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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How to Deal with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects up to 5% of all pregnancies. Such condition arises for the first time during pregnancy, usually during the second or third trimester. Women who are overweight, have close family members with diabetes, or had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are at higher risks than others to develop this condition. Needless to say, it is important to treat gestational diabetes properly to ensure the health of yourself and your baby.

Choose the Right Food and Eat Regularly

Having gestational diabetes does not mean you have to starve yourself. A change in your diet patterns and on the type of food intake can normally bring about obvious improvements. In order to maintain your blood glucose on a steady level throughout the day, it is recommended that you eat regularly. Three small meals and three snacks (or even more), preferably at similar times every day, are advisable. It is also important not to miss any meal, as missing one meal would easily lead you to eat more in the next one and this can make your blood glucose level rocket.

As carbohydrate foods have the greatest impact on blood glucose levels, choosing the right type of foods is of paramount importance. The key here is to choose ‘slow-release’ carbohydrate foods whenever possible, as they are helpful in stabilising blood glucose levels. For example, swap white bread with wholegrain varieties such as granary or multigrain bread. Choose wholegrain rice or basmati instead of other varieties, and stick to high-fibre breakfast cereals such as porridge or oat flakes. In general, you should go for starchy, wholegrain foods that are high in fibre as much as possible. A smarter choice of food means you should not feel starved and can keep your sugar level under control.

While carbohydrate foods are the kind of food you need to pay particular attention to when you have gestational diabetes, it is important to bear in mind that you need to have a balanced diet so that the developing baby can get sufficient nutrients necessary for growth. The food pyramid provides a helpful guide on the recommended intake of different food groups and is particularly useful when you are pregnant.

Close Check on Blood Glucose Level

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your midwife or obstetrician would advise you to closely check your blood glucose level before and after meals. A blood glucose meter, such as One Touch Verio Pro, is needed. By keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels before and after meals, you would be able to identify the types of food that are right for your body. If your blood glucose level is exceptionally high after one particular meal, it could be that the food you have just eaten has greater impact on you. You can then alter your diet and avoid that particular type of food the next time and see if your sugar level improves. Of course, if your blood sugar level remains consistently high, it is important to seek professional help from your midwife, obstetrician, or dietician.

Be Active

Apart from choosing the right kind of food, one effective way to keep your glucose level in control is to be more physically active. It is understandable that pregnant women might not have great stamina to engage in a lot of physical activities, especially in late pregnancy. However, you would be amazed to find out that even a little bit of moving about would help with your glucose level. Walking is the best – not only that it is said to be able to ease or even shorten your labour process, but also that a short walk of 15 to 20 minutes would help lower your sugar level.

Try to walk around for a short time after every meal, but if you are unable to do it, either because you are too exhausted or are at work in the office, attempt to move about or stand for some time after a meal. For example, you can go up the stairs instead of taking the lift when you go back to work after lunch, or do some washing up and household chores after dinner at home. The key thing to remember is: do not lie down or sleep right away after a meal.

Be Relaxed

Your mental state does have an impact on your glucose level. Evidence has shown that when you are stressed, it is more likely that your blood sugar would rise. It is because stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol would kick in when you are stressed, and one of their main functions is to raise blood sugar to boost energy when it is needed. While it is natural to feel concerned or stressed about the health of yourself and your baby, try to be relaxed and not worry too much. It is after all always best for mothers-to-be, whether they have gestational diabetes or not, to feel relaxed and optimistic.

This Article is written by Fiona H.W. Wong and posted by blogger guest.

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Facts About Diabetes Mellitus

Overview : Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease in which the blood sugar (glucose) is abnormally elevated. Normally, the body obtains glucose from food, and additional glucose is made in the liver. The pancreas produces insulin, which enables glucose to enter cells and serve as fuel for the body. In patients with diabetes, glucose accumulates in the blood instead of being properly transported into cells. Excess blood sugar is a serious problem that may damage the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and other organs.

