Wild Yam Helps Women Fertility

Wild yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea villosa, has been used to treat various ailments, especially regarding women's health. Wild yam, also known as colic root, grows mainly in North America and China. There are almost 600 species of wild yam. Though sweet potato and wild yam look similar, there is a lot of difference between them. For example, the roots of wild yam are not tubers like sweet potatoes nor are they fleshy. The medicinal properties of the two are also quite different.

Wild Yam Benefits

The benefits of wild yam are numerous. It is known as a woman's herb as it helps to relieve the major health problems of a woman. However, it is also used for ailments that both men and women suffered.

Treating Colic: The reason why yam is known as colic root is due to its efficiency in treating colic. Wild yam helps to relieve menstrual cramps, spasms, uterine pain and ovarian pain mainly due to its antispasmodic properties. Antispasmodic properties are those properties which help to decrease intestinal spasms, especially caused due to menstruation. It is also useful in case of poor circulation and neuralgia.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Research has proved that wild yams are very beneficial for treating rheumatoid arthritis. There is a phase in rheumatoid arthritis where in the joints flare, wild yams help to decrease the inflammation. How yam should be used for rheumatoid arthritis, depends on the inflammation.

Providing Nutrients: Nowadays wild yam is used to provide nutrients which are essential for the proper functioning of all glands. It is benefit nutritionally to the respiratory, urinary and nervous system. Wild yam creams are said to reduce eczema also.

Relieving Menopausal Pain: Though it has not been scientifically proved, wild yams are said to be useful in decreasing the pain during menopause by balancing the hormones. Wild yam extract is used to make a cream which is used for this purpose.

Other Benefits: Apart from the above mentioned benefits, it is also used to treat asthma, morning sickness, labor pain, regulating digestion etc. These were some of the common benefits of yams.

Relation Between Wild Yam and Fertility

As earlier stated, wild yam is said to be very beneficial to women's health. Apart from relieving PMS problems, wild yam also has another important use. It is said to improve fertility of women. This is said to be the biggest use of wild yams and this is not a recent discovery. You should know, however, that yam was earlier popular as an anti-fertility plant! It was even used to make birth control pills. However, later it was noticed that consumption of about 10-20 drops of this plant, from the first day of menstruation to the ovulation period, (the middle of the month) helped increase fertility in women.

There are no scientific proofs to support the fact that wild yam helps to increase fertility naturally. However, as we know, wild yam helps to relieve almost every problem related to PMS and also to regulate menstrual cycles, these facts can actually help in improving the fertility of a woman.

Talking about wild yam side effects, it is advisable to take wild yam in any form, only after consulting the doctor. Pregnant women should, however, completely avoid wild yams. So now that you know all the benefits of wild yam, including little yam in your daily diet is not a bad idea.

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Women Signs of Fertility Problems

One of the most important step in a couple's life is to start a family. Couples are excited and try their best to conceive a baby. However, after trying really hard―charting out ovulation periods and having regular sexual intercourse―many couples are unable to get positive results. Only after about 6 months to 1 year of trying, do most couples approach their doctor for help. Why the delay in seeking help from a doctor? This is because not many women are aware of the signs of fertility problems they may be suffering from. In spite of regular menstruation, there are chances women may have some fertility issues. Let us take a look at some of the troubling signs that will help you understand and address this problem as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Fertility Issues in Women

The inability to conceive after having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse is called infertility. Many couples fail to notice the signs of infertility and continue trying in vain. If women over the age of 35 years, cannot conceive after trying for 6 months, they should speak to a doctor, as their age can be a reason for infertility. Mentioned below are the ways through which your body tells you that there is a problem that needs to be resolved.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle

As mentioned above, even if you do undergo a monthly period, there are chances of fertility problems. If your monthly cycle is too short (less than 24 days) or too long (more than 35 days), it may be a cause of worry. However, occasionally late or early periods do not always indicate fertility issues. Seek the help of a gynecologist for more details.

Menstrual Bleeding Issues

A very heavy or light bleeding pattern during menstruation may also signify trouble. Bleeding for 3 to 7 days indicates a normal cycle. However, bleeding for more than 7 days or suffering from intense painful cramps, indicates problem. Severe menstruation symptoms like cramps, heavy bleeding, and long duration of bleeding may be a sign of fertility problem.

Weight Factor

Women who are overweight or underweight may suffer from infertility, as both conditions may lower the chances of conceiving. This is because the body weight affects the hormonal level in the body. Make sure you maintain an ideal body weight to overcome problems related to fertility, and other health problems due to weight issues.

Underlying Chronic Health Problems

Women who suffer from hypothyroidism, diabetes, depression, peptic ulcers, etc., may be prone to infertility. If you do suffer from these problems, speak to your healthcare provider to avoid giving you medications that pose a threat to your conception.

Recurrent Miscarriage

Women who suffer from recurrent miscarriages are considered to be suffering from fertility problems. If the third consecutive pregnancy also ends up in a miscarriage, it can be taken as a sign of infertility.

Cancer and STDs

Women who have suffered from cancer in the past may have problems in becoming a mother; chemotherapy may have affected their ability to conceive. Also, those women who have suffered from an STD infection such as, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc., may also find it difficult to become pregnant.

Reasons for Infertility

We had a look at the telltale signs. But, what could be the causal factors leading to infertility? The following points will help you understand the causes behind this health problem.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that causes the tissues within the uterus to grow outside the uterus. In most cases, there are no symptoms of endometriosis. In some cases, it may cause painful menstruation cycle, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. In these conditions, the doctor may try to remove the tissues surgically and unblock the Fallopian tubes. Fertility drugs and artificial insemination may be tried to help one conceive.

Problems with Ovulation Cycle

Many women suffer from ovulation problems that do not allow mature eggs to be released into the uterus. The symptoms of this condition includes abnormally light or heavy periods, infrequent menstruation cycle, etc. Fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) may help one get pregnant.

Fallopian Tube Blockage

In some cases, the Fallopian tube is blocked or damaged. This does not allow the sperm to travel up to the egg and fertilize it. This may occur due to pelvic inflammatory disease, STD infection, etc. In this case, surgery may be carried out to remove the blockage and in vitro fertilization may help one in conceiving.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that prevents the growth of ovaries. This condition occurs along with hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation pattern. Irregular periods, acne, and obesity may indicate the presence of PCOS. Such women are asked to reduce weight and are prescribed fertility drugs to improve their chances of conceiving.

If you feel you have tried your best to conceive, and are not successful, then you should speak to a gynecologist for more details. Do not delay, as your condition may be treatable and medical help may get you pregnant soon enough.

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Understanding Menstrual Cycle Problems

Onset of menses or menarche is an important event in a woman's life. It signals sexual and reproductive maturity of a woman. Menstrual cycle is a complicated reproductive function that involves many organs and hormones. Every month, female ovaries produce a mature ovum or egg under the influence of female hormones. The uterine lining also thickens in order to prepare for a possible conception. If no fertilization occurs, the egg is transported to the uterus, where along with the uterine lining, it is shed as a part of menstrual bleeding. This cycle repeats fairly regularly in women, though a few variations are perfectly normal. However, the complexity of this event and involvement of multiple organs, make it prone to a few problems.

Common Menstrual Cycle Problems

A normal menstrual cycle is one which occurs every 28 days wherein menstruation lasts for about 3 to 5 days. However, every woman has a unique pattern of menstrual cycle, which may vary from the so-called 'normal cycle'. As long as this pattern remains identical every month, there is usually no reason to worry. However, some abnormalities regarding menstrual cycle are worthy of investigation, as they may be indicative of a serious medical trouble.

Irregular Menses

This is a broad and vague term, which covers a plethora of menstrual problems. Irregularity can be in terms of length or duration. Remember, a long menstrual cycle (35-40 days) is not necessarily irregular, if it arrives roughly at the same time. However, too short (less than 25 days) or too long (more than 40 days) cycles are indeed considered irregular. Given below are some conditions that are characterized by irregular menses.

Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea is condition in which you only get few periods a year. If you get anywhere between 3 to 6 periods a year, you may be having oligomenorrhea. Besides, this condition is also characterized by very light bleeding. Oligomenorrhea, itself is not a disease, but often, it is a symptom of some other condition. Stress, hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and obesity are some possible causes of oligomenorrhea. Sometimes, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercises can be used to treat this symptom, whereas in other cases, contraceptive pills or hormonal therapy can be used for regulating menses.

