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13 Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Depression
Depression is among the most overlooked problems, as its signs are less obvious compared to most other mental health conditions. There are around 300 million people in the world suffering from depression and most of them aren’t even aware of it, themselves. Some of the common symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy levels, and lack of enthusiasm in general. If you have these symptoms and suspect depression, here is how you can cure depression naturally to see if it improves your state of mind.
Natural Ways to Fight Depression
There are numerous ways of getting rid of depression symptoms naturally, and some of them can be combined with the treatment that you may be undergoing for the condition.
1. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best depression treatments at home, which improves your physical and mental well-being, simultaneously. It’s best to try and exercise for 20 minutes every day, 5 days a week. It can be any form of exercise that you enjoy, such as running, weight lifting, pilates, yoga etc.
How It Helps:
Exercise acts as a mood-booster, by releasing endorphins into your body. These painkilling substances improve mood and bring about a feeling of well being to beat depression, especially when combined with therapy as shown by research. Therefore, exercise is a natural therapy for depression and regular exercise will make you feel better.
2. Getting Adequate Sleep
Lack of sleep can worsen many problems, including depression; it often happens that depression is coupled with sleep problems. Adults need about 6-9 hours of sleep for complete rest, relaxation and repair.
How It Helps:
Sleep sets our biological clocks, which affects glandular function and controls energy levels and mood throughout the day. Setting a specific time to go to sleep is especially important to improve sleep patterns. Sleeping is how our immune system produces cytokines, a protein essential for the body to maintain good immunity and ward off depression.
3. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is among the best herbs for depression, if you are not already on medication for it. It has been a popular folk remedy in Europe and Africa for worry, sadness, anxiety, and poor sleep. It has been shown in some clinical trials to reduce mild depression.
How It Helps:
The herb contains compounds such as hypericin and hyperforin that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, similar to antidepressants. This essentially increases the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with our well being and is found to be low in people with depression. Hence, this herb is a natural depression relief medication. However, talk to a doctor before taking any kind of medication, even if it is natural.
4. Light Therapy
Darker months, such as the rainy season or long winters, where you often don’t see sunshine for long periods can cause seasonal mood changes and depression. In some people, it leads to a drop in serotonin levels, making them susceptible to seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy involves exposure to sunlight in the mornings or using an artificial source of bright light (3,000 to 10,000 lux) for 20- 30 minutes every day.
How It Helps:
Light therapy helps in the regulation of serotonin levels in the brain and resetting the body’s sleep/wake cycle to normal.
5. Wholesome Diet
Having a proper diet is the cure for a range of diseases. A poor diet lacking vital nutrients, and instead, filled with refined sugars and fats, can make depression worse. Some of the foods for depression need to be low-fat and rich in Vitamin B6, Magnesium, B-12, and Folic Acid.
How It Helps:
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid and folic acid help ease mood swings and reduce symptoms of depression. Foods, such as popcorn, nuts, oatmeal, peanut butter, and egg whites are serotonin-enhancing and good for people with depression.
6. Building Healthy and Strong Relationships
Social isolation and feelings of loneliness can cause depression or make the condition much worse. Having friends and a close trusted network can help encourage you to focus on the positive side of life and set goals that can improve your well being.
How It Helps:
Studies have shown the importance of quality of relationships, as one of the most important factors that contribute to depression. Those with greater social strains and lack of social support have the highest risk of depression. Relationship statuses also contribute significantly to well being and depression.
7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the process of talking and analysing your own thought patterns that keep you trapped in depression. It allows you to evaluate how you’re thinking and understanding things, especially when your thoughts are unrealistic, pessimistic, and hypercritical.
How It Helps:
CBT helps in clearing the mind of unwanted thinking patterns and helps you develop a more optimistic outlook. Expressing your thoughts and feelings in front of the therapist helps you feel relaxed and brings about positive changes in your thoughts and behaviour.
8. Meditation
Meditation and the practice of mindfulness can go a long way in setting the tone for your day. Starting your day off with a small session of breathing exercises and meditation can help align your mind towards being positive. The practice of mindfulness helps keep your thoughts in check throughout the day.
How It Helps:
Depressive feelings often have triggers in the form of thoughts that quickly spiral out of control and result in making you feel low and defeated. Meditation and mindfulness help you stay in the moment and focus on the task at hand, instead of drifting in unwanted thoughts.
9. Green Tea
Drinking green tea in the mornings with breakfast, is known to help ease depression.
How It Helps:
One of the ingredients in green tea called L-theanine has powerful mood-enhancing effects that can reduce depression. Drinking green tea also reduces post-stroke depression and reduces oxidative stress.
10. Fish Oil
Fish oil is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are the essential type of fats needed for the brain. Since our bodies are incapable of making omega-3 fatty acids, it needs to be obtained from our diet. Many studies have linked low intake of omega-3 fatty acids with depression and have also found that countries with higher levels of fish consumption, such as Japan, have lower depression rates.
How It Helps:
Omega-3 fats are necessary for the function of our neurotransmitters, which goes a long way in determining physiological and emotional brain balance. In one study comparing the outcomes of three other extensive studies, it was seen that omega-3 fatty acids showed significant results in improving depression.
11. Probiotics
Probiotic supplements are proven by research to significantly improve mental outlook, which is because of the connection between the gut and the brain.
How It Helps:
Probiotics promote the absorption of nutrition and aid in glycemic control, which prevents spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. The research also shows that there are strong lines of communication between the brain and gut that can influence our moods and brain chemistry.
12. Adaptogen Herbs
Adaptogen herbs are a type of medicinal plant that affect the nervous system to reduce stress, by acting on the body’s cortisol levels.
How It Helps:
Two well-known adaptogens include Ashwagandha and Rhodiola. Ashwagandha works by reducing anxiety and depression and combats hormonal imbalances and stress. Rhodiola increases the sensitivity of neurons to the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin.
13. Folic Acid
Folate is an essential B vitamin found in beans, fruits, green leafy vegetables, and fortified grains. Folic acid deficiency is common, due to poor diets and the use of certain medication, such as oral contraceptives and aspirin.
How It Helps:
It is found that people with depression who also have folate deficiency do not respond well to antidepressants. Therefore, it is essential to consume folate-rich foods.
Depression can be managed through a combination of change in lifestyle choices, such as good exercise, diet and resting habits, and adopting new ways of thinking and doing things. Those with severe depression need to continue medication as directed by their doctor and ask their opinion before using herbal remedies.
Also Read:
Amazing Strategies to Fight with Depression
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
Yoga Poses to Consider for Beating Depression Read more
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Food Play! Fun Foods For your 16 Months Old
Eating time should be fun for all involved. Kids, in particular, love creativity. Try creative presentations with their meals and you'll be amazed at how easily everything goes down. Make fun foods for toddlers to eat and even the pickiest toddler can be swayed!
To develop healthy and fuss-free eating habits in a child, parents need to start early- even as early as from the time they take their first morsel. Making food fun to eat is the first step in developing a love for food in children. Be it at breakfast, lunch or dinner, learn to make mealtime fun-time!
5 Fun Food Ideas for Toddlers
1. Add a Splash of Colour
Kids are drawn to bright colours. The same is the case with food. When making their lunch, dinner or putting together a healthy snack, try playing it up with a splash of colours. If your toddler has already started learning different colours, it’s all the better to use colourful food and flavours to her advantage.
2. Bring Creativity to Food Presentation
If you have a fussy toddler on your hands, it’s time to start using creativity on the way you present and serve her food. To begin with, get a hold of shape-cutters to cut out different forms from fruits and vegetables. Try making smiley faces out of poached eggs or make popsicles out of fresh juice. The more you think up newer ways to serve it up on a creative platter, the more your toddler will want to give it a try.
3. Use Fun Names for Foods
Renaming foods with cute names is another way of making food fun for toddlers. It gives items more appeal and especially attracts kids. Some funny names given to vegetables by researchers at a US Food and Brand Lab include ‘Silly Dilly Green Beans’, ‘Power Punch Broccoli’ and ‘Tiny Tasty Tree Tops’. You could also try associating the names of a particular fruit or vegetable to something that’s beneficial for them. Naming foods influences a child’s selection and her taste for it to a great extent.
4. Serve Up Variety
Serving a variety of fun and healthy foods to toddlers takes the monotony out of meals. Select different types of food that will be enjoyable for your toddler and let each meal be served with a different taste and texture, if possible. If there’s something your child doesn’t like, try serving it with another food of his or her choice.
5. Get Your Toddler Involved in Food Selection
When grocery shopping, let your toddler have the honour of selecting fruits and vegetables of their choice. Allowing them to pick out what they want to eat is going to make your job easier at the dining table. Getting them involved in meal preparations will also ensure they have a hand in what they eat and how they want to eat it.
For toddlers, food becomes fun to eat when there’s some excitement involved. You can’t give a toddler the same type of food day in and day out and expect her to relish it. Apply cute, adorable ideas to foods and see the difference it makes to your child’s appetite. Read more
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Celeb Moms Who Welcomed Their Babies Via C-section Births
Motherhood is an exciting time, especially when the mommy-to-be is in her last trimester just waiting to see her little munchkin! Every doctor has information on the baby’s and mommy’s health in order to suggest the kind of delivery that is best for both. Some mommies can give birth naturally, but some may have difficulty giving birth that way – that’s one of the reasons they opt for C-sections.