About 5-10% of patients with diabetes are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, causing the organ to no longer produce insulin. Type 1 DM most commonly occurs in children or young adults, and the incidence of new cases is increasing.

Approximately 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus, which occurs when the body becomes unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas. This condition is also called insulin resistance. The prevalence of type 2 DM is increasing dramatically worldwide. In the past, type 2 DM was associated with adulthood; however, it is rapidly increasing in children because of the rise in childhood obesity.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy. This form of diabetes usually resolves after delivery, but patients with GDM have an increased risk of developing type 2 DM later in life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disorder and the exact cause is unknown. Causes may include genetic factors, environmental factors, and viruses.

For type 2 DM, the major risk factors include a family history of type 2 DM, increased age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Type 2 DM can develop in people who are not obese, but obesity is a major risk factor because excess body fat causes insulin resistance.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is caused by certain hormones associated with pregnancy that interfere with insulin’s function. GDM occurs more frequently in patients who are overweight, are older than 25, have close relatives with diabetes, or have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Steroid medication may cause diabetes or exacerbate existing disease. DM is also caused by excess hormone production, genetic disorders that impair insulin activity, and pancreatic diseases.

Symptoms and Complications

People with type 1 DM usually experience a sudden onset of symptoms including:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Weight loss
• Abnormal hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision.

The severity of symptoms depends on the blood sugar level. Individuals with type 2 DM usually have a much more gradual onset of symptoms, and many people with type 2 DM are asymptomatic for years.

Complications

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition associated with increased fat metabolism and production of harmful acids (ketones). Patients diagnosed with DKA develop very high blood sugar levels, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, dehydration, severe weakness, lethargy, and coma.
• Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome is characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels, dehydration, fever, confusion, and coma.
• Atherosclerosis causes the narrowing of arteries throughout the body. This problem increases the risk for coronary heart disease, heart attacks, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and impaired circulation to the legs (peripheral artery disease).
• Damage to nerves (neuropathy) in the arms and legs causes decreased sensation, numbness, and tingling. Neuropathy and poor blood circulation in the feet can cause non-healing wounds and infections that may necessitate lower extremity amputations.
• Damage to blood vessels in the kidney ultimately impairs kidney function (nephropathy).
• Impaired blood flow in the retina (diabetic retinopathy) can lead to blindness.

Diagnosis

Patients with type 1 DM often develop pronounced symptoms of diabetes, so the disease is usually readily diagnosed. Conversely, people with type 2 DM may experience no symptoms. Screening tests are important for high risk groups, such as pregnant women, people with a family history of diabetes, and people older than 45.

Prediabetes is a condition of mildly elevated blood glucose levels found in people at risk for developing type 2 DM. Prediabetes is often diagnosed upon routine screening of otherwise asymptomatic individuals. With early lifestyle changes, prediabetes is reversible.

Tests for Diabetes

• Fasting blood glucose is measured after an 8 hour fast.
• Normal: less than 100 mg/dl
• Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dl
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dl or higher

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed after consumption of a high-glucose solution.
• Normal: less than 140 mg/dl
• Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dl
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dl or higher

• Random blood glucose of 200 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) is an indicator of a person’s average blood sugar for the past 2 or 3 months. The test measures the percent of hemoglobin adherent to glucose molecules.
• Normal: less that 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Treatment Lifestyle Changes

• Patients with diabetes are advised to reduce their consumption of refined carbohydrates and adhere to a high-fiber, low-fat, and low-calorie diet. Daily aerobic exercise is recommended because exercise naturally lowers blood sugars and helps control the disease.
• Medications Insulin therapy is absolutely essential for most patients with type 1 DM, and insulin is also required in some cases of type 2 DM. Insulin is administered by injections or an insulin pump. Oral glucose-lowering medications work to lower blood sugar by either stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin; inhibiting glucose production by the liver; enhancing the body’s response to insulin; or blocking digestive enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Pancreas transplants may be performed in patients when treatment with medications fails.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Sugar

All patients with diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels to verify that the diabetes is under control. The frequency of monitoring depends on the type of medication a patient uses. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a serious adverse effect of diabetic medications and may cause sweating, shakiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Prevention

Type 2 DM is considered a preventable disease, and people with prediabetes can prevent a progression to diabetes by losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. A combination of daily aerobic exercise and resistance training (twice a week) is very beneficial for maintaining blood sugar control.