Anovulation

This is a condition in which a woman does not ovulate normally. Anovulation is not a condition by itself, but it is often a prime irregular period cause. However, sometimes, women who are regular with their menses may also have ovulation problems. Thus, a woman may not know she has ovulation problems until she tries for conception and fails. Ovulation can be induced with the help of certain medications, which may regulate menses and help a woman to get pregnant.

Cessation of Menstrual Cycle

While irregular menses are characterized by a fewer menses, a condition named amenorrhea signals complete cessation of periods. Amenorrhea is said to have occurred if a woman in reproductive age group cannot get her periods without medical assistance. A woman is also said to have amenorrhea, if she never reaches menarche. Amenorrhea is considered normal in women in menopausal age group. Besides, pregnancy and breastfeeding also bring about amenorrhea for short time. However, serious causes of amenorrhea include, PCOS, excessive exercises, anorexia nervosa and similar health disorders.

Painful Menstruation

If you experience abnormal menstrual cycle symptoms such as excessive cramping, heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots, then you may be having any of the following conditions.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is very painful menstruation with cramps and heavy bleeding. Often endometriosis or ovarian cysts are the possible causes behind this condition. Heavy bleeding during periods along with clotting is usually a sign of uterine fibroids or polyps, which are benign growths in uterus. A woman may experience excessive bleeding as a result of this condition.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is characterized by heavy bleeding and abdominal cramping. This condition is usually common in young girls and women nearing menopause. As both these stages are characterized by shift in hormones, hormonal imbalance can be considered as a causative factor behind this condition. It is usually not of a very serious consequence, as hormones stabilize themselves in a matter of time.

Other Problems

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are some other hormonal or physiological problems that may interfere with the functioning of menstrual cycle. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one such problem which disrupts the normal functioning of ovaries. Ovaries may stop ovulating all of sudden in women of reproductive age group. While there is no treatment to reverse this condition, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may help a woman to cope with dysfunctional ovaries to some extent. Apart from that, there are other problems which are associated with menstrual cycle but are not caused as a result of malfunctioning of any reproductive organ. These include bloating, sore breasts, mood swings, etc. These are temporary side effects of menstrual cycle, which subside soon.

Women of reproductive age group must immediately seek medical help at the first sign of problem as these conditions may hamper their conception chances. Similarly, conditions such as painful menstruation and heavy bleeding must also be diagnosed for the underlying cause and treated accordingly.

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Symptoms and Treatment For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with the endocrine system. It is a common hormonal disorder that affects almost 5% women in the United States. This syndrome is usually characterized by the development of small cysts in the ovaries (polycystic ovaries), and hormonal imbalance. But sometimes, many women can have cysts in the ovaries without PCOS, while a handful of women with PCOS may not have polycystic ovaries.

Causes

What causes PCOS is not known with certainty. In many instances, it has been observed that the patient usually has a family member having PCOS. But sufficient evidence is not there to establish the suspected genetic link. Another common condition associated with PCOS is an abnormality in insulin production. This has led many to suspect a possible link between insulin resistance and the development of PCOS.

When the body becomes resistant to insulin, a higher level of insulin is required to maintain the level of blood sugar in the normal range. But excess insulin in the body may cause hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovaries generally develop due to the excess production of androgens by the ovaries, which in turn, can be stimulated either by the luteinizing hormone (LH) released by the pituitary gland, or a high level of insulin in the body.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of this condition is menstrual irregularities. Sometimes, menstruation may be absent for several months, while at other times, it can become quite frequent. An excessive growth of hair on the face and other parts of the body can also occur due to hormonal imbalance, or an overproduction of androgen. This condition is known as hirsutism. Women with PCOS may also experience acne and oily skin, deepening of their voice, and depression. Obesity is another common condition associated with this endocrine disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment

This condition is usually diagnosed with the help of ultrasound. Sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans are also carried out to detect the condition. Apart from these, blood is tested to detect the levels of androgen hormones, including androstenedione, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Generally, PCOS is associated with elevated levels of these hormones.

The treatment of this condition is aimed towards reducing the level of insulin, restoring regular menstrual cycle and fertility, treating hirsutism, and preventing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Physicians usually combine both diet or nutrition therapy and medications. Diet therapy is mainly used to control weight, which can be effective in restoring normal ovulation or menstruation. So, a low carbohydrate diet and regular physical activity can be beneficial in regularizing the menstruation.

As far as medications are concerned, physicians can prescribe birth controls pills, which are effective in treating hormonal imbalance and restoring normal menstruation. They can help reduce the risk of uterine cancer as well. Sometimes, injections of gonadotropins may be required to treat infertility caused by PCOS. However, if the patient does not respond to any of these treatment options aimed at restoring fertility, then assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be required.

PCOS has been found to increase the risk of some serious diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, miscarriages, endometrial hyperplasia, and uterine cancer. It is one of the most important causes of infertility in women. Since a strong relationship between obesity and PCOS has been observed, regular physical activity can play an important role in maintaining an ideal body weight, and thus reduce the risk of PCOS and the associated complications.

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Women Infertility Symptoms

Every woman is gifted with the ability to become a mother one day. But there are a few women who are unable to conceive due to some problems. Infertility in women can be caused because of many reasons. Some of the infertility causes in women are ovulation problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance, blocked fallopian tube, etc. Many times, signs of infertility go unobserved. Infertility is usually noticed when the woman is unable to conceive in spite of having unprotected sex for several times. Only then the need to go to a gynec arises. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss some of the symptoms of infertility in women. This will help you identify the signs in the initial stages and seek medical attention, before things become irreversible.

Symptoms of Infertility in Women

There are no such prominent symptoms that may indicate infertility. A woman comes to know about her infertility only when she is unable to conceive. Still there are few symptoms which can give you an indication before it is too late. Mentioned below are some of the signs of infertility.

⚫ Menstrual Cycle Problem

The duration of normal menstruation in a woman is approximately 28 to 30 days. Hence the date of onset of menses changes accordingly. But a totally irregular menstrual cycle can be a matter of concern. The irregularity in the date of the cycle may indicate a problem with ovulation. If the period starts before 24 days and after 36 days from the date of last menstruation then it may indicate the possibility of infertility. Many women may also observe more than one period in a month. Early menopause is also considered to be one of the causes for this problem and is usually responsible for infertility in women over 30. Consult a doctor immediately if you observe irregular periods consequently for more than 2 months.

Some women may experience excessive bleeding during their menstruation. This can be a sign of infertility but it's not necessary that all the women who experience excessive bleeding have infertility problem. Very less bleeding during period is also a matter of concern. If you observe excessive or very less bleeding for more than two menstruation cycle then consult a doctor as soon as possible.

⚫ Pain During Intercourse and Periods

Periods are quite painful but if the pain becomes unbearable with cramps and abdominal pain then it's better to consult a doctor. This may be because of the scar tissue formation in either fallopian tube which may lead to blockage and severe pain. Apart from periods, if the woman experiences severe pain during intercourse then this can also be a sign of infertility. Women should keep an eye on these symptoms and should take regular advice from an expert.

⚫ Repeated Miscarriages

Repeated miscarriages which take place within 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of infertility. It's not necessary that they are totally because of infertility as there can be several reasons for miscarriages. But, yes it is one of the signs.

⚫ Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can indicate infertility problems in women. Estrogen fluctuation can contribute a lot to the symptoms of infertility. These can be noticed by unusual weight gain, excessive facial hair growth, chronic acne, etc. If you are not able to control all these conditions, then it's time for a medical assistance.

If you observe any of the above given infertility symptoms then consult a doctor immediately. Do not lose hope if you are detected with infertility, as you have the option of treating this issue which may consist of medications injections and sometimes even surgery. Try to identify and get rid of symptoms of infertility as soon as possible. So, I will end up with a request to all the male readers out there, please support your better half at this difficult time as infertility and depression goes hand in hand. Help her to overcome this situation and tell her that nothing can change your love for her. Take care!

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How Safe to Eat Papaya During Pregnancy?

A woman never glows more than when she's carrying a baby. Being pregnant is God's greatest gift to women, and it is our duty to make sure that we take good care of this wondrous gift handed to us. This involves eating right. And when it comes to a healthy pregnancy diet, one of the most confusing food items is papaya. Women are constantly asking themselves, "Can we eat papaya during pregnancy?" Well, read this article to find out.

Papaya

The papaya (Carica papaya, genus: Carica) is one of the most delicious and healthy fruits. It was planted for the first time in Mexico but is now seen in many tropical countries. The whole papaya tree can be used for different things. Its stem can be used to make ropes. The leaves are made into tea in some parts of the world. The fruit has the maximum uses though. The ripe fruit can be eaten raw. It is used as a remedy to ease digestion. The unripe fruit can be cooked and eaten. The seeds can be ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. The latex in the unripe fruit is used to soften meat while cooking.

