraine
These headaches have specific triggers which activate them and contribute to increasing intensities. By being aware of these triggers, you will be able to downsize the frequency of Migraines in your kids. The most common triggers in children are:
Irregular Sleep Cycles
Not sleeping and waking up on time results in migraine headaches in children. They can be avoided by fixing sleep schedules and snooze times for kids.
Dehydration
Not drinking sufficient water results in migraine headaches in kids. Ask the school permission for letting your child drink water during classroom hours to prevent them.
Not Eating Enough
Eating junk food or processed foods, sugary snacks, and skipping meals contribute to migraines. Feed your child nutritious snacks in between meals and make their diets healthy to prevent occurrences. Long breaks between eating hours may also lead to headaches in kids.
Exercise
Sudden bouts of exercise or overexerting muscles lead to migraines in kids. Make sure your child is hydrated before exercising and limit exercise hours to regular chunks every day rather than going on temporary bouts or exercise binges,
Changes in the Environment
From flashing lights, loud noises, and changes in the weather, children experience migraines due to these alterations in their environment. Worrying about environmental changes also leads to anticipatory anxiety which causes migraines.
Flickering And Glare
Computer screens sometimes flicker and contribute to glare which triggers migraines. Tell your child to take frequent breaks in between use times when using computers or playing video games for long hours.
Health Issues
Health issues related to abdominal pain, sinus infections, cold and flu cause migraines in children. Abnormally low blood sugar levels and periods cause it as well.
Teeth Grinding
Ask your child to stop grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw to prevent migraines from occurring. Jaw tension causes muscle spasms which act as a trigger for them, which is why we recommend your kids to avoid teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Migraine Signs And Symptoms In Children
The following are the signs and symptoms of migraine headaches in children:
Episode "head banging" in infants
Abdominal pain
Irritability and bouts of crying
Seeking dark rooms and avoiding exposure to light
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Dehydration
Oedema
Sweating too much
Increased frequency of urination
Increased intensity of headaches and throbbing in the head
Photophobia
Phonophobia
Increased desire to sleep
Nausea
Diagnosis
Visit your child's doctors and go for a consultation if you feel your child is experiencing Migraines. Diagnosis ranges from:
Maintaining a journal of the timing and frequency of migraines along with diet and lifestyle habit journaling which doctors ask for.
Running brain imaging tests like MRI and CT scans which detect neurological activity and patterns in the brain.
Diagnosis of signs and symptoms such as recurrent headaches, loss of appetite, and pain on one or both sides of the head along with a follow-up on familial medical history.
Effects of a Migraine on Your Child's Life
Your child's Migraine condition severely affects their life and may even disable them during certain activities or moments in everyday life.
School
Chronic headache bouts may interfere with your child's school going activities. Your child may fall behind class work which is why it's important to inform concerned teachers and academic supervisors beforehand so that your child can catch up on schoolwork. Frequent absences are common in children who experience recurring migraine headaches. Lack of focus in classes and not being able to concentrate consistently are other factors which affect children as a result of these headaches.
Friends
Children may miss out on social events and be sent home from them due to sudden episodes of Migraines, making them feel left out and different. Mood changes, lack of focus, and irritability are the effects of a migraine which may affect their interactions in social circles. Some children get headaches during weekends when relaxing which may interfere times spent with family and friends.
Sports
Children won't be able to participate in strenuous sports activities due to muscle spasms or twitching as a result of overexerting, which thus leads to migraines. Skipping school and sports activities is common amongst children experiencing these recurring headaches.
Treatment and Management
Knowing specific causes and triggers of migraine headaches leads to the starting point of effective treatment. Journal the features of a headache and note diet and lifestyle routines and you'll be making progress in migraine management in no time.
The following treatment and management methods work best for these headaches in children:
Lying in a dark, quiet room, and drifting off to sleep
Managing strict sleep and wake up times at home
Using stress management techniques like paced breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques pertaining to reducing stress and calming the mind
Eating according to schedules and implementing a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients.
Keeping a record of the features and frequency of the attacks to find out specific characteristics of headaches and avoid triggers
Educating parents and children about the headaches, causes, symptoms, and what can be done to lower their frequency
Administering analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and stronger medications like butalbital for severe Migraines
Cold therapy or placing ice packs on affected arteries or throbbing areas
Self-hypnosis, listening to soothing music, and guided relaxation exercises related to nonpharmacologic treatment methods aid in Migraine relief
Specific medications for Migraine prophylaxis such as Riboflavin, Amitriptyline, Propranolol, Anticonvulsants, and tricyclic antidepressants
Rehydration therapy and sedatives
Beta blockers and agents like Methysergide and Cyproheptadine are most effective for prophylaxis Migraines in children and block the Serotonin 5-HT2 receptors.
Home Remedies
If your child is experiencing a sudden onset of migraine, try applying the following home remedies and you'll see a difference:
Give your child plenty of rest by allowing them to drift off to sleep during the attacks and massage their neck and shoulders. Apply ice packs to throbbing areas and place moist cloths on parts of the head that hurt.
