Fitness and Nutrition

  • Prenatal Vitamins

    Prenatal supplements consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals. During pregnancy, a woman's daily intake requirements for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (folate), calcium, and iron will increase. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are vital for proper fetal growth, development, and healthy adult living.

  • Retinol and Hyaluronic acid in Beauty Products

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I just found out I am pregnant, very new only about 3 weeks, WOW! I have a concern regarding the beauty products I use - they do contain retinol and my night facial cream contains both Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. Should I give them to my girlfriend? and if so, what are some safe products to use during pregnancy to help with wrinkles and mild acne?

    Thank you!

  • High Zinc Regimen While Pregnant

    QUESTION:

    Dear Livitician,
    I have a zinc deficiency that causes painful canker sores in my mouth. I have been on a physician prescribed high zinc regimen for about 2 years.

    Now that I am pregnant is it sill ok to take a high level of zinc. Is there any point at which it would be considered "too much"?

  • Artificial Sweeteners May Make Weight Gain Easier

    Artificial sweeteners may contribute more to weight gain than food rich in sugar. A study published in the Behavioral Neuroscience Journal has sparked a scientific debate on the role of calorie-free saccharine in obesity. Read "Artificial Sweeteners May Make Weight Gain Easier" to learn more.

  • Diflucan During Early Pregnancy

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I was given two doses of Diflucan 150 mg one week apart at the very beginning of the pregnancy (1st / 2nd week) to treat a yeast infection. I didn't know at that time that I was pregnant.

    I read about the side effects and I'm worried about what's going to happen to the development of the fetus. What are the risks? When would I know I everything is ok with the Baby

  • Artificial Sweeteners May Make Weight Gain Easier

    Artificial sweeteners may contribute more to weight gain than food rich in sugar. A study published in the Behavioral Neuroscience Journal has sparked a scientific debate on the role of calorie-free saccharine in obesity. The study suggested artificial sweeteners, which have zero or very low calories, seem to have destroyed the physiological link between sweet tastes and calories, resulting in overeating.

  • Using Detox Products While Trying to Conceive

    QUESTION:

    Dear Livitician,
    My wife and I are trying to get pregnant and we have some concerns about an over-the-counter detox/nutritional product that we are taking. The product is called Elemis Silhouette and it contains Gotu Cola, Kelp, and Klamath Lake Algae.

    My wife has been taking the product for a week now and has 3 weeks to go on it. I have done some research on the ingredients and from what I see there is little human research on the product so the generic warning of "avoid if pregnant" shows up.

  • Is Zantac150 Safe While Pregnant?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    Is it safe to take Zantac150 during pregnancy?

  • Exercises to Prepare for Childbirth

    This period of the second trimester of your pregnancy is a good time to begin to prepare your body for giving birth to your baby. There are specific exercises you can do at home, as well as formal classes that will help you and your partner understand the labor and delivery process and prepare for it. Read "Exercises to Prepare for Childbirth " to learn more.

  • Garlic and Hot Peppers in Diet

    QUESTION

    Dear Nutritionist,
    Can I really not eat garlic or hot peppers while I'm pregnant? I love both and would really miss them as part of my diet...

    I have already noticed I can't drink any of my teas, either. Is there a tea I can drink other than Green Tea?

  • Where 'O, Where Has My Little Waist gone...

    Have you ever noticed how tiny the women's (and men's) waists were in the 1950s and 1960s? Everyone seemed to have teeny, tiny waistlines. But in the new millennium, medical experts are extremely worried about people's ever expanding waistlines.

  • Pregnancy and Exercise

    I'm sure there are many questions going through your head about keeping you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. I've gathered a few of the most-asked exercise questions to guide you safely and healthfully on your journey to new motherhood.

  • High Zinc Regimen While Pregnant

    QUESTION:

    Dear Livitician,
    I have a zinc deficiency that causes painful canker sores in my mouth. I have been on a physician prescribed high zinc regimen for about 2 years.

    Now that I am pregnant is it sill ok to take a high level of zinc. Is there any point at which it would be considered "too much"?

  • Exercise Warning Signs during Pregnancy

    Studies show women who exercise during pregnancy have easier births. Their bodies return to normal faster. Is your routine too vigorous?

  • Black Shirataki Noodles

    QUESTION

    Dear Nutritionist,
    Is it safe to eat Black Shirataki noodles, which are made from Yam flour (Konja root) during pregnancy?

  • Setting Goals and Rewarding Yourself

    Yeah, yeah, yeah. You've heard it before. People who set goals are more successful at making changes. But if it's so important, why can so few people recite their personal or professional goals? Perhaps they don't know how to set good goals.

  • Give Up Training to Conceive?

    I already have a beautiful 21-month-old girl and we have been trying for our second baby. So far nothing has happened. Could my exercise regime be the cause? To shed baby weight after the last pregnancy I took up exercise. I use the treadmill and weight train more or less 5 times a week and love it as I feel really fit and healthy. Do I have to give up training to conceive?

  • Top Ten List for a Smooth Pregnancy

    Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel and how your baby does during pregnancy. Here's 10 tips for a healthy pregnancy.

  • Continue Power Yoga and Pilates While Pregnant with Twins?

    QUESTION

    Dear Fitness Expert,
    I have just found out I am pregnant (maybe with twins!). I regularly participate in power yoga and pilates classes. How long in my pregnancy can I continue with pilates and power yoga (my gym does not offer pre-natal equivalent classes)?

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