Eating Papaya During Pregnancy

Many people, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., believe that papaya has properties that can induce problems in childbirth like miscarriage or abortion. To discuss this further, both the sides of the issue must be known.

Benefits

Read ahead for some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is a good prenatal care measure.

• Indigestion is a common problem that pregnant women face. To help ease the trouble caused by the indigestion, papaya is highly recommended.
• Papaya is rich in vitamins. The raw skin of papaya has large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Besides these, papaya also is very effective against other digestive problems like inflammatory bowel syndrome or heartburn.
• Slightly unripe papaya is used as a natural method to induce labor towards the final stages of pregnancy.

Adverse Effects
Here are some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is avoided.

• It is safe to eat only ripe papaya during pregnancy. The enzyme that soothes indigestion is called papain.
• However, care must be taken that only fully ripe papaya is eaten. Even slightly unripe papaya has a latex like substance in it. This latex substance acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin which are generally used to induce labor.
• Consuming papaya during the early weeks of pregnancy should be avoided unless you are absolutely sure that it is fully ripe.
• This is because eating unripe papaya during the early stages of pregnancy may induce early labor and in some case, even miscarriage.
• Hence, papaya is generally avoided by most women as a precautionary measure.

These were some of the benefits and ill effects of eating papaya during pregnancy. Hope this article has cleared your doubts. Make sure you eat healthy during pregnancy. You'll be rewarded with a bundle of joy and you will cherish the entire experience forever!

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Pure Honey and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most important phase in a woman's life. It is a roller coaster ride and of course a once in a lifetime feeling generally associated with many food restrictions and problems. Whatever it may be, along with the regular tests and check up, what really matters is the pregnancy diet. It's really important to eat the right kind of food in right amounts and most importantly healthy food. The diet should be planned according to the requirement of the mom as well as the baby because the main aim is to provide maximum nutrients and vitamins to the growing fetus. One of the foods to eat during pregnancy is the unpasteurized yet healthy food, raw honey.

We are all well-aware of honey being the universal ayurvedic remedy for many illnesses and ailments owing to which it should be a part of our regular diet. Honey has been extensively used for healing and as a natural sweetener almost always.

Although a pregnant female should indulge in a healthy diet, it shouldn't be high on calories. According to observations, many women crib about weight gain that is popularly associated with pregnancy. Substituting raw honey in place of conventional sugar is the best option to opt for if you really don't want to gain those extra pounds.

Morning sickness which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy can be overcome by consuming raw honey, since it helps freshen your mind and makes you feel good. Also, if you happen to suffer from constipation which many pregnant females do, this is the best remedy.

Another raw honey benefit is the fulfillment of the energy needs. It is a good source of carbohydrates, which helps boost energy and strengthens the muscles. Hence, it should be included as a part of a pregnancy diet.

Further, many women and gynecologists trust raw honey. Owing to its health benefits, it can be proved that it is safe to consume without any major side effect. However, an evident danger is that it is not a pasteurized and processed product. We all know what pasteurization is; it involves the killing of certain harmful bacteria after exposure to high temperatures. Raw honey has spores of Clostridium botulinum, which is an endospore producing harmful bacteria causing food poisoning or botulism in humans. However, you could surely avoid this by going for a trustworthy local brand that sells good quality raw honey.

Incorporation in Your Diet

If you want to consume raw honey, it's better to supplement it with milk or yogurt since this would suit the body perfectly. Along with the fruits that are recommended during pregnancy, you could just pour a spoonful of honey on top and then have them. You could also make smoothies or honey mustard salad by mixing oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and mustard with either raw fruits or vegetables. Another way to go about it is by mixing honey with fruit juices, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. However, too much consumption of raw honey is not good for the would-be-mom as well as the baby and is definitely not advisable.

Though raw honey is extremely safe to use, it is not good for children below one year of age. However, this cholesterol-free, nutritious, and natural sweetener is healthy in all ways!

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Advisable Sugar Intake During Pregnancy

The good news opens a lot of doors to splurge on foods for those unlimited cravings that prosper as you progress in pregnancy. Among the many physical and mental changes, and pregnancy symptoms that conquer the first trimester, it is the food carvings that make a woman feel on the rise. The fact that pregnancy kills almost all guilt of putting on weight and eating foods that once were barred in the diet chart, gives more than reason to why women binge and let go their diet worries. Well, ladies, we don't really mean to deprive you the happiness and feelings of being pregnant, but surely health still remains vital, even during pregnancy. And I must say that it becomes double as crucial, now that you are pregnant. Among the list of food carvings in pregnancy, the sweet cravings and sugar delights make the winners. We cannot say that the sweet treat cravings are physiological, but the fact that your body is flourishing with blood supply and hormones, the blood sugar levels are bound to drop between meals. This demands those treats for cakes and candy bars. We all know refined sugar is not good for the body, at least in excess. So how much sugar intake is healthy for an expecting mother. Let us see some facts about sugar and pregnancy, and the recommended sugar consumption during this delicate period.

Keeping Sugar Low During Pregnancy and Why

A lot of health issues are related to blood sugar levels, the most common one being diabetes. During pregnancy, the rate of sugar absorption in the blood is high. In case of excess sugar in the blood, the amount of required insulin in the pancreas is not enough to tackle the excess amount of sugar. As a result, there is a serious risk of gestational diabetes to the mother. Weight gain will also be an issue both for you and the baby too. And in a condition where the baby grows more than average as a result of high blood sugar levels of the mother, that is termed as macrosomia, and further complications can take charge. Birth complications like premature birth, cesarean section, etc., are the possible risks.

How Much Sugar Intake is Healthy During Pregnancy

The primary function of a healthy diet is to provide the body with energy and nutrients. The most healthiest forms of food that can be converted to energy are carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are more prone to being used as energy, and most unlikely to be stored as fats. What is advised is pregnant women should get at least 60% of the total energy required from carbohydrates. So for example, if your total calorie consumption is 2000, around 1200 should be in the form of both simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs will comprise sugar and other foods, that include powdered sugar, cakes, jam, jelly, pizzas, chocolates, processed foods, etc. So whenever you plan to combine simple and complex carbohydrates in your diet, make sure you consume more of complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and a small portion of simple carbs. Women tend to eat more calories during pregnancy, while supporting the 'eating-for-two' statement. The fact is that even if the mother is responsible for the nutrition and energy of the baby, the recommended intake is an extra 300 calories per day only, which takes care of the baby's requirements.

There has not been a standard recommendation for sugar consumption, Every women will have a different rate of metabolism, and hence a fixed amount of sugar cannot be advised for all pregnant women. What experts suggest is that, the amount depends on the blood glucose levels of the expecting mother, and the weight gain. Women who have minimum control on the blood sugar level, should avoid intake of sugar. Whereas, women who are required to increase weight, can have a higher amount of sugar. It is most strongly advised to keep the intake minimum, otherwise, and more so when you are pregnant. You may consider consulting a doctor if you have been advised to increase your weight during pregnancy. So even if high sugar intake during pregnancy is not harmful for you, there has to be a moderate and balanced consumption.

Remember that sugar is not only sugar in a crystalline form, what we know as brown sugar, syrups, powdered sugar, etc. There are surely harmful, but Xylose, Lactose, Dextrose, Sucrose, Fructose, Glucose, Corn syrups and sweeteners are all sugars. Processed and canned foods are also high in sugar. So when you plan to cut off the sweet delight, make sure you consider all these as well. After all, the health of your baby is the most important, so even the sweetest of carvings too, is a big and a bitter no!

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Chocolate Intake During Pregnancy

For any expecting mother, the well-being of her unborn child is her highest priority. So, even if chocolate is her favorite food, she avoids eating it during pregnancy in the fear that it can cause harm to her baby. Of course, her concern is genuine. After all, we all know that chocolate contains caffeine, which increases the chances of miscarriage and preterm labor. It also tends to raise the pulse rate and blood pressure, which could be dangerous in this condition.

Benefits

Pregnant women who love chocolates will be pleased to know that it is not harmful for them and there is no need to stop eating chocolate during pregnancy, but it has to be taken only in moderate amounts. Your doctor may advice you to avoid drinking coffee but you can have chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. This is because the caffeine content in chocolate is far less as compared to coffee. During pregnancy, the permissible range of caffeine consumption is 270 mg per day. Chocolate contains around 5-30 mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee has as much as 90-135 mg of caffeine. Hence, owing to high caffeine content, coffee should be avoided by pregnant women, but they can have a moderate amount of chocolate.

The first benefit that you get after eating chocolate is that it elevates your mood and makes you feel positive. You are already quite stressed out because of the changes taking place in your body during pregnancy. After eating a chocolate, you will notice that you feel very happy! Apart from that, there are a number of health benefits too that are associated with consumption of chocolate. One of the key health benefits is that it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women to a great extent. Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication where the pregnant woman's blood pressure becomes abnormally high and there is a high level of protein in the urine. Eating chocolate can prevent this life-threatening condition because it has a chemical component named theobromine that is responsible for the bitter taste in cocoa. Now, this component has a stimulating effect on the heart function. It also relaxes the smooth muscles of the body and facilitates dilation of blood vessels. In this way, chocolate keeps blood pressure steady in pregnant women.

Chocolate is a great source of important minerals like iron and magnesium, which are required in a large amount during pregnancy. Iron has a major role in proper growth of the fetus while magnesium contributes towards the brain development of the unborn baby. In fact, when a woman craves chocolates during pregnancy, it has often been found that she is deficient in these nutrients. Chocolate has a good amount of flavonoids, which have amazing antioxidant properties. This in turn improves a pregnant woman's cardiovascular health and boosts her immune system too.

Risks

Even though there are so many beneficial effects of having chocolate during pregnancy, too much of it is bad for the baby. Increase in chocolate intake means more consumption of caffeine by the body, which can cause problems for both the baby and the mother-to-be. Some adverse effects of eating too much chocolate are as follows:

• Excessive caffeine in the body may interfere with the iron absorption mechanism in the mother's body and lead to iron deficiency.
• Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Excessive consumption of chocolate can aggravate this problem further.
• Too much of chocolate leads to decrease in blood flow to the uterus, which means less oxygen and nutrients will reach the fetus.
• In the later stage of pregnancy, an increase in amount of caffeine intake can affect the sleeping pattern of the baby.
• It may have an adverse impact on the growth and development of the baby and can give rise to problems like low birth weight or birth defects in the newborn baby.

I hope this article helped you to understand both the positive as well as the negative effects of eating chocolate during pregnancy. To yield maximum benefits of chocolate, you should eat low fat, good quality dark chocolate as it has high amounts of iron and flavonoids. Do not finish off a single bar in one day. Eat in moderation. You should stay away from milk chocolate or any other chocolates that are rich in sugar, calories, fat and additives as these components are not good for you. Take care!

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Balanced Diet Need To Know for Pregnant Women

What a pregnant woman eats has a direct bearing on her unborn child. She has to take a well-balanced diet which has all the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals, not only to keep her body healthy and prepare it for childbearing and breastfeeding, but also to aid in the proper growth and development of the unborn child. A normal, healthy woman requires approximately 2100 calories in a single day and during pregnancy, she needs about 2500 calories in a day. Besides increasing the number of calories, she should pay attention to the kind of foods she eats, so that she and her unborn baby get the right kind of nutrition. What constitutes a balanced diet for pregnant women, let's find out.

Diet for a Healthy Pregnancy

Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins

A balanced diet for women is the one in which all food groups i.e. foods containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats are included. A pregnant woman's diet should mainly consist of carbohydrates, which can be derived from including foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta, corn, rice and whole grains in the diet. Fats, which are found in oils, butter, nuts and dairy products as well as high protein foods, which are found in meat, eggs, fish, beans and dairy products have to be included in the diet too.

Fiber

As constipation is common during pregnancy, so including fiber rich foods in the diet is essential. Some of the foods rich in fiber are whole grain breads, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables and cereals.

Calcium

A well-balanced diet would be incomplete without including at least four servings of calcium rich foods in a day. Ideally, a pregnant woman should get around 1000-1300 mg of calcium through her diet every day.

Iron

Iron rich foods are a must in a pregnancy diet plan, because they provide the body with extra blood needed for the placenta. Broccoli, spinach, wholemeal bread and muesli are some of the foods that are rich in iron and thus, are an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamin C and A

A pregnant woman should eat at least one food product which is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A, everyday. Foods rich in vitamin C are oranges, strawberries, papaya, cauliflower, broccoli, green peppers, sprouts and grapefruits. Foods rich in vitamin A are spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, beet greens, turnip greens, apricots and pumpkins.

Folic Acid

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is essential for the development of the nervous system of the baby. Folic acid helps in preventing neural tube defects as well as certain congenital malformations in the baby too. A woman should start taking folic acid rich foods such as green vegetables, lentils, orange juice, barley beans, rice and peas, even prior to conception and continue taking them for the first three months of pregnancy.

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

If by any chance a pregnant woman is lacking in vitamins or minerals or the required nutrients of a healthy diet, she should take prenatal vitamin supplements to make up for it. It is always best to consult a doctor who will then prescribe prenatal vitamins, according to the body's requirement.

During pregnancy, majority of women experience morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, making it difficult for them to increase their calorie intake. However, undertaking a diet, which includes all the foods mentioned above, is a must. Pregnant women should strive as much as they can to consume all the necessary food in the right quantity, so as to keep themselves as well as their baby healthy.

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About Decaffeinated Tea during Pregnancy

The caffeine content of a cup of tea can be lowered to a great extent by reducing the steeping time.

During pregnancy, you try to make every possible effort to make sure that you don't eat or drink anything that can harm your baby. So, you end up making a number of dietary changes. However, caffeine, an alkaloid found in beverages like coffee and tea, has confused women for a long time.

While some people advise to avoid caffeinated beverages completely during pregnancy, others maintain that their consumption in moderation is not harmful for the developing fetus. Though tea contains caffeine, it is considered to be a healthy drink due to its antioxidant content.

Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the harmful effects of caffeine on the developing fetus, as studies conducted so far have demonstrated conflicting results. But it is generally maintained that pregnant women should cut down their caffeine intake. So, they can switch over to decaffeinated tea, and derive the benefits of tea while avoiding the harmful effects of caffeine. Let's find out more about caffeine, its effects on the fetus, and how safe decaffeinated tea is for pregnant women.

How Caffeine Affects You and Your Unborn Child?

» Caffeine is basically a stimulant, a psychoactive substance that acts on the central nervous system to increase alertness. It can also increase your heart rate and the rate of metabolism. Regular consumption of a large amount of caffeinated beverages can cause insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. Caffeine has diuretic properties, and so, it can cause dehydration, if taken in excess. During pregnancy, it is important to stay well-hydrated and limit the intake of caffeine.

» Caffeine can affect the fetus in the same way it affects you. So, it can increase fetal heart rate, and affect your baby's sleep and movement pattern. It can also constrict the blood vessels and thus, reduce the supply of blood to the placenta. If taken in large quantities, caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, and cause low birth weight and stillbirths. An unborn baby cannot fully metabolize caffeine, and so, it remains in the baby's bloodstream for a long time. The ability to break down caffeine also reduces during pregnancy.

Decaffeinated Tea and Pregnancy

» If you have the habit of drinking tea or coffee daily, then cutting down the intake of caffeine can be a really difficult and challenging task for you. The caffeine content of a cup of tea is usually lower than that of a cup of coffee, as a large amount of caffeine is left in the leaves, which are discarded after making the drink. Tea contains flavones and antioxidants, which are essential for leading a healthy life. Tea can also help you cope with morning sickness and an upset stomach. As far as caffeine and its harmful effects are concerned, these can be avoided by switching over to decaffeinated tea.

» The consumption of a small amount of regular tea is also considered safe during pregnancy. What is important is to avoid the overconsumption of tea, in order to reduce the intake of caffeine. Decaffeinated tea is also not completely free of caffeine, as complete removal of caffeine is not possible. So, it contains a small amount of residual caffeine, which should be kept in mind by pregnant women.

» The process of decaffeination can not only lower the level of caffeine, but the level of flavones and antioxidants as well, which may compromise the nutritional value of tea. But as far as the safety of decaffeinated tea is concerned, its consumption in moderation is considered safe for expecting mothers. But it is better to reduce the amount of tea you drink daily. In general, drinking 2 or 3 cups of decaffeinated tea is considered safe during pregnancy.

» Apart from caffeine, tea contains phenols, which can impair the absorption of iron and folate, if it is consumed with a meal or within half an hour of eating a meal. Green tea contains a compound, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which can affect the way in which our body uses folate. Therefore, avoid taking tea, including decaffeinated tea immediately after a meal.