Close curtains, reduce noise levels in the room, and allow your child to lie down and sleep or relax in a quiet, dark room
Hot showers and giving your child certain vitamins like Vitamin B2 supplements, Magnesium medications, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) reduces the frequency of Migraines.
Prevention
You can help your child prevent Migraine headaches and even lower their frequency through the following methods:
Learn about the triggers, nuances, and features of Migraine headaches and learn how to avoid migrate triggers to avoid headaches in children. Avoid triggers related to light, sound, and smell related to them.
Consult a doctor immediately and conduct a diagnosis or brain imaging tests to ascertain the type and severity of headaches in your child. Your doctor will also list medication recommendations based on the type of Migraine. Medications are based on children's ages.
Create a relaxing and soothing environment at home that's free from noises and distractions. Comfort your child emotionally and psychologically during a Migraine headache and soothe them through care, love, and warmth. Be gentle and understanding throughout the process.
Add green leafy vegetable, nuts, seeds, and fruits to your child's diet. Having a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals will lower the frequency of Migraines and over a period of time - even eliminate them.
Limit exercise times to small bite-sized chunks and prevent teenagers from participating in high intensity training and strenuous physical activities. Make sure your kids are hydrated before they engage in physical activities and limit the duration and intensity as a precautionary measure.
By understanding the ins and outs of migraine headaches and becoming a loving and caring parent, you can help your child manage headaches whenever they strike, wherever they go. Talk to a doctor or concerned medical specialist to assess your child's needs and run diagnostics for migraines. The important aspect of treatment is preparing for the long haul and making lifestyle and dietary changes to accommodate treatment methods. Be patient, prevent triggers, maintain diet and sleep cycles, and give your child the correct medications on time and you'll be on the road to healthy migraine management.
Also Read: Stress in Children, Headache While Breastfeeding: Is It Normal? Read more
Suggested for you
4 Glowing Ways to Decorate With Fairy Lights
Fairy lights add glitter to seasonal decorations and are affordable too. Just weave, twist or wrap these twinkling lights to transform your space into a fairy world. Serving as X-mas lights and holiday decor alike, fairy lights room decor will add a delicate glow to every inch of your home.
Less expensive than big-ticket holiday decor and more convenient to string than traditional Christmas lights, fairy lights are in high demand these days. These seasonal lights can be easily wrapped or woven around pillars, furniture pieces or doorways, and are fast turning homes into exotic wonderlands. Use these starry strings to make your rooms and nights glow-the right way. Are you ready for the magic?
Know How to Decorate your Room With Fairy Lights
1. Weave Through Trees and Garden Lights
Decorating with fairy lights indoors is fun when you have the right ideas emanating from your thinking cap. Do you have an outdoor evening party coming up? Start weaving light strands on the most unexpected places in your lawn. Try getting creative by wrapping these lights behind earthen decorative pots, splash some excitement on dark shrubs, or simply line your pathway by zigzagging the cute lights on little poles.
2. Greetings That Glitter
This Christmas light idea can be used on other special occasions and festivals too. Spell out your greeting-of-the-day on walls with creative fairy lights room decor touches. Your guests will love to see the words “Happy September” or “Love is in the air” twinkling on the otherwise clean walls in front. Yes, your calligraphy skills on ‘oh-so-usual’ greeting cards can take a back seat with these lights, just for once.
3. Table Layouts with Interspersed Lights
Use exciting table layout schemes and add these tips to decorate with fairy lights; you'll have a winner on hand. Those seated or helping themselves at a well-spread buffet will be charmed by the ways in which your centerpiece lights up every other minute. You could keep the idea simplistic by leaving the focus on your beautifully arranged flowers with unexpected lights popping out from here and there.
4. Romanticize Your Bedroom
It’s your anniversary night and you’d love to surprise your hubby. Use lights as behind the bed decor or hang them from the ceiling to add a quaint touch to your net canopy. What can be more wonderful than sleeping on a bed with cascading lights transcending you both to a different world? Make love under the stars!
Adopt these fairy light decoration ideas for your home. Invest in strings to create a marked difference to the ways you entertain or celebrate. You'll be fascinated by the effect created by these dainty little lights in your personal space. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Jennifer has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
3 hours ago
Q. I am 23 weeks 1 day pregnant. I was feeling the movements actively until today. Baby movements were not that good or maybe I didn’t feel it that way today. Is it a cause of concern? Should I wait for a day or two or should I go and see my gynaecologist?
Please suggest!
Read moreJennifer
Mom of 6 children
2 hours ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. she doing from yesterday at night time only once and she having breast milk as well as formula feed nan pro 1 ,I have concern about like this potty yellow and grey ,I want to know it's normal ???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
39 mins ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associated with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptbomatic treatment along wjith management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Check out this new Memory
Umesh Dhamane
Mom of a 6 m old boy
1 min ago
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Holo zhimo
Mom of a 7 m old girl
2 mins ago
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Syed Zeenath
Mom of a 3 m old boy
3 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Sharvi sachin
Guardian of a 5 m old girl
4 mins ago
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive