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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 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
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Salt Intake and Craving During Pregnancy
Salt holds an important place in our diets because it is rich in sodium, which is required to maintain fluid levels and pH balance of our body. Salt is equally important in pregnancy too, as it maintains the fluid levels in the body which in helps in the development of your baby. However, a problem may arise if you go overboard with its consumption and especially during pregnancy. Are you curious to know how much salt intake is allowed and also our take on salt cravings during pregnancy? Read on further.
Why is Salt Intake Important During Pregnancy
Salt is the main source of dietary sodium for us. Did you know that low sodium during pregnancy may be dangerous for you or your baby? Here is why it is important to consume salt during pregnancy:
In the absence of salt, your nerves, muscles and organs would not be able to function properly during pregnancy.
In pregnancy, your body’s fluids increase in order to support your growing baby and sodium plays an important role in that.
The presence of iodine in table salts is essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may lead to stillbirths, abnormal brain development, miscarriage and other medical complications. In a study, it was established that inadequate salt intake during pregnancy resulted in low birth weight infants.
Inadequate salt intake during pregnancy increases the chances of foetal death.
Therefore, salt is essential for your body during pregnancy, however, only in adequate quantities.
How Much Salt Intake is Safe While Pregnant
In the above section we have established that salt is an important part of your pregnancy diet but in adequate quantities, which means neither too much or too less. Therefore, the daily sodium intake for pregnancy should be around 3.8 grams of table salt per day; however, the upper limit may extend up to 5.8 grams.
Side Effects of Having Excessive Amount of Salt in Pregnancy
As the famous proverb states, an excess of everything is bad, and the same holds true for the consumption of salt. Here are some side-effects of high sodium intake during pregnancy:
Consumption of more salt in pregnancy may make you feel bloated.
High salt intake may lead to water retention.
More salt in your diet may cause excessive swelling of ankles, legs, feet or face.
Increased amounts of salt in your diet may lead to high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
Taking more amounts of salt may lead to loss of calcium (through urination) from the body.
Foods that Contain High Amount of Salt Which May Be Harmful for Your Health
Here are some food items that may contain a high amount of salt and may cause harm to you during pregnancy:
1. Sweetened Beverages
It may sound strange but sweet beverages also have a high content of sodium, which may cause complications during pregnancy. Beware of getting your hands on energy drinks or sports performance drink as they may have approximately up to 200 mg of sodium in them.
2. Breakfast Cereals
Most breakfast cereals have high levels of sodium in them. A normal cup of cornflakes or oatmeal may easily pep your sodium intake by 200 mg.
3. Sauces
Ever wondered how much sodium you can get from your ketchup, soy sauce or barbeque sauce? All these are very high in sodium, approximately 150 to 200 mg per serving, and may easily exceed your daily sodium intake.
4. Bread and Buns
Many pregnant women love to eat bread for breakfast and sometimes even as a midmorning or as an evening snack. A slice of bread can fetch you around 150 mg of sodium. So, next time you gobble down a doughnut or bagel, be careful not to go overboard with it.
Healthy Sources of Sodium
Salt is not the only way you can pep up your sodium levels during pregnancy. Following are some healthy sources of sodium:
Unsalted nuts
Poultry
Fish
Fruits such as apples, cranberries
Plain yoghurt
Eggs
Milk
Vegetables such as beets, celery, carrots.
Tips to Reduce Salt Intake when Pregnant
The following tips will help reduce your sodium intake during pregnancy:
Read the labels of food items that you wish to consume because sometimes even sweetened snacks and drinks contain high amounts of sodium in them.
Try and eat home cooked food. This way you will not only be eating healthy meals, but you will be able to monitor your salt consumption.
Always opt for fresh fruits and vegetables over packaged snacks because packaged snacks may contain high amounts of sodium.
Make sure you spunk up your meals by adding various spices, herbs and other salt-free seasonings. Taste does not only come from salt. Also, refrain from using salt shakers.