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Ketosis Side Effects

Normally, our body gets energy from various dietary sources of carbohydrates. When the carbohydrate content is reduced in a diet, our body is forced to obtain energy by burning the body fat. The specialized metabolic mechanisms for the breakdown of fat molecules in the adipose tissue are activated in order to achieve this. Such a breakdown of fats to obtain energy results in the production of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate.

Acetoacetate further breaks down to acetone which is utilized to fulfill the energy requirements of the body. These three molecules are collectively termed as ketone bodies. In the initial few days, the excess ketone bodies are excreted through urine, and the level of ketones in the body remain balanced. Later on, the continuous rise in ketones leads to their accumulation in the body. This condition is referred to as ketosis. The state of ketosis is not only associated with weight loss, it may also prove beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy seizures in children.

How Does Ketosis Help in Weight Loss?

Many people who are willing to lose weight through dieting, opt for a ketogenic diet. In this diet plan, the fat intake is high and the intake of carbohydrate is very low. Research studies suggest that such a diet leads to weight loss by reducing hunger, triggering the utilization of fat reserves in the body, and depletion of glycogen reserves in liver along with water loss. However, these effects have been evaluated on a short-term basis only. The long-term effects of such a diet is a debatable issue as yet.

Side Effects of Ketosis

There are several side effects which are observed in people who are following a ketogenic diet. Most of the side effects show up 3-7 days after starting the diet. The most obvious side effect that people talk about, is loss of hunger. Some people rejoice on this effect as it helps them to lose weight but many of them cannot tolerate it. This lowers their energy levels so much that they feel unwell. They suffer from minor problems like headache, nausea, irritability, sudden dizziness, and so on. They may also experience sluggish mobility, as more energy is required in breaking down the fats for production of usable energy for the body. Dehydration and constipation are often observed in the beginning of the diet program. These problems are resolved by drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods.

Bad breath is another side effect of ketosis which is triggered by the abnormal increase in the ketone bodies. The body gets rid of the excess amount of acetone through breath resulting in halitosis. In fact, breath acetone serves as a diagnostic measure for ketosis.

Ketone bodies are precursors for a toxic metabolite called methylglyoxal. A study conducted at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center revealed a 2-fold increase in the levels of methylglyoxal in people on a ketogenic diet. This molecule induces oxidative DNA damage and also alters protein structure and functions resulting in damage of various tissues and blood vessels.

Ketosis has also been associated with mild euphoria. At the beginning of the diet, people often experience a feeling of well-being. This has been attributed to the increased levels of BHB, which is an isomer of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), popularly known as liquid ecstasy or the date rape drug. GHB is also naturally present in our body and plays a major role in neurotransmission. A detailed study of the effects of BHB and GHB has shown that BHB indirectly induces GHB-like effects but with a lesser intensity.

If a low-carb high protein diet program continues for a long time, it may lead to other health complications. A high protein diet leads to high uric acid levels, and hence has been identified as a risk factor for gout and kidney stones. Moreover, the excretion of these acids through urine requires calcium. Hence, an increased acid level corresponds to increased calcium excretion, which alters the bone density and poses the risk of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis. Ketosis has also been associated with heart palpitations.

Diabetics and Ketosis

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the inability to utilize glucose as an energy source due to a lack of required insulin levels. The body responds to this state by utilizing the fat reserves to fulfill the energy requirements and by increasing glucose levels in blood. The obvious outcome of this is high levels of ketones in blood and urine to an extent that the acid-base balance in urine also disrupts. Such condition characterized by high glucose levels, acidic urine and high ketone levels is known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and rarely leads to DKA. A ketogenic diet is best avoided by diabetics.