Things to Be Considered

» As per the guidelines issued by the Food Standards Agency, the daily caffeine intake of pregnant women should not exceed 200 mg. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, caffeine intake up to 200 mg per day is safe during pregnancy. This is equivalent to 1 to 2 cups of coffee or 3 to 5 cups of tea. However, the caffeine content of coffee depends on the type of beans. For example, robusta beans usually have more caffeine than arabica.

» While sticking to the figure of 200 mg caffeine per day, pregnant women should bear in mind that tea and coffee are not the only sources of caffeine. In fact, this naturally occurring alkaloid can be found in a wide range of food and beverages, of which chocolates, soft drinks, and energy drinks are worth mentioning.

» Caffeine can also be found in many over-the-counter medications used for treating cold, headaches, and allergies. So, while counting your daily caffeine intake, be sure to consider the caffeine content of medications, and the foods and beverages mentioned above. The caffeine content of decaffeinated tea and coffee should also be taken into account, no matter how insignificant it is.

Though consumption of decaffeinated tea is largely considered safe during pregnancy, it is better to follow your physician's suggestions in this regard. If your physician asks you to completely eliminate caffeine, then it is better to do so. But if you are asked to cut down the intake of caffeine, you can enjoy a few cups of decaffeinated tea as long as your daily caffeine intake stays within the safe limit.

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Health Benefits Of Eating Pineapple

One fruit that has provided much health discussion is the good ol’ pineapple. Rarely was it referred to as anything other than a fresh slice of goodness, but lately the effects have provided a more quality review. There might be serious health benefits to men and women by consuming some sort of pineapple daily, whether it be fresh, canned, or the juice.

Pineapples are packed with precious vitamins and nutrients which cause the benefits to include the following:

1) Mighty Manganese

• Manganese is the first mineral of which pineapple contains valuable amounts. Manganese functions in the human body to keep bones strong. Manganese assists in creating bone and connective tissue. 73% of the RDA of manganese can be obtained with simply one cup of pineapple. Calcium is commonly known as the most important component of bone strength, made popular by “Got Milk?”; however, manganese in pineapple helps in absorption of the calcium thus creating a double effect of bone strength. Youth and elderly can benefit from this- growth and maintenance can dually be achieved.

2) No Pain Bromelain

• The next essential agent that pineapple possesses is bromelain. Bromelain aids in managing pain, inflammation, swelling, discomfort, and other similar annoyances. Pain that can be associated with surgery, arthritis, or other inflammation related causes can be controlled and contained more effectively with the healing power of bromelian packed pineapple- the healing fruit.

Beneficial for Men and Women Alike

Pineapple is not more beneficial for one sex or age over the other. There are general health benefits to reach a wide range of consumers:

• Pineapple can help in the stomach and intestinal area for many different reasons. Pregnancy related problems such as nausea or morning sickness can be treated with simple pineapple consumption. Abdominal irritation, constipation, and even worm infestations can be remedied with this fruit. The GI tract is heavily benefited with pineapples. Even dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome has been known to be treated with pineapples; however, just the juice is not as fiber-packed.
• Thyroid regulation has been maintained with common consumption of pineapple.
• Respiratory troubles have been greatly helped with pineapple due to the high levels of the previously mentioned bromelain because of the anti-inflammatory properties keeping the bronchial walls from becoming inflamed.
• Pineapples work to keep the cardiac health.
• Pineapple is also positive in improving the overall immune system of an individual.

With all of these benefits affecting almost every system of the body, it is necessary to ensure that each individual does not have an allergy to pineapple for the benefits will not be fully revealed.

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Yeast Infection Medicine That Works

The itching, burning sensation that both male and females experience is commonly known as yeast infection. This unpleasant infection, caused from a group of microscopic fungi or yeast, can form on any area of skin that has the adequate living environment. Moist and dark is where the yeast infection prefers to make its residence. This can be under folds of skin, the vaginal or penile area, lower abdomen, armpits, under the breast, or anywhere that is damp and dark. Luckily for you, over the counter yeast infection medicine is available. There are oral medications and also ointments that can be placed directly on the infected area. You can also find natural cures to fight yeast infection if medications are not up your alley.

Yeast infection is most commonly found in women. When the hormones in a woman's body are changing this causes the perfect environment for yeast infection to grow. Pregnancy and menstruation are prime times for a yeast infection to flare up. During pregnancy there is more sugar in the vaginal discharge and since yeast feeds off of sugar it is a perfect place to house an infection. If you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant you should consult your physician and discuss your concerns with them to see what medication would be the best choice for you.

Yeast infection has very definite symptoms. The symptoms that come with a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal itch with soreness, discharge that is very thick and white in color, a burning sensation around the vaginal opening when urine comes in contact, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Since yeast infection doesn't only infect the vaginal area it is important to know what the other symptoms are to different body parts. Where ever yeast infection is there will be a foul or unpleasant odor to that area. Also, the area that is affected will itch and show a rash. If you have never experienced yeast infection before, you should contact your physician to have an educated health professional look at it.

As mentioned previously, medicated drugs are not the only resource we have for curing yeast infection. Many people want to go green these days, by living off the earth and using what is provided for us to use. Doing a search online for home remedies and natural cures would be easy to do. You will find numerous ideas and advice from women who have been where you are at right now. In this article we will look over a few natural cures for yeast infection, but if you take a little time to research this topic yourself you will find many more ideas.

This is a short list, just a taste of what you can find for alternative yeast infection medicine. The easiest thing that you can do for yourself to help cure and prevent future yeast infections from attacking your body is to eat plain yogurt on a daily basis. It must be plain yogurt with no sugar added. If you add sugar to the yogurt you are just giving your body a reason to feed the yeast infection. Plain yogurt contains good bacteria that will fight off the bad bacteria of yeast infection. Plus, it's an excellent source of dairy! The other simple cure all for yeast infection is adding raw garlic to your diet. Garlic is not only good for curing yeast infection, but it will help build up your immune system to fight off any illness that tries to attack it.

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Causes, Symptoms and Natural Treatment Methods for Female Yeast Infection

Female yeast infection has become quite common in that almost half of the world's female population has suffered at least once from Candidiasis or yeast infection. Among those who have had this fungal infection, majority had it in the form of vaginal Candidiasis.

Causes of female yeast infection

Yeast is a naturally-occurring fungus in the human body. However, certain factors can cause an overgrowth which can then lead to yeast infection. The imbalance or overgrowth can be triggered by several factors; and for women, the most common one is the use of oral contraceptives and antibiotics. A weakened immune system is also a predisposing factor; hence, the susceptibility of diabetics, HIV-positive individuals and cancer patients to the infection.

Pregnancy has also been identified as a factor, and so are stress and a high-sugar diet. Other factors that can make a woman prone to Candidiasis are humid weather and wearing tight clothing. One factor that can cause the infection without being biologically predisposed is having intercourse with an infected partner.

Symptoms of Candida infection in women

Signs of yeast infection include itching, skin redness, rashes and a burning feeling. These symptoms are usually present in all types of Candidiasis, including vaginal yeast infection. Other symptoms of vaginal Candidiasis are thick, curd-like discharge and pain during intercourse and while urinating. In some cases, depression and lack of focus may also be experienced.

Natural treatment for female Candidiasis

Women with Candidiasis have a lot of options when it comes to natural treatment. For vaginal Candida infection, a tampon soaked in unsweetened yogurt and inserted into the vagina is one such option. Garlic applied to the affected areas of the body or used as a suppository is another. Tea tree oil, coconut oil and gentian violet are also highly touted natural cures.

Vinegar mixed with water, baking soda with citric acid and lime juice are also natural treatment options. Women who breastfeed usually favor liquid cures, like the vinegar-water solution. These liquid formulas are swabbed on the areas around the nipples and other parts of the breast where itchiness and rashes appear. Early treatment should be done if symptoms appear on the breast of a mother who has an infant since the infection can be easily transmitted to the baby.

Female yeast infection can affect different parts of a woman's body. What she needs to remember is to treat the infection at the onset so that it will not be passed on to her baby, particularly if the infant is being breastfed; or to her partner during intercourse.

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EB Babes Biblioraphy

Introduction:

Considered as Eat Bulaga's next big thing on TV, the EB Babes were formed from the ground up from hundreds of aspiring females from all over the country in a reality TV type concept, from the eliminations 'till the semi-finals, only 30 remained and were given the chance to prove themselves at the EB Babes training camp. The remaining participants were then honed and taught many different skills to become Eat Bulaga's versatile all-female group, from dancing, singing to acting, everyone was expected to be at their very best, and at the end of the month long training regimen, social activities and nerve-wracking Saturday contestant cut-offs, only 10 were chosen to become Eat Bulaga's new dance group.