Can You Eat Black Salt during Pregnancy
Yes, you can consume black salt during pregnancy as it may help in providing relief from stomach disorders, heartburns and constipation. However, if you have hypertension or any other medical condition, which requires you to restrict your salt intake, then it is advised that you consume black salt only after consulting your healthcare practitioner.
Salt Cravings during Pregnancy
As you become pregnant, you may find yourself craving for food, which you cannot even imagine. Whether you already like eating salty food or not, there are chances that pregnancy may make you crave for it. Though having a random salt craving is fine and some extra sodium may not cause harm to your baby, if you feel an excessive craving for salty food during pregnancy, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor before loading yourself with salty food.
Is Salt Craving Normal in Pregnancy
Many women may crave for salt during pregnancy. It is observed that salt craving may be more prevalent in the initial stages or first trimester of pregnancy. It is absolutely normal to have a salt craving during pregnancy. However, the only concern is to regulate and monitor the consumption of salt to the prescribed limits only.
What Causes Increased Salt Craving in Pregnant Women
According to various theories, it is seen that pregnant women crave for salt because it is the body’s way of hinting that there is a requirement of more fluids in the body to support the growing baby. The presence of sodium in salt helps in retaining the fluid in the body, which is why pregnant women may crave salty food. Also, because of increased levels of progesterone and morning sickness, pregnant women may lose sodium through urine and vomiting respectively and thus may crave for salty food.
What to Do When You Have Salt Cravings
It is okay to crave for salty food during pregnancy. It is suggested that you satiate your cravings in a healthier manner that is by consuming vegetable soups or pickles. However, if you have health conditions that may require you to limit your salt intake, then it is suggested that you cut down your excess salt intake. It is also suggested that you talk to your doctor and know what your healthier eating options are.
Salt gives food flavour, and we certainly cannot do away with it. If you are not imposed any restrictions regarding consumption of salt during pregnancy, you may indulge in various savoury dishes. However, it is suggested that going overboard with the consumption of salt may increase your chances of having various health complications. On the other hand, if your doctor has advised you to restrict your salt intake, it is suggested that you adhere to it and make healthier dietary choices to avoid fatal health complications during pregnancy.
Also Read: Is It Safe to Eat Pineapple during Pregnancy? Read more
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Thepla
This is a traditional Indian recipe, which is common in Indian households. Easy to prepare, nutritious and tasty, these are the three qualities for which it is highly sought after. Thepla is a protein rich snack which can be eaten as is, or with a vegetable preparation.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
10-15 Minutes
5-10 Minutes
Ingredients
1 ¼ cup Atta (whole wheat flour)
2/3 cup Besan (gram flour)
1 cup methi leaves chopped
1 tsp red chilli powder
3 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Mix atta, besan, chopped methi leaves, salt, red chilli powder.
Step 2
Add water to make semi hard dough, knead it well and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Divide into 8 equal portions.
Step 4
Roll out each portion and cook on a hot pan from both sides, applying a little oil.
Step 5
Cook till lightly browned on both sides.
Step 6
Serve hot with curd or butter
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 (50gm)
Calories
127
Sodium
206 mg
Total Fat
5 g
Potassium
154 mg
Saturated
1 g
Total Carbs
17 g
Polyunsaturated
0 g
Dietary Fiber
3 g
Monounsaturated
0 g
Sugars
1 g
Trans
0 g
Protein
4 g
Cholesterol
1 mg
Vitamin A
0%
Calcium
0%
Vitamin C
0%
Iron
0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
7 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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 8 months
6 hours ago
Q. I m in 4th week is it ok to blaoting allt..?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
27 mins ago
A. it's ok to bloat. 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
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. Hello My baby is 20 months old He has a adenoids sometimes he closed his left year please suggest what to do???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
26 mins ago
A. you had to take opinion of ENT for treating the problem. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
6 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 moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 mins ago
A. Yes you are right sometimes a woman’s are really light but if in 24 hours you haven’t even felt one time that Baby is moving or any of the so it’s better to get an ultrasound done one time you still have time to visit your doctor if you feel any movement it is all good because if you do not feel the movement within maths 24 hours it’s best to get a check with your doctor
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 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
3 hours 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
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