A lot of mommies are shamed for having C-sections, even when they sometimes don’t have a choice due to indescribable pain, or the dangerous position of the baby in the womb that might cause severe complications if birthed vaginally. It’s important to remember that a woman does not become a mother only if she delivers vaginally - being a mom means taking care of your little one in the best possible way you can, and how you bring the child into the world doesn’t matter! The reasons for wanting C-sections can be many; what doesn’t change is the excitement the mommy has to see her baby, and that is precious and beautiful.
8 Celebrity Moms Who Delivered Via C-section
When a celebrity mom is pregnant, much hue and cry is made as they are constantly in the public eye, whether it is to showcase their maternity style or to analyse the size of their baby bumps. However, at the end of the day, celebrity moms-to-be are just like regular moms-to-be. They too have to deal with morning sickness, labour pains and the tough decisions every mom-to-be may have to take, and some mommies have to make the decision of opting for a C-section! Let’s look at some well-known B-town mommies who delivered via C-section.
1. Lara Dutta Bhupathi
[caption id="attachment_228067" align="aligncenter" width="533"] source: https://www.instagram.com/larabhupathi/[/caption]
Lara Dutta Bhupathi opted for a C-section delivery when giving birth to her baby girl, Saira Bhupati. She opted for it because of the way the baby was positioned in the womb. Saira is now an adorable 6-year-old!
2. Kareena Kapoor Khan
[caption id="attachment_228066" align="aligncenter" width="533"] source: https://www.instagram.com/iamkareenakapoor/[/caption]
The only person that is bound to get more attention than Kareena Kapoor is her son, Taimur! We’ve all been enamoured by the chote nawab’s adorable face since 2016, but did you know that Kapoor opted for a planned C-section to deliver this bundle of cuteness?
3. Shilpa Shetty Kundra
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Quite a favourite even today, Shilpa Shetty Kundra gave birth to her son, Viaan, via C-section in 2012. Her solid maternal instincts and her love for her son and her family are quite evident as she narrates anecdotes of them on television shows and interviews, and that is heart-warming, to say the least!
4. Kajol
[caption id="attachment_228063" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] source: https://www.instagram.com/kajol/[/caption]
Our all-time favourite Kajol had also opted for a C-section to give birth to her second child, Yug, in 2010. Kajol has two children with her husband of 20 years, Ajay Devgn. They make for a super cute and happy family!
5. Farah Khan Kunder
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Our favourite choreographer, Farah Khan gave birth to triplets – Czar, Anya and Diva – via C-section in 2008! Not only that; Khan has also been quite open about having conceived through IVF. Hence proved – motherhood is motherhood, no matter what the route!
6. Malaika Arora Khan
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Arhaan, Malaika and Arbaaz Khan’s son, was delivered via C-section about 17 years ago! It’s hard to believe sometimes that Malaika is a mom – daily Instagram posts of her doing Yoga and strength training to get a solid, strong body make us forget!
7. Mandira Bedi
[caption id="attachment_228070" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] source: https://www.instagram.com/mandirabedi/[/caption]
Mandira Bedi, who married Raj Kaushal in 1999, gave birth to little Vir in 2011 via C-section. Known for her gorgeous figure, one can’t tell she has a 6-year-old because of how quick she bounced back to her pre-pregnancy body!
8. Manyata Dutt
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Manyata Dutt, wife of Sanjay Dutt and CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions, gave birth to her twins, Shahraan and Iqra via C-section. The two cuties are now almost 9 years old!
Celebs may not seem to have a lot in common with us, but their stories of complications and difficulties make them much more relatable! There’s one truth that is universal among us all, however - the bond between the child and mother is one that is pure and beautiful regardless of how they came into the world.
Also Read:
Risks and Benefits of Caesarean Birth
Normal Delivery vs Cesarean Delivery
Surprising Benefits of Normal Delivery for Mom and Baby Read more
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The Perfect Car Seat & Restraints for your Toddler
A toddler's safety while driving is of utmost importance to his parents. It looks like choosing the right car seat for your toddler may not be such an easy task after all. Follow these guidelines and tips to buy the right car seat for your toddler.
No matter how careful the caregiver is, the best option when travelling with a baby is to secure her in a car seat at the beginning of the journey. Car seats are still gaining popularity in India. The popular perception is how a child can be more safe in a car seat than when he is on his mother’s lap. And yet, the process of purchase only begins after the decision to buy a car seat has been made. The best option for an age-appropriate car seat has to do with a child's body size and shape. Below are some quick tips on making the right choice and following some restraint:
Factors to be Considered When Buying a Car Seat
1. Age of the child
If the child is less than six months old, you will need a rear-facing car seat. This is primarily so that the baby’s head is not pushed ahead even if a sudden break is applied.
2. Latch compatibility of your car seats
Make sure that your seat is latch-compatible with a car seat. Cars made before 2002 do not have these features, and all cars after that have incorporated it.
