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How to Increase Haemoglobin - 8 Best Ways
Haemoglobin is a type of protein found in the body that is responsible for the production of red blood cells and transports oxygen to other organs. Having low haemoglobin count can make it difficult for your lungs to expel the carbon dioxide as your cells collect this from various tissues in the body in order to expel it. In short, a low haemoglobin blood count not only leads to fatigue, anaemia, and other symptoms, it could also be fatal to your well-being.
What Is Meant by Low Haemoglobin Count?
The normal haemoglobin count in men is 14 grams per decilitre of blood while for women the normal range is 12 grams per decilitre of blood. Low haemoglobin blood counts lead to consequences like anaemia resulting from iron deficiency, pregnancy complications, liver issues, and urinary tract infections.
Diseases related to a low haemoglobin blood count include:
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hypothyroidism
Hodgkin's Disease
Leukaemia
Nutritional Deficiencies
In general, if your haemoglobin blood count is not too low, you won't feel much of a difference, however, with lower levels, your quality of life will be impaired due to fatigue and other health complications arising from it. You could have low haemoglobin levels if you're going through menstruation since severe blood loss is known to lead to a low haemoglobin blood count.
Ways to Increase Haemoglobin Count
There are various ways you can increase your haemoglobin blood count. Here are 8 ways to increase haemoglobin in your body:
1. Eat Foods Rich in Iron
Maximise your iron intake by eating foods like shellfish, kale, spinach, and fruits and vegetables. We recommend iron-rich foods like raisins, dates, eggs, green beans, and leafy vegetables like spinach. Nuts and seeds like Brazil nuts, almonds, chia seeds, and cashews are other fantastic options in terms of foods to increase haemoglobin fast. For those who like meats, ground beef and chicken breasts are popular iron-rich food sources.
When adding meat to your diet, go for low-fat lean meats and opt for grass-fed varieties. For 3.5 ounces of chicken breast, you get up to 0.7 mg of iron while 85 grams of ground beef supplies up to 2.1 mg of iron. Seafood like clams, oyster and caviar are also known to help you meet your everyday RDA for iron and clams are known to be the best go-to source for it - supplying a whopping 28 mg of iron and 22.1 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams of it.
2. Increase Your Folate Intake
If you are wondering how to increase haemoglobin in blood despite increasing your iron intake - the answer is folate.
Folate or Vitamin B9 is required to make red blood cells in your body. By increasing your folate intake through your diet, your iron levels and haemoglobin production will go up. To increase your folate intake, eat foods like beetroot, avocados, peanuts, kidney beans, beef, and lettuce.
3. Using OTC Iron Supplements
If you've got a severe case of anaemia or other health issues due to a low haemoglobin blood count, you may find it helpful to supplement. There are various supplements available like multivitamins and exclusive OTC iron supplements. If you're planning to go for the over-the-counter ones, talk to your doctor regarding the required dosages based on your bloodwork. And remember, it literally takes months of supplementation for your body to yield results so don't expect a turnaround in a few days.
4. Improve Your Iron Absorption Rates
All the iron intake in the world won't make a difference if your body is not able to absorb it. This is where pairing Vitamin C-rich foods like lemon juice and strawberries and leafy green vegetables will help. Include Vitamin A and beta-carotene based foods in your diet, since these two nutrients aid in the absorption and use of iron in the body. Good sources of these include fish, liver, sweet potatoes, collard greens, mangoes, squash, and carrots. However, avoid consuming too much of these, as an overdose of this nutrient can lead to a condition called hypervitaminosis A which causes joint paint and headaches.
5. Drink Herbal Teas
Drinking herbal teas such as nettle tea can help in increasing haemoglobin levels in your blood. Just stir in two teaspoons of dried nettle levels and let it sit for 10 minutes. If you want some flavour, add a pinch of honey or dry date powder for taste. Drink it and make sure to have this two to three times a day for best results. You can also try dandelion tea. Buy the edible parts, powder them, and make herbal concoctions out of them. If you want, you could take these in the form of supplements form but ask your GP about it before doing that.
6. Exercise
Improving your blood circulation is a surefire way to increase your haemoglobin production since your body creates more RBCs to meet the demand for increased oxygenation to various parts. If you're looking for recommendations, HIIT and Cardio are your best bets. Opt for whole body workouts if you don't know where to start and if you are facing health implications. Do low-Impact workouts or hire a professional trainer or physical therapist to help you out.
There are tons of options where workouts are concerned but the key takeaway is to start at a place and pace that works for you. With time, you can increase the intensity or difficulty levels but start easy, especially if you've been sedentary for a while.
7. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C influences haemoglobin production in your body so if you up its intake, you'll notice pleasant results. Eat fruits like apples, pomegranates, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons that are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C basically boosts your haemoglobin absorption. And if you like to eat pomegranates, you'll like its juice too. Drink a glass of fresh homemade pomegranate juice. Avoid processed foods and drinks since those are loaded with added sugar and are low in nutrients. Eat as natural as you possibly can to boost your absorption.
8. Befriend Lentils/Legumes
Lentils and legumes are not only excellent plant-based sources of protein, but they boost your iron intake and up your haemoglobin levels with time. Good sources are mung beans, fava beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and adzuki beans. Try pairing these with brown/black rice and you'll have meals which are not only filling but ones that help you meet your daily nutritional requirements.
Some of these foods are also rich in zinc and selenium; these trace minerals can influence the haemoglobin production in your body.
FAQs
Here are a few common questions with regards to your haemoglobin levels. Keep in mind that there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to boosting your haemoglobin count which is why it is important to consult your doctor before eating anything. Now, without further ado here we answer your queries:
1. How Much Iron Do You Need Daily?
Your iron intake depends on your age, gender, weight, and overall well-being. Roughly, adults require a minimum of 8 mg iron a day while women between the ages of 18 and 50 need up to 19 mg per day.
2. What Causes Low Haemoglobin Levels?
Low haemoglobin levels are caused by various factors. The most common reasons are a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and consuming substances which are iron blockers like caffeine, specific drugs, and medications. Having any medical diseases or health complications like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and anaemia could also influence and lead to low haemoglobin levels in the body.
3. What Happens If Your Haemoglobin Is Low?
If your haemoglobin level is too low you'll experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness in the muscles, unexplained bruising, and recurring headaches. You'll notice a rapid but irregular heartbeat and have pale skin. Ignoring these symptoms and worsening your condition could lead to complications like anaemia and in extreme cases, even death if left ignored. If your condition is serious, you may even require a blood transfusion or immediate medical treatment.
In a nutshell, if your haemoglobin levels are too low, your organs won't get sufficient oxygen. This could lead to organ failure, impaired lung function, and cause other serious side effects and health complications. Hypercapnia is another condition which may arise from too much Carbon dioxide build up in your body.
We've talked about how to boost your haemoglobin production but you must also understand that poor lifestyle habits and nutrition are the root causes behind it. As long as you work on that, you won't have to worry about low haemoglobin levels.
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Health Benefits of Prunes Intake in Your Diet
Importance of Balanced Diet for Improving Health
Foods to Eat for Having a Healthy Heart Read more
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Bleeding After Caesarean Delivery: Everything You Should Know
Blood loss is unavoidable during and after childbirth, more so during a C-section. Although some bleeding is normal, it helps to know what to expect, and when bleeding after C-section requires a doctor’s attention.
Post-C-Section Bleeding: Is it Normal?
Some bleeding is normal after a C-section, as well as after a vaginal delivery. Here is what you need to know about bleeding after a C-section:
After the procedure, you will experience heavy bleeding for the first few days, along with some clotting. This may be heavier than your periods.
This bleeding is a type of vaginal discharge, known as lochia, and is bright red in colour.
There may be some clotting along with the bleeding, which is also normal during this time.
This discharge will last for around a fortnight (6 weeks). Post that, it will become more watery and the colour will turn from pink-brown to yellow-white.
This bleeding occurs because the body needs to expel the extra tissue that is present in the uterus. Bleeding occurs irrespective of the kind of delivery.
In case the bleeding does not reduce after the first few weeks, you should consult the doctor.
What Are the Causes of Bleeding After Caesarean Delivery?
1. Severed Blood Vessels
During C-section, there are lacerations made, which cause bleeding. In some cases, the initial incision is not wide enough for the baby to exit, and this causes the tissues and blood vessels around this area to get severed while the baby is being taken out. Sometimes, bleeding occurs because some of the arteries and veins around the uterus are accidentally cut during the procedure.
2. Uterine Atony
Uterine Atony is another cause of bleeding after C-section. It occurs when the woman’s uterus does not contract after the placenta is expelled, following the birth of the baby. The blood vessels are closed by the uterine contractions, which prevent the area around the placenta from bleeding, once the placenta is expelled through the vagina. When the uterus does not contract after delivery, it remains open, resulting in heavy bleeding.
3. Placenta Fragments
Some women experience heavy bleeding when the fragments from the placenta remain inside the uterus. This is common in women who have had multiple C-sections.
4. Placenta Accreta
This is a common cause of bleeding. In this case, the bleeding happens because the placenta does not separate naturally from the uterus, as it is deeply embedded. Women who have placenta accreta have the risk of haemorrhaging because the doctor has to manually remove the placenta.
How Long Does Post Caesarean Bleeding Last?
After a caesarean delivery, the bleeding will last for about 6 weeks. There may be various reasons for bleeding after a C-section. Even if it is accompanied by small clots, bleeding is not a cause for worry. However, it must be remembered that the woman might have lost a lot of blood during the C-section, and heavy bleeding after the procedure may become life-threatening. Hence, it is important to keep a lookout for signs of internal bleeding.
Some Common Signs of Internal Bleeding Are
Rapid Heartbeat and Difficulty Breathing
Rapid heartbeat and gasping breathing are a sign of internal bleeding.
A Boggy Uterus
Post-C-section, if the uterus loses its form and becomes boggy or flabby, then internal bleeding may be the cause for it.
Weakness and Severe Anxiety
A lot of women experiencing internal bleeding may complain of weakness and severe anxiety.
Pale and Cold Body
Internal bleeding can make the woman’s face pale and her hands and feet cold.
Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
If your bleeding continues to be heavy even after the initial few weeks, it could be due to internal bleeding.
Reduced Urine Output
If the blood reaching the kidneys is less, then it affects the urine output. Thus, reduced urine output may be a sign of internal bleeding
How Much Bleeding Merits Medical Attention?
If your bleeding becomes heavy again, after tapering off, and the colour turns red, it may be due to overexertion. However, if clotting continues even after resting for a few days, it might be due to some complication.
You should consult your doctor immediately, if:
You are using up a pad or more every hour
The clotting continues
You are feeling dizzy or nauseous
Your pulse is more than 100,you are feeling palpitations
Your blood pressure is less than 100 systolic in your home bp apparatus
How to Manage Bleeding Post C-section
Simple ways to manage the heavy flow post-C-section are:
1. Use Pads – Not Tampons
During the initial weeks, when the flow is heavy, you should use thick pads similar to the thickness of baby diapers.
Tampons can cause a bacterial infection, so they should be completely avoided.
Pads and tampons also make it easier to estimate the amount of blood loss.
2. Wear Old Clothes
During this time, you should use old panties and clothes that can be disposed of later. You might get stains from bleeding, which are difficult to remove.
3. Regularly Change Pads
Keep a stock of maternity pads because you will need lots of them after the delivery.
Good quality maternity pads should be used. Folds of cloth should not be used at all.
3 packs of 12 pads can suffice. Initially, you will have to change hourly, and thereafter, every 3-4 hours.
Hands should be washed and disinfected every time you change the pad.
4. Rest is Best
Since you are bleeding heavily complete bed rest is advised in the initial weeks.
You should avoid any physically strenuous activity because it can affect the recovery process and increase bleeding.
Since the body is recuperating from the change, it is important that you co-operate in the process.
5. Get Help Around the House
You may ask for support from your family members or hire professional help.
Treatment Options
If there is still heavy bleeding after C-section, then you need to consult your doctor. The treatment will depend on the source of the bleeding, at which stage it started, and the seriousness. Hence, it is important to give a complete medical history to your doctor.
If your uterus has not begun to contract after the delivery, then your doctor may give you medication to stimulate contractions. If bleeding does not stop, you may go for some additional surgery. In some cases, hysterectomy is done to prevent blood loss.
Things to Keep in Mind About Bleeding After C-Section
Here are some things you should keep in mind about bleeding after caesarean delivery. We have also covered some tips on managing the bleeding and what to expect.
1. Breastfeeding May Help
Breastfeeding can help lighten some of the bleeding after a C-section, as the uterine muscles and blood vessels tend to contract when you breastfeed. Hence, the blood loss decreases due to the release of the hormone oxytocin
2. Keep a Watch on Physical Activity
Physical stress and intense activity can increase the bleeding after C-section. Hence, limit any physical work, such as high-intensity exercise, lifting heavy objects, etc., and take rest to recover quickly.
3. Effectively Relieve Pain
You may experience painful contractions during this time. However, avoid taking any medication without your doctor’s approval. Apply a warm compress to your abdomen to relieve pain. If it persists, consult a doctor who can direct you on how to manage pain due to contractions.
Adequate post-natal care is important, not only to make sure that you get back to a normal life as soon as possible, but also because your baby needs your care and complete attention in the first few months of her life. Make sure you take it easy and avoid exerting yourself to avoid complications, and do see a doctor if you notice any signs of ill-health.
References and Resources: Healthline Read more
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What's there in Breast milk - Types, Content and Composition
Breast milk contains over 200 beneficial elements and more go on being added to this list with each passing day. Breast milk is unique in that your body will automatically customise the milk you produce according to the needs of your baby. Thus, the breast milk produced if your baby is born full-term will be different from the milk produced if your baby is born premature. This is why there can be no substitute for breast milk. It is recommended that all babies be exclusively breastfed up to six months and breast milk continues to be a major part of your baby’s diet at least till he or she is a year old.
Why is Breast Milk the Best Source of Food for Your Baby?
As a mother, you make breast milk specifically for your baby. Since breast milk contains just the right amount of nutrients and other elements essential for your child at each age, it is considered the best source of food for babies. Breast milk is known to provide infants protection against infections and minimizes risk of certain health problems later in life such as diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Breast milk contains all elements necessary for your baby’s body to grow, develop, mature, and survive.
What is Colostrum Milk?
The milk produced in the first few days after the birth of your baby is known as colostrum. Lasting for about five to seven days, colostrum is thick and sticky usually with a pale yellow colour. The high antibody content in colostrum makes it vital for baby’s health and acts as a first vaccine of sorts. Though very concentrated, this milk is easily digested and is produced in small quantities just enough to satiate the requirements of your newborn.
Other features of colostrum are:
High content of protein, minerals, salt, Vitamin A, antibodies, and very little fat and sugar
Acts as a laxative promoting the easy passage of meconium (baby’s first stool)
Prevents neo natal jaundice by encouraging expulsion of bilirubin from the gut
The earlier your baby starts feeding on colostrum, the better it is for both of you. Baby gets a nutritional head start and your milk production gets off to a quick start as well.
What is Transitional Milk?
This is considered the second stage of your breast milk production and can be seen about a week after delivery. Your breasts are likely to feel full and hard while some pain and redness cannot be ruled out. Frequently feeding your baby will provide you relief and this can last for a few days. In the following two weeks, you can expect to see an increase in the quantity of milk as well as changes in its composition. The amount of fat and sugar increases while immunoglobulin and protein levels in breast milk dip during this phase.
What is Mature Milk?
It might look thin and watery, but mature milk contains all the nutrients that are required for your baby’s well-being. It’s composition and consistency will keep on varying from feed to feed on a daily basis as well as from month to month. After the first few weeks, the number of white cells in breast milk will decrease while the level of antibacterial enzyme, lysozyme will increase. The amount of milk you produce will increase as baby grows till your child moves on to solid food.
Which Nutrients Are Found in Breast Milk?
Quite a few of the nutrients found in breast milk such as infection-fighting white cells cannot be manufactured outside of the human body. It is estimated that 100 ml of breast milk contains about 65 calories. Here is a brief break-up of the contents of breast milk:
Proteins
Whey and casein are the two types of proteins found in breast milk and offer your child protection against infections. The balance between these two proteins with whey accounting for 60% and casein for 40%, allows for easy digestion of breast milk by baby. Of the specific proteins found in breast milk, Lactoferrin helps prevent the growth of harmful organisms like yeast and coliform while Secretory IgA offers protection against E.Coli and allergies and Lysozyme has anti-inflammatory properties. An important amino acid called taurine is found in large amounts in breast milk. This is essential for the proper development of baby’s brain and eyes.
Fats or Lipids
The fats in breast milk are essential for baby’s brain development and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. They are also a source of calories besides promoting development of the brain and the nervous system. Making up only 4 % of breast milk, fats provide around 50% of baby’s calorie intake. Fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic help in the production of a substance called myelin that coats the nerves and helps in transmission of messages through the nervous system.
Vitamins
The vitamin content of breast milk will depend on your vitamin intake as a mother. So, make sure your diet includes food that is rich in Vitamins A, D, E, K, C, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Vitamins are what make for healthy bones, skin, and eyes. They are also useful in preventing diseases like scurvy and rickets. In order to make sure you are not deficient in any of these vitamins, your doctor might suggest that you continue taking pre-natal vitamins while breast feeding.
Carbohydrates
Lactose makes up around 40% of all calories in breast milk and is the primary carbohydrate in human milk. It plays an important role in ridding the stomach of unhealthy bacteria and encouraging absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Hormones
Hormones in breast milk include prolactin, relaxin, endorphins, cortisol, leptin, oestrogen, progesterone, as well as thyroid hormones and growth factors. These are necessary to control metabolism, stress levels, pain, and blood pressure among others.
Enzymes
It is estimated that breast milk contains about 40 different enzymes. Some of these are helpful in breaking down fats to assist with digestion while others boost immunity against germs and ailments. Lipase is an enzyme present in breast milk that helps break down fat so that babies can digest it easily.
Minerals
Minerals aid in the development of strong bones, while increasing efficiency of red blood cells, and ensuring proper nerve and muscle functions. Iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, magnesium, selenium, and chloride are some minerals found in breast milk.
Composition of Key Nutrients Found in Breast Milk
The composition of breast milk keeps varying depending on various factors such as the age of the child, the mother’s health, and the mother’s diet to name a few. Water makes up around 90% of breast milk and this is essential to keep baby hydrated, control body temperature, provide lubrication for the joints, and protect organs.
Also, the composition of mother’s milk differs throughout the day as well as during a feed. For instance, the fore milk or first milk expressed during a feed is intended to be thirst quenching. The milk that comes later, known as hind milk is rich and full of creamy good fats for your baby. Here is a tabulation of the composition of some nutrients found in breast milk:
Nutrient
Mean Value in Breast Milk (100 ml)
Protein
1.3 g
Fat
4.2 g
Carbohydrate
7 g
Sodium
15 mg
Calcium
35 mg
Phosphorus
15 mg
Iron
76 mcg
Vitamin A
60 mcg
Vitamin C
3.8 mg
Vitamin D
0.01 mcg
Magnesium
3.5 mg
Other Vital Components of Breast Milk
There are quite a few other substances listed as part of breast milk information that are essential to your baby’s continued well-being. They are:
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)- A type of dietary fibre, these promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your baby’s stomach to help in digestion and regular bowel movements.
Human Milk Microbiota- Breastmilk contains various types of bacteria. Some of these are found in the milk of all mothers while others will be unique to you depending on your diet, immunity, environment, and lifestyle. When passed on to baby, it will help them develop their own individual intestinal microbiota which will then be useful in fighting off infections.
Antibodies - Also known as immunoglobulins, to help boost baby’s immune system. Colostrum, also known as first breast milk, is especially packed with anti-bodies.
Quite a few growth factors are also found in human milk which are beneficial to the gut, the nervous system, blood, and the hormones that control metabolism. There are also plenty of other ingredients in breast milk that have not been identified yet.
Eating a healthy, nutritious diet when pregnant and during the breastfeeding years will be beneficial to your health as well as that of your child. Ensure that your diet is a balanced one comprising of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, lean protein such as chicken, dairy products with low fat content, and plenty of water.
If you are having problems getting your baby to latch on, then you can seek the help of a lactation consultant. Most women who are having difficulties grasping the technique of breastfeeding find that expert guidance is extremely useful.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also read: Engorged breasts - Things you need to know
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12 Natural Home Remedies To Relieve Your Child From Painful Insect Bites
Summers are here and so are the vacations. And this typically means more outdoor activities for the young ones and more worries for the mums at home! You cannot stop your little one from fun activities just because you fear he would get bitten or stung by an insect. But what you can surely do is be careful and well prepared to deal with an emergency should it arise.
Toddlers are active and forever in the mood for exploring. In the course of this running around and playing, it is common to get stung by an insect. The good news is that first-aid and home remedies heals almost all the types of bites and stings. They are natural and therefore you can be sure that they won't cause any further harm and will fulfill the purpose.
The best thing about home remedies is that they are mostly natural and have been tested over the years. Hence, they are safe and reliable. However, if the condition and irritation persists, you should always seek medical attention.
Preventing Your Child From Insect Bites
Sometimes a simple ant bite can be extremely serious and therefore the best thing is to avoid being bitten in the first place.
Well, you know what they say, prevention is always better than cure. Sometimes, a simple ant bite can become extremely serious! Therefore the best thing is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Here are a few preventive measures you should take to safeguard kids from these insect bites:
Mosquito Bites Prevention
Place a net over your child’s cot to prevent him from bites.
Dress your child up in light colours when you take him out. It's better if the clothes are long sleeved and covered.
You could also apply an insect repellent cream during play time but be careful it doesn’t go inside the mouth or eyes.
Wasp Sting Prevention
Make sure your little one is not drinking straight from soft drink cans. Wasps get attracted to sugar and thus may sting your child at this time.
Ant Bites Prevention
Ensure your child avoids disrupting lines of ants with their foot, hands or fingers. Children have this habit and may end up getting bitten instead.
Teach your child to simply shake off an ant if it climbs in them or get rid of them by a flicking motion.
Tell them to never squish ants.
Dealing with Ant Bites in Toddlers
An ant bite is painful and swells up the affected area. Ants can inject a particular type of poison with their sting that some children could be allergic to. It might give them rashes and breathing problems. Your child could also collapse – an occurrence called anaphylaxis – and this is one of the ant bites symptoms that warrants immediate medical intervention.
These ant bites remedies work extremely well and are known to provide instant relief:
1. Apply Vinegar to the Affected Area
Vinegar is anti-bacterial in nature and therefore helps in preventing any bacterial infection that occurs on the skin surface. It can soothe your child's skin at once and bring him relief from the pain and irritation.
2. Place Tea Bags on The Bite
Tea bags contain anti-inflammatory properties since they contain tannic acid. Moisten the tea bags, cool them, and thereafter place them on the bite area as soon as possible.
3. Apply Salt on The Bite Area
Applying salt on the bite area helps prevent infections and swelling on the skin. Just mix some salt with water and rub the paste over the affected area. This will also help your child not scratch, thus ensuring that no transfer of germs takes place.
Give your child paracetamol if the pain is mild. If there is itchiness, an antihistamine medication prescribed by your chemist will work. However, if there is severe reaction from the sting, take your child to emergency care.
Dealing with Bee Stings in Children
The most common bee stings symptoms are barbs on the child's skin at the end of a bee sting. They stay in the skin along with the toxic venom. Your child would be in severe pain and the affected area will swell up. If your child is allergic to the toxin, it could lead to severe side-effects.
Firstly, remove the insect sting carefully. Keep it for the doctor so that he can identify the repercussions. Do not squeeze out the sting but rather try to scrape it off. Then, use these bee stings remedies to provide relief to your child as soon as possible:
4. Use Crushed Ice
The first thing to instinctively do after cleaning the wound is to apply ice immediately. Leave it for at least 20 minutes as ice will help in numbing the pain and slowing the blood flow to the affected area, which reduces swelling.
5. Apply Crushed Garlic
Take two cloves of garlic and crush them to release the juices. Then, press it against the bite area. Cover it with a moist towel and let that sit for approximately 20-30 minutes.
6. Use Lavender Oil
Apply one or two drops of lavender essential oil to the wound. Lavender oil has certain properties that helps in neutralizing the venom immediately.
Alternatively, paracetamol will give immediate relief from pain. However, you should see a doctor if things don't improve.
Dealing With Mosquito Bites in Toddlers
The most common mosquito bites symptoms are red lumps in the affected area. Your child’s face can get swelled up if he has been bitten there. Since mosquitoes are more active in summer, especially during dusk and evening, this is when you should watch out for them.
Use these mosquito bites remedies to soothe the bites and calm down your child:
7. Apply Calamine
Calamine lotion helps reduce itchiness. Therefore, just dab some lotion and rub it across to help relieve the itch and redness.
8. Dab Aloe Vera Gel/Juice
Aloe vera is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent remedy for mosquito bites. Just use the fresh inner leaf of an aloe vera plant or dab some aloe vera juice. Both work equally well.
9. Apply Toothpaste
As amusing as it may sound, toothpaste works really well for providing temporary relief. Apply some peppermint or neem toothpaste to the area of the bite and allow it to dry for as long as needed.
Also, ask your child not to scratch the affected area as it could get infected. If the swelling and itching become severe, and also interrupt sleep, give your child an antihistamine.
Dealing With Wasp Stings in Children
Stings from a wasp cause a lot of swelling and pain. These are the most prominent wasp stings symptoms. However, they do not lead to any allergic reaction. Remember that wasps are very aggressive and thus may sting multiple times.
Be very careful while removing the sting. Keep the area cool by applying ice. Then use these wasp stings remedies:
10. Use Basil Leaves
This common kitchen ingredient has chemical compounds like eugenol that helps relieve itchy skin. Just roughly cut some basil leaves to release the herb's natural oils and apply directly on the affected area. Hold it for a few minutes.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acid in the vinegar helps neutralise the venom from the sting. Soak a few cotton pads in a small amount of apple cider vinegar and apply it on the area stung.
12. Use Baking Soda & Water Paste
This ingredient present in every household works for almost everything! Just mix a little baking soda (or otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate) with a little water to make a paste and apply it directly on the wound.
If you feel the wound is severe, use medication such as antihistamine and paracetamol for reducing swelling. However, if your little one complains of persistent pain or has problems with breathing, it is better to seek expert help.
Aside from these, your toddler may also suffer from centipede bites, flea bites or spider bites. Even though these bites are not life-threatening, they might cause a lot of trouble to your child especially if he develops allergic reactions to the venom. You must take safety measures to tackle the pain and inflammation. The above home remedies are best always kept handy, especially during the summer months. Read more
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Sweetened Almond Milk
Badam milk has a slightly nutty taste, but is deliciously creamy and requires absolute minimal effort to make. Badam milk can be had chilled during summers or as a hot piping drink in winters. So, if you already are an almond milk fan or want to know what the fuss is all about, read on and make a refreshing almond drink this weekend. Add a bit of mango flavored custard powder for added piquancy.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10 - 15 Minutes
20- 25 Minutes
Ingredients
500 ml milk
1/4 cup almonds
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp mango flavored custard powder
For Garnishing
2 - 3 Nos chopped almond
A few saffron strands
1 tbsp rose syrup
Method
Step 1
Boil almonds in a pan for 5 minutes. Remove and drain.
Step 2
Peel the skin of almonds and grind in a blender with sugar to a smooth paste. Keep aside.
Step 3
Next, heat milk in a heavy bottomed vessel and bring it to a boil.
Step 4
Add mango flavored custard powder (previously dissolved in water) to the boiled milk and stir. Keep stirring continuously so that no lumps are formed.
Step 5
Add crushed cardamom, almond-sugar paste, stir and boil for 2 - 3 min.
Step 6
Remove from the heat. Let it cool, then keep in fridge for 4-5 hrs so that it gets chilled.
Step 7
Garnish with almond flakes, rose syrup and saffron. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Calories
1008 K cal
Protein
16.9 g
Fats
10.6 g
Carbohydrates
225.4 g
Cholesterol
42 mg
Sodium
243 g
Potassium
296 mg
Read more
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
14 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
9 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
18 mins ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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Paraloga Pinista
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