History:

Official Inauguration: August, 2006
Official Debut: August 12, 2006; Saturday
No. of Members: 10

When the SexBomb Girls walked out on the noontime show Eat Bulaga, due to issues with former SexBomb member Sugar Mercado (who at that time, whose contract had already expired on the said group) was being heavily promoted by Eat Bulaga. This caused an unhealthy friction between the management of TAPE (Eat Bulaga) and Focus Entertainment Inc. (SexBomb Girls and Joy Cancio). This unfortunate misunderstanding resulted in the pull-out and boycott of the said group on the noontime show, leaving Eat Bulaga with no dancers on the floor. For the meantime, the co-hosts substituted as the noontime shows' dancers, until Eat Bulaga's manangement finally took action and prompted to look for their very own regular house dancers, hence, the EB Babes was born.

The members of the EB Babes came from droves of female dancers who auditioned for a possible spot in the said dance group. The accepted applicants then had to undergo over a month of training in a dormitory-like facility located in Sitio Lucia in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. As seen on television, some of the young hopeful dancers were eliminated.

Though the producers of Eat Bulaga, TAPE, Inc. could have just taken the easy way by getting a new dance group or hiring established female dancers, they made sure that the latest addition to their family would excite their viewers . Thus they gave it a Reality-TV flavor which their audience enjoyed watching even with the tedious and taxing process of building for Eat Bulaga a new dance troupe all worth it.

As Malou Choa-Fagar quipped proudly, "Para maiba lang."

The smooth rise of the EB Babes is also because of the guidance given not only by Ms. Fagar but by the whole Eat Bulaga family. Off camera, the EB Babes members were advised to be cautious of their actions, to have wholesome recreations, no vices as much as possible and being dignified wherever they are since they too are carrying the name of Eat Bulaga.

Member(s) - Original:

EB Babe Angel

Name: Rochelle "Angel" Coronel
Nickname: Angel
Birthday: December 28, 1984
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Training Camp Designation: Street Jazz Babe

The eldest member and formerly affiliated with the all-female group Wowowee Girls (a.k.a. Bump Girls).

Due to her past affiliations, she is also considered to be as the more experienced member of the group.

One of her most notable physical trait is her petite stature, which makes her the smallest among the members.

At the show, there's this usual running gag where Vic Sotto (a.k.a Bossing Vic) often makes jokes and puns about her underarms, hence, aside from the "foundation jokes", this was one of the main reasons why she was considered as "Bossing's Fave", which is, not meant literally, but more as a comedic relief.

More photos of EB Babes Rochelle "Angel" Coronel at https://www.facebook.com/ebbabeangel

EB Babe Ann

Name: Rose Ann B. Boleche
Nickname(s): Ann, Hopia
Birthday: September 29, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Training Camp Designation: Ballroom Babe

The EB Babes unofficial leader (a.k.a. EB Babe Boss) and considered as one of the most versatile dancers in the group. She was formerly affiliated with the all-female group, the ASF Dancers (Anna S. Feliciano Dancers a.k.a. Wowowee Girls).

During the 1st EB Babes Talent Search and according to initial reports, she was the one who excelled the most in the training camp, specially in the field of dancing, hence the responsibility to lead the group was assigned to her, where Ms. Malou Choa-Fagar and co-members also agreed upon.

One of her most notable traits is her unusual jumpy behavior, this habit of hers resulted in some comedic moments at the show (courtesy of Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Jose Manalo's antics), thus she was given the nickname Hopia.

More photos of EB Babes Rose Ann B. Boleche at https://www.facebook.com/ebbabeann

EB Babe Belle

Name: Marbelynne M. Rivera
Nickname: Belle
Birthday: November 29, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Training Camp Designation: Diva Babe

The EB Babes are first and foremost a dancing group, but among the members, she is the one who excels the most in the field of singing, the hosts even consider her singing talents as quite exceptional, a perfect example of this is when the EB Babes perform a song number, she usually leads the group in this aspect. During the EB Babes' first ever guest appearance at All Star K! The One Million Peso Videoke Challenge TV show, she was one of the few participants who won the coveted 1 Million Pesos (grand prize), where co-member, EB Babe Joyce as her final obstacle. She also sports a tattoo located at her neck and hips.

EB Babe Joyce

Name: Joana Joyce M. Burgos
Nickname: Joyce
Birthday: June 20, 1988
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Training Camp Designation: Cheerleading Babe

Formerly the youngest member in the group until EB Babe Maiko was officially added to the roster (she is approximately 3 months older than EB Babe Maiko). She also sports a shooting star tattoo. Her most notable physical trait is her natural white complexion, thus the usual running gag and joke on the show (courtesy of Joey de Leon) states, "maputi ngunit mahirap" (white but poor). Based on her performances on the show, she swings more on the hip-hop style of dancing. Besides from dancing, she also has some potential when it comes to singing, along with co-members, EB Babe Mae and EB Babe Lian, thus considering her a versatile and capable well-rounded member of the group. According to her mom when she participated in the Kontrapelo segment (commonly known as Sa Pula Sa Puti), EB Babe Joyce (like EB Babe Kim) auditioned and participated at GMA-7's reality-tv show Starstruck.

EB Babe Lian

Name: Lian Katrina I. Paz
Nickname(s): Lian, Kat-Kat, Heartbreaker
Birthday: December 4, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Training Camp Designation(s): Dance Stunts Babe, Phoenetic Babe

One of the most controversial and well-known member of the group, a big part of this is due to her past relationships and links with famous Philippine showbiz personalities like Janno Gibbs, ex-boyfriend Mark Herras and Paolo Contis. Considered as a well-rounded member in the group, because besides dancing, she can also sing and act. In her past (also seen at her special acting debut episode in Magpakailanman), she had a traumatizing experience in regards to attempted rape, but this episode in her life did not lean her towards the man-hater route, but instead, she tried to learn lessons from it. She's also very fond of Hello Kitty (items and the like). She also sports a tattoo of a fairy located at her left hip and another set at the lower back. According to her co-movie casts (with the Iskul Bukol family) during her guesting and participation at the TV show Family Feud, she was jokingly nicknamed as "Heart Breaker", mainly because of failed past relationships.

EB Babe Madel

Name: Madelyn C. Palma
Nickname(s): Madel, Madz
Birthday: February 13, 1986
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Training Camp Designation: Gymnastics Babe

Originally hailing from the City of Cebu and obviously very adept in the Cebuano language which shows in her accent when she talks. According to viewers, she can be considered as one of the most versatile dancers in the group along with co-member/leader EB Babe Ann, this is due to the fact that she was once a dancer in her hometown. One of her most notable performances in the show was her jump splits, with a variation of the said move accompanied with a 360 degrees spin, which was dubbed by viewers as "The 360 Degrees Jump Split". Along with Manager (voice only co-host during the "Taktak Mo O Tatakbo" segments), she performed the Cebuano version of the famous Filipino novelty song "Itaktak Mo", entitled "Itaktak Gyud", revealing that she may have some potential in singing as well. According to her in an interview, among the 3 dancers from Cebu to be chosen to compete in the 1st EB Babes Talent Search, she was very grateful that she was the one chosen to be their representative.

EB Babe Mae

Name: Mary Mae dela Cerna
Nickname(s): Mae, Baby
Birthday: May 27, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Training Camp Designation: Acting Babe

Due to her youthful appearance, small face and extra round-doe eyes, she was often mistaken as the groups youngest member, and because of this aspect and also according to interviews, she was known to the group as their Baby. She describes herself as the more serious member of the group. Aside from dancing, she has some potential in the field of acting and singing, which makes her a good well-rounded performer in the group, these unique talent of hers shows in her performances at the show, a perfect example of these are her creative cosplay dance numbers and action themed dance routines.

EB Babe Mergene

Name: Mergene E. Maranan
Nickname: Jing
Birthday: November 4, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Training Camp Designation: Photogenic Babe

Considered by many viewers and critics alike as one of the most attractive participant during the 1st EB Babes Talent Search, which in turn garnering her an enormous amount of votes leading the competition. She was also formerly affiliated with the short-lived Honey-Me Dancers, where she waa called as "Muffin" along with her sister Gina. According to interviews, she lives in her very own condominium along with co-members EB Babe Joyce and EB Babe Ann. She also sports a butterfly tattoo located at the upper back (shoulder area).