Ketosis during Pregnancy

After the 12th week of pregnancy, a state of insulin resistance is observed which leads to breakdown of body fat. This helps the developing fetus in two ways: glucose is spared for the fetus and the maternal ketones serve as an additional energy source. Therefore, it is normal to observe ketone bodies in urine. However, a ketogenic diet should be followed only with the consent of the expert since it may cause premature birth, still birth or abnormalities in the fetal development.

The effects of ketosis are different for every individual. Some people have the natural ability to deal with them but others may not be able to cope up with the changes associated with it. Diabetics, and people with liver and kidney diseases should definitely avoid a low carbohydrate and high fat or high protein diet. Therefore, at any point of time, if dieters feel that they are unable to tolerate these effects, they should abandon the diet program immediately.

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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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Getting Rid of Heartburn Fast

Heartburn No More

The word heartburn sounds frightening; anything negative attached to the word heart causes one to worry and feel anxious. Imagine your heart burning in flames, sizzling and smoking, and you can’t do anything about it. Fortunately, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. The symptoms are just commonly felt in the chest area, which makes one think that there is something wrong with the heart. But don’t you worry; your heart’s perfectly fine.

All About the Esophagus

Have you heard about acid reflux? It’s when the contents of your stomach, including the acid, make their way back up the esophagus. What follows is a burning sensation in the chest area, sometimes felt up to the neck.

What Causes Heartburn

Many factors may cause heartburn. The common culprits are the foods you eat. Food and drinks that trigger heartburn include: spicy and greasy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks. Heartburn is also more common during pregnancy because of the added abdominal pressure. This is also the case for overweight individuals. Smoking and some medications also cause acid reflux to be more prevalent.

It is rare that heartburn is a sign of something serious. Small amounts of reflux is normal and the swallowing of saliva makes the acid flush down to the stomach before you even feel any pain or discomfort. However, there are some cases where heartburns occur on a regular basis or the burning sensation lasts for a long period of time. Consulting your doctor is, of course, always a good thing. But if you think your heartburn is nothing serious, try these tips to cool the flames and get rid of heartburn.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast

1. Keep a heartburn diary.

In order to get rid of heartburn, you need to identify its cause. An easy way to do this is to keep a heartburn diary. Do not scribble here your daily experiences of getting snubbed by your crush. We’re talking about heartburn here, not heartbreak. What you need to jot down are the instances where you get heartburn. Take note of the time, your activities before the burn, and the food you ate. You will eventually see a pattern and determine the possible source of heartburn.

2. Watch your eating habits.

A quarter pounder plus large French fries can really satisfy your tummy; but you may suffer the consequences shortly after your scrumptious meal. Look at your heartburn diary and check if certain foods trigger your heartburn symptoms. Spicy and greasy foods usually get the blame here. However, it is not just about the food you eat; it’s also about how and when you eat. Try eating smaller meals instead of three large meals. Also, even if your wife cooked your favorite food, get a hold of yourself and eat slowly. Your stomach will thank you for it. Bedtime meals or midnight snacks can also cause heartburn. Doctors recommend eating meals at least 3 hours before going to bed.

3. Drinking habits.

As mentioned above, some drinks also trigger heartburn. Do a little experiment and see if cutting down your coffee consumption helps get rid of heartburn. Do the same for bubbly drinks like soda. It is also suggested that you drink before and after meals. Drinking during meals fills your stomach and increases the likelihood of pushing the contents and acid back up.

4. Elevate the head of your bed.

This is one way of protecting your esophagus while you are sleeping. It helps keep the contents of your stomach from slipping back up to the esophagus. You can put some books under the legs of your bed to elevate it. Note that piling pillows is not an alternative as it increases the pressure on the abdomen.