3. Fitting into the stroller
You may want to invest in a car seat which is compatible with a stroller so that you do not have to worry about taking the baby out of the seat and putting him into the stroller. You can simply pull out the car seat from the base and adjust it into the stroller.
4. Budget
Budget is a very important feature when buying good quality equipment. Today, there are brands that cater to various segments with different requirements. Identify your requirements correctly before picking up an car-seat for your baby.
5. Brand and Warranty
Brand and Warranty are crucial when investing in a car seat. Ensure you have the correct and complete invoices of the products purchased so that the product may be exchanged in case of a genuine problem.
Types of Car Seats and Restraints for Toddlers
Rear-facing car seat: As the name suggests, it is a car seat facing the back of the car and is especially useful to protect the slender neck of your infant from injury when there is a sudden break, etc.
Front-facing car seat : Infants, beyond the age of six months, may be placed in these as babies this age develop some neck control
Combination seat : This allows parents to increase the shelf-life of a product. The product can be used as a seat for infants, and then converted as your baby grows into a toddler.
Some tips to keep in mind when the baby is being seated in the car seat:
Watch her dress to ensure that no corner or frill is caught in the car seat for it may prove dangerous for the kid.
Keep your ears open for recalls – if the car seat brand makes a recall of their products, act on it immediately.
Seek the advice of your pediatrician and other parents to choose the right seat that meets the specific needs of your little one. There are different car seat varieties available in the market with features that make them adjustable and convertible. Safety is paramount to parents and a good-quality product with safety measures will ensure that you can rely on the product. Read more
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Black-Eyed Bean Salad
The cow-peas or black-eyed bean is packed with potassium, fiber and iron. These are easy to digest and make a filling meal too. Just remember to retain the water you boil the peas in. You could simply drink the water or use it later while cooking.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
5-10 Minutes
5-7 Minutes
Ingredients
1 tomato
1 onion
1 capsicum
1 cucumber
1 green chilli (slit)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt as per taste
Method
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories
125 K cal
Proteins
8.7 g
Fat
0.6 g
Carbohydrates
23.7 g
Read more
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How Make Believe Activities in Kindergarten Help Kids Grow
It was just a while ago that your baby was born and you couldn’t believe your eyes. Time will pass rather fast and soon you will see your kid in kindergarten. In due course of time, your kid will cross several milestones and will be perfectly ready for the outside world. Kindergarten is a place where your kid will put the first step towards a professional life. It will be filled with other kids and thus will give your kid a chance to enhance his social skills. Kindergarten has planned activities for your kid’s perfect development and they will make sure that he is ready for the next phase of life.
The “make believe” activity in kindergarten is an essential activity that boosts your kid’s imaginative thinking and unlocks his creative side. The activity might also enable your kindergartner to enhance problem solving skills. These are essential life skills and must not be missed. You as a parent can contribute a lot in making this activity a common one. Your kid can practice the same at home and in kindergarten. The ultimate aim is to supplement your kid with many life skills.
So, how can make believe activities help your kid grow? Scroll below to know how.
1. Different Roles & Characters
By now, your kid will know of different countries and cultures. Use the same knowledge to transform him into a different character, say dressing him up in traditional attire or cartoon attire. This will give your kid’s imagination a huge leap which will benefit in the long run. This kind of make believe activity will also boost your kid’s literacy.
2. Stretch The Ending
At kindergarten age, your kid will spend a lot of time in fantasy stories and tales. Kindergarten’s make believe activity will stretch the ending of each fantasy story and let your kid imagine what happens next. It’s like a sequel of a movie being thought. “What happens after the rabbit wins the race?” These kinds will help your kid think beyond and ahead. Planning capabilities will be nurtured with such an exercise. ||
3. Home Alike
Often, kindergartens make believe activity might end up at home. Suddenly your kid may take up your role and start instructing all. A gang of her friends may also come along and they may form a family. This activity will actually bring out a mature side in your kid. Role reversal may benefit your kid to a great extent. For example, it will improve your kid’s understanding about life.
4. Know Others
This kindergarten activity comprises of dressing up your kid like a doctor, nurse or an army man. This dress code will make your kid know what those roles are and how they add value to life. Your kid will know the meaning of respect through this activity.
Overall, kindergarten’s make believe activities will help your child develop personality and character. Good values will be instilled and also manners will be learnt. Read more
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
2 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
46 mins ago
Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
45 mins ago
A. For breastfed infants it depends on age. During the first month of life, stooling less than once a day might mean your newborn isn't eating enough. However, breastfed infants may go several days or even a week between bowel movements, using every drop they eat to make more baby, not poop.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
43 mins ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
43 mins ago
A. Yes it is ok dont worry.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
25 mins ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 min ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
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