EB Babe Saida

Name: Saida E. Diola
Nickname: Sai
Birthday: October 17, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Training Camp Designation(s): Belly Dancing Babe, Fashionista Babe

Formerly affiliated with the Wowowee Girls (a.k.a. Bump Girls). According to interviews, being designated as the Fashionista Babe, she loves to accessorize herself with gold, also, she happens to love strawberries as well as shopping. She sports a tattoo of a crown located at her lower back. One of her most notable traits is her squeeky voice, childlike behavior and playful personality, a perfect example of this is during the controversial first ever EB Babes vs. SexBomb Girls showdown, where she gave SexBomb senior member Rochelle Pangilinan a bump from behind, which according to her in the interviews, she didn't mean no disrespect.

Member - New:

EB Babe Molly

Name: Molly Eva A. Baylon
Nickname: Molly
Birthday: May 3, 1990
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Training Camp Designation: none

As opposed to the members of the EB Babes who joined the group, all of them were sorted and picked through competitions and contest-like events (i.e. 1st and 2nd EB Babes Talent Search), but in her case, it's quite different, she first appeared in the group without any known introductions and such, she was included in the roster there and then. During Eat Bulaga's February 10, 2009 episode, she was already seen performing with the group, leaving the viewers (mostly the fans of the EB Babes) scratching their heads as to who that new face was.

Originally based in Cebu City, she once took up residence at Muntinlupa City where she also studied (Muntinlupa National High School). More known as a temporary member of the SexBomb Girls and the SexBomb Wannabes. She was also affiliated with the all-female dance group known as the Pink Butterflies (2006), a sub dance group who also happens to be handled by the same company as the SexBomb Girls (specifically, Focus Entertainment Inc.). Back in her hometown in Cebu City, she was once a member of a band, so aside from dancing, she can sing as well, which makes her a good well-rounded new addition to the roster. Her diverse talents, past affiliations and experiences may have been the reasons why she was added to the roster, simply put, "the overall package".

Due to her addition to the roster, it's not surprising that such speculations like "how she would fit in with the EB Babes" would arise, since the EB Babes and the SexBomb Girls have mostly been considered by hardcore fans and casual viewers alike as stereotypical rival dance groups in the same noontime variety show (namely, Eat Bulaga).

2nd EB Babes Talent Search:

When EB Babe Kim was temporarily put on inactive status due to pregnancy. This prompted the management to look for replacements from the previous eliminated finalists of the 1st EB Babes Talent Search to fill in the missing slot and as well as to further expand the group, this was later dubbed by most viewers as the 2nd EB Babes Talent Search which was held on February, 2008.

Finalists from the 1st EB Babes Talent Search who were eliminated during the Saturday episodes of the show were again given the chance to become part of the EB Babes. They were officially declared as the newest members on March 1, 2008. Ironically, all the supposedly new members chosen to be the newest additions of the group have all retired officially from the roster due to different reasons and such.

The Chosen Three:

• Maiko Eleva P. Ison
• Refer to former members section. Brendalyn Gromeo
• Refer to former members section. Divina Necessito

One of the eliminated finalist from the 1st EB Babes Talent Search who was recalled to participate in the 2nd EB Babes Talent Search. She was one of the three winners chosen to be the new members of the group, but for reasons unknown, she declined the invitation. According to initial reports, she pursued a different career.

Former Members:

EB Babe Kim

Name: Kimberly Kate L. Guevarra
Nickname(s): Kim, Suray
Birthday: June 18, 1987
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Training Camp Designation: Comedy Babe

The 10th and final -- original -- member to be picked during the 1st EB Babes Talent Search and unfortunately, the first original member to leave the group. She sports a tattoo located at her lower back.

At the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (2006) awarding ceremonies, she was reported to have collapsed at the duration of the event due to fatigue, also, during the controversial first ever showdown with the SexBomb Girls, she suffered a scratch at her back, an accident resulting in a quarrel with one of the members of the said group, specifically SexBomb Mhyca, according to initial reports and interviews, other members of the EB Babes also suferred minor bruises.

She also participated in GMA-7's reality talent search Starstruck III The Nationwide Invasion: Dream, Believe, Survive and was included in the final 20. According to Startalk (episode aired on February 16, 2008), it was reported that she was pregnant. She is currently a proud mother of a heathy boy.

EB Babe Brenda

Name: Brendalyn Gromeo
Training Camp Designation: Affable Babe

Along with new co-member EB Babe Maiko, she had her debut on March 25, 2008 at Eat Bulaga and the EB Babes weeks after they were officially announced as new members of the group. She decided to leave the roster unofficially due to reasons unknown, reports state that she has prioritized her studies over her career.

EB Babe Maiko

Name: Maiko Eleva P. Ison
Nickname: Maiko
Birthday: March 8, 1988
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Training Camp Designation: none

Hailing from the city of Makati and taking the title of the youngest member of the EB Babes from EB Babe Joyce by 3 months. She was one of the participants from the 1st EB Babe Talent Search who was booted out early on in the contest, but fortunately, was the first EB Babe contestant to be featured on FHM, since all the members of group were featured in the said magazine. She was officially declared as (1 out of 3) the newest member of the EB Babes on March 1, 2008, and debuted on TV weeks after on March 25, 2008. Along with EB Babe Saida and EB Babe Angel, she was also formerly affiliated with the Wowowee Girls (a.k.a. Bump Girls). At FHM Philippines, December 2006 Issue, according to the magazine interview, her name was derived from what Japanese dolls were called.

Along with Brenda and Divina -- who were the 3 chosen finalists to be added to the roster --, she decided to leave the group unofficially for reasons unknown, which makes her the 3rd member to leave the roster.

Appearances:

Since the EB Babes are exclusively under the management and property of Eat Bulaga and TAPE, it was expected of them to appear only on the said noontime show (since the group itself carries the noontime TV shows name). But as their career progressed, they were given the opportunity to appear and work on many different shows and projects on GMA Network, it's affiliate QTV 11 and such. - source

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Gretchen Barretto's 17-year old daughter Dominique Cojuangco pregnant?

Rumors are circulating on tabloids that Gretchen Barretto's daughter, Dominique Cojuangco, is pregnant.

In a presscon of her newest TV project Princess and I, Gretchen neither confirmed nor denied the pregnancy of her 17-year old daughter from business tycoon Tonyboy Cojuangco.

"I'd rather not (answer) whatever it is (you will be asking) because if you ask me that, then that means it's not (true). I think I believe that I already mentioned earlier that I would like to talk purely about my career. No other thing else. Whatever rumor that it is, I don't want because I'm not in this business for anything of that sort especially mag-e-air kami. Parang I don't need anything that is negative or untrue. Rumors are rumors."

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Health Benefits of Licorice Tea

Licorice is a sweet flavored root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. This plant is found mainly southern Europe and in few parts of Asia. Uses of the licorice herb were made since the ancient times, there is proof of licorice water being used by Egyptians. Though there are many uses of licorice root, licorice candies are more popular than its health benefits! The sweetness of licorice candies is not artificial, it is due to a substance present in the root known as glycyrrhizic acid. This substance is said to be fifty times sweet than sugarcane!

Talking about the licorice benefits, it is mainly used for cough, constipation, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice was used to treat ailments like tuberculosis and diabetes. This is because licorice contains flavonoids and glycyrrhizin which helps to breakdown cortisol produced by the body.

Not just the root but even licorice root tea has also has many health benefits. It is used for flavors and also for its medicinal qualities.

Benefits of Licorice Root Tea

The licorice root is dried and crushed into a powder to make tea. Some of the extracts of licorice do not contain glycyrrhizin, which is why they do not have any of the licorice root side effects. The following are some of the major health benefits.

• Most of the stomach ailments like ulcers, nausea, heart burn, acid reflux can be treated by licorice tea. Licorice contains a herbal formula known as Iberogast; this formula helps to relieve the symptoms of GERD.
• This tea is used to soothe sore throat and reduce cough. However, it should be given in right amount to avoid side effects.
• Various skin disorders can be treated with this tea. It is also used to treat different kinds of boils.
• One of the major health benefits of this tea, is that it can ease menopause symptoms. It increases the production of estrogen if it is too low and reduces it if the level is too high, that is why it is rightly called the wonder herb.
• Some of the studies suggest that regular consumption of licorice tea can help to reduce weight. It also suppresses hunger as it is a natural diuretic which can reduce hunger.
• Apart from these benefits, this tea is also used to cure headache, seasonal allergies, increase, libido, viral liver inflammation and excessive thirst.

Side Effects

If you are worried about the side effects, you need to know that side effects of licorice tea occur only when it is consumed in excess, on a regular basis. One should not consume this tea without prescription. Symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, upper abdominal pain, muscle pain etc. can occur due to excessive use of this tea. Pregnancy is another condition where the consumption of this particular tea should be avoided as it may cause fluid retention. People suffering from high blood pressure, fluid retention, cardiac insufficiency etc. should also avoid consumption.