5. Don’t lie down after eating.

Resist the urge of lying down right after having a meal. It is better to let the stomach empty first. Wait at least an hour before you lie down.

6. Maintain a healthy weight.

Those extra pounds cause more abdominal pressure. It is also better for your overall health if you maintain your ideal weight. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

7. Wear loose clothing.

That gorgeous belt and tight pants may look good on you but they do no good to your stomach. Try to wear clothing that is not too tight so as not to put too much pressure on the stomach.

8. Watch your medication.

Some medications, especially painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can burn the esophagus. It is best to consult with your doctor first and seek for advice regarding which medications won’t harm your esophagus and stomach. On the other hand, there are over-the-counter heartburn treatments such as antacids and acid blockers. These medications neutralize stomach acid. While you can buy these without prescription and can help you get rid of heartburn fast, it is recommended to see your doctor first and ask for proper directions regarding the use of these treatments.

9. Don’t smoke.

Nicotine irritates the esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. This makes the valve perform less efficiently, increasing the chances of getting heartburn.

10. Avoid stress.

One of the most neglected ways on how to get rid of heartburn is avoiding stress. Stress affects the esophageal sphincter and can increase acid secretion.

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Effective Remedies for Spider Veins on Legs

The legs are one of the most common places where spider veins or telangiectasias can develop. Telangiectasias usually appear as red, purple, or blue-colored, fine thread-like marks that closely resemble the look of a spider web, and hence, the name spider veins. They usually develop just beneath the skin on the legs, face, hands, upper thigh, and below the knee joint.

Telangiectasias are a bit similar to varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually larger than telangiectasias, and they can become swollen or enlarged over a period of time. Varicose veins are broken capillaries that generally result from the widening and narrowing of the capillary wall, which eventually causes the capillary wall to tear.

Causes and Risk Factors

Telangiectasias can appear due to a problem in circulation, which in turn, can be caused by the gradual weakening of the blood vessels with advancing age. The valves present in our legs maintain the flow of blood in one direction, i.e., from the legs to the heart against the force of gravity. But due to certain factors, they may fail to function properly. This in turn, can cause some blood to flow back into the veins. As a result, such veins can become a bit swollen and distinctly visible.

Sitting or standing in the same position for a prolonged period of time can aggravate this condition. Body weight can also have an effect on the development of telangiectasias. It has been observed that factors, like a family history of telangiectasias, pregnancy, obesity, hormonal fluctuations, a sedentary lifestyle, leg injuries, tumors in the abdomen, use of birth control pills, and excessive exposure to sun can increase the chances of developing spider veins.

Treatment and Natural Remedies

The conventional treatment options for this condition are sclerotherapy and laser treatment. However, telangiectasias do not cause any health problem, other than being a cosmetic concern. Therefore, they usually do not require any medical treatment. However, they may look unsightly, and so, it is quite normal for people to look for some ways to get rid of this condition. Natural remedies can be of great help in this regard. The following are some of the simple home remedies that can help prevent the development of spider veins or reduce their visibility.

• Excess body weight can put more pressure on the legs and cause the appearance of telangiectasias. So, try to reduce the pressure on your legs by maintaining an ideal body weight.
• Exercise regularly to improve the circulation of blood. This can also help strengthen the veins, and thus prevent the development of spider and varicose veins. Walking, swimming, and jogging are some ideal exercises to prevent this condition.
• Reduce your salt intake, as excessive intake of salt or sodium can aggravate spider veins.
• Never sit for a long time with your legs crossed. Also avoid sitting or standing at a stretch for a prolonged time period.
• If your job or occupation requires you to sit or stand for a long time, then take short breaks in between to elevate your legs for a few minutes.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that can impede the flow of blood in the legs.
• Try to avoid high heel shoes. Always wear comfortable footwear that can provide adequate support to your feet and legs. You can also take the help of support stockings or compression hose to get rid of telangiectasias.
• Include more vitamin C-rich foods, like citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruit, berries, as well as whole grains and green vegetables in your diet. This can help strengthen the veins, and treat and prevent telangiectasias.
• Vitamin K is another natural remedy, as it can help prevent blood leakage from the veins. Green vegetables, cabbage, tomatoes are some good sources of vitamin K. Creams and ointments containing vitamin K can also be applied on the affected area to diminish the appearance of spider veins.
• To reduce the appearance of telangiectasias, soak a soft cloth in apple cider vinegar and wrap the affected area for about half an hour.
• Witch hazel, Japanese pagoda tree extract, and horse chestnut extract are some herbal remedies for this condition. These herbal preparations can help improve blood circulation and strengthen the blood vessels.