Licorice Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 - 7 pieces of dried licorice root
• 3 cups (850ml) of water
• 3 teaspoon of Ginseng Oolong Tea

Process

As stated before, preparing this tea is quite easy. All you need to do is, put the dried licorice root along with Ginseng Oolong tea in a teapot. Pour boiling water and let stand for about 5 minutes. Pour it into a cup and let cool slightly before serving. This contains low amount of caffeine and anti-oxidants. It also has a mild flavor.

As you have seen, licorice tea has many benefits, but only when consumed in adequate amounts. So, consult your doctor for the right amount, before enjoying its benefits.

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Can You Explain What It Means To Be A Hepatitis B Carrier?

When I got pregnant, I was diagnosed with viral hepatitis — more specifically, the doctor said I am a hepatitis B carrier. What does that really mean? I don’t have any symptoms as far as I know. Both my kids and my husband have been vaccinated. But what do I have to do for myself? Do I have to be vaccinated? I am a bit worried about this and I would appreciate it if you can enlighten me regarding this query.

In the United States, we usually think of hepatitis B as a sexually transmitted disease, and of course it can be spread in that way. But, if we look at hepatitis B from a world-wide perspective, the commonest form of transmission is probably from infected mother to newborn child. Therefore, it is now the standard of care to test all expectant mothers for this virus, so that their newborns can be promptly treated to prevent such transmission. Many women, like you, are surprised to learn that they are hepatitis B carriers, which means that they are chronically infected with the virus.

There are a number of blood tests done to evaluate hepatitis B, and they can be useful in determining the stage of infection and how much risk there is of transmission from someone who is infected to someone else, either sexually or to a newborn at birth. These tests measure various antigens, which are parts of the actual hepatitis virus itself, and the antibodies that our bodies produce against those antigens when we are infected or vaccinated.

Three hepatitis B antigens are recognized: the surface (s) antigen, the core (c) antigen, and the e antigen. The s and e antigens can appear in the blood, and are commonly tested for. The c antigen remains in liver cells, and there is not a commonly used clinical test for it. The tests for the s and e antigens are usually noted as HBsAg, and HBeAg.

Each of the antigens has a corresponding antibody, and clinical tests for all three are commonly done. These are the HBsAb, the HBcAb, and the HBeAb. (Ab is short for antibody, Ag for antigen). A complete panel of hepatitis B tests therefore consists of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb. They are reported as positive or negative, not as numbers. So what do they mean?

When a person if first infected with the virus, HBsAg and HBeAg appear in the blood. These indicate that the virus is duplicating itself in the body and is present in the blood. A short while later the HBcAb appears. This is simply the body’s response to the core antigen, and doesn’t tell us anything about how severe the infection is or whether it will become chronic. If the infected person is able to fight off the virus, which happens in about 95 percent of infected adults, the HBeAg disappears after about four months, and is replaced by the HBeAb. Slightly later HBsAg disappears and is replaced by HBsAb. The presence of HBsAb means that the immune system has successfully fought off the infection, and the person is not able to transmit the infection to others (although blood banks will never accept that person as a donor regardless).

If HBsAg has not converted to HBsAb by six months, then the person is said to have chronic hepatitis, meaning that the virus is still infecting the liver. If HBeAg has not converted to HBeAb, then the person is considered to be highly infectious. A woman who is HBeAg positive when she gives birth has a 90 percent likelihood of infecting her newborn if the baby is not quickly treated. If she is HBsAg positive but has converted to HBeAb — meaning that she is less infectious — the chances of her infecting her newborn fall to about 10 percent.

You apparently didn’t know that you were a carrier until this pregnancy, so possibly you had your first two children before the testing of expectant women was a routine practice. The fact they both escaped being infected means that you are probably in the HBsAg positive, HBeAg negative category, with a low risk of transmission.

Your husband and both children have been vaccinated. This is of course crucial for your husband to prevent sexual transmission to him, and is now standard pediatric practice for all children to prevent them catching the disease sexually when they grow up. Vaccination is done with the HBsAg particle, produced by recombinant technology that ensures that no other viruses are in the vaccine. Someone who has been vaccinated should become HBsAb positive. The absence of HBcAb in people who have been vaccinated distinguishes them from someone who has had the infection and recovered from it.

Vaccination would be pointless for you, since you are already chronically infected. There is treatment now for chronic hepatitis B, with interferon and a drug called lamivudine. Whether you would benefit from such treatment would depend on the age when you were infected (people infected as infants generally cannot be cured) and the state of your liver as determined by blood tests and a liver biopsy. After you are through with this pregnancy, you should be evaluated for treatment by a gastroenterologist. Your baby should be promptly treated after delivery, even though your first two children did not get infected, just on the off chance that he or she might fall in that 10 percent group.

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When Do You Ovulate

Ovulation is the most fertile time of a woman's menstrual cycle wherein the ovary releases an egg (rarely more than one egg). Every month the egg or ovum grows inside the ovary and as it reaches a certain size, it is released by the ovary and swept in to the fallopian tube toward the uterus. For conception to occur, a woman should have sexual intercourse during the period extending from one to two days before ovulation to 24 hours afterward. Since the sperm cells can survive two to three days and the egg not more than 24 hours after ovulation, it is the most fruitful time for fertilization to occur.

When Do You Ovulate?

Ovulation is different for every women and primarily depends on the menstrual cycle. However, increase in the cervical fluid discharge, rise in basal body temperature around 10th to 14th day of the cycle, ovulation cramping or pain, etc., are some common indications of ovulation.

After Period

The answer to this question primarily depends upon the number of days in your menstrual cycle, for instance if you have a regular 28 days cycle, you will ovulate around 14 days after your period or prior to the start of your next period. Likewise, if you have a 21 days cycle and you bleed for 7 days, then you could ovulate right after your period i.e. 6th - 10th days of your cycle. But, if you have irregular period, you need to rely on other methods like ovulation prediction kits that will help you to know when you are going to ovulate. Besides this, change in the volume, consistency or color of your cervical mucus, or rise in your basal body temperature are some other ways of determining ovulation.

After a Miscarriage

During pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called hCG, which suppresses the pituitary gland's production of certain hormones that usually stimulate ovulation. The hCG level drops after the pregnancy tissue is removed during miscarriage and you resume your normal menstrual cycle. Although the time duration for this to occur usually, depends upon the value of hCG present before the miscarriage, hCG suppression of the pituitary gland usually subsides within two weeks. If you had a spontaneous miscarriage without any prolonged bleeding or any other infectious symptoms, you will start ovulating within 2 - 4 weeks after the miscarriage. However, the best way to know if you are ovulating or not is to buy an ovulation kit or count the days or have a blood test to confirm the date on which the ovulation starts.

While on Birth Control

The combination pills i.e., pills containing both estrogen and progesterone, work in several ways to prevent pregnancy, of which the most important one is preventing ovulation. The pill thickens the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from entering the womb and dilutes the womb lining so the fertilized egg can't implant. Irregular compliance or intake of pills, or any interference due to other medications can cause a woman ovulate even when she is taking birth control pills. Though it is difficult to say when you will ovulate, changes in vaginal discharge or cervical fluid are unlikely to be results of ovulation while you are still taking contraceptives.

After Stopping the Pill

After stopping the pill, it may take as few as four or five days or as much as several months to start ovulating. However, in most cases a woman can ovulate again around two - three weeks after taking her last birth control pill or in other words, she can have the natural menstrual cycle approximately 4 - 6 weeks after she stops taking the pill. Whereas in case you had irregular cycles before taking the pill, it's quite possible that you may have irregular ovulation cycles once you stop taking the medication. Moreover, having a period soon after you stop taking the pill doesn't mean that you have ovulated as sometimes it may take a few more weeks or months before you are actually fertile again.

After Giving Birth

One of the most important parameter that reflects the ovulating condition of a woman after delivery is whether she is regularly breastfeeding the baby or not. Research shows that for breastfeeding moms, the hormones that help to feed the baby, suppress the body's ability to ovulate, hence menstruation starts in about 20 weeks after the childbirth. This means that the ovulation may begin in about 18 weeks after the delivery and if the baby continues to feed around the clock, the ovulation period can be pushed off for a year or so. However, a woman who is not breastfeeding the baby, can expect her period to return in about 10 weeks.

Though one can not estimate the exact time for ovulation to start, the above given information can help you to evaluate the approximated time. However, for more confirmation, it is any time better to consult a gynecologist or conduct an ovulation prediction test using an ovulation prediction kit.

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