Before using any kind of herbal remedy, like witch hazel or horse chestnut, never forget to talk to your physician. To sum up, adopt a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, wear the right type of clothing and footwear, avoid sitting or standing in one position for a long time, and follow a balanced diet for preventing this condition.

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Undeniable Side Effects of Diet Tea

So much furor surrounding the word 'diet' these past few years. And to go with it--the countless products for a detox diet and dieting. Diet tea being one such product that has not only gained much popularity, but has also been touted as the solution to all things pudgy. There are varied kinds of diet teas that are made from varied ingredients, and while each of these boast of the miraculous effects that the daily intake of the same can lead to, there is a need to understand that there could be side effects involved as well. What are these, and how severe can they be? Let us understand the same in the following sections.

Overdosing on Diet Teas

Diet teas, if taken in moderation or if taken in accordance to the daily suggested intake, may not be harmful to the body and health; but if one overdoses on these, or they are taken as a substitute for proper meals, and not simply as a supplement, a number of ill effects that range from mild and immediate to advanced and critical may be experienced.

Ingredients Used

The ingredients that are used in these specialized diet teas include aloe, senna, cascara, locust plant, rhubarb root, buckthorn, and other plant-derived laxatives. These laxative properties will induce loose motions--thus causing a loss of fluids from the body. Sometimes they may even lead to the curbing of one's diet, which in combination with the laxative properties will lead to the loss of water weight, and give one the feeling of having undergone weight loss.

When these ingredients are consumed in excess they can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach cramps, fainting and chronic constipation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also reported of deaths due to these diet teas (which has acted as a contributing factor).

Consumers of diet tea are under the impression that increased bowel movements (brought on due to the laxative properties) will help weight loss by preventing the absorption of calories. However, this is not seen to happen. The diarrhea that is brought on will not help reduce the absorption of calories, because these laxatives do not work on the small intestine where the calorie absorption takes place, but rather on the colon which is at the lower end of the bowel.

Common Practices of Diet Tea Companies

Most of these plant-derived laxatives are used in their natural form as well as in smaller quantities as flavorings. The FDA requires that the manufacturers list out these ingredients with their scientific, as well as common names on all their products. However, these products are not labeled as being laxative in nature-they may be promoted as being a 'natural bowel cleanser' instead. Or these products might not be promoted specifically for the purposes of weight loss--they might, however, make use of words like 'slimming', 'diet' or 'low-calorie' etc on the labeling.

People are therefore sold on the idea of buying these for the weight loss. This practice in itself may be misleading because the teas provide only the flavoring, and no nutrients or calories unless they are sweetened. With the body receiving no nutrients, and losing water weight, a person can become weak, leading to the emergence of several deficiencies in the body. This is especially dangerous for people who have been diagnosed with disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa.

Adverse Effects of Consuming Diet Tea

The FDA has not received any reports that speak of any hazards to health that are brought on when these teas are consumed in the recommended amounts. However, anything otherwise--like consuming these in excess or more than the recommended amount, steeping the tea bag in for longer than specified, or using them as a substitute for food, and it could lead to certain side effects that could range over the short term to severe.

Short-term Effects

First time users who drink more than the recommended amount could end up experiencing one or more of these effects:

• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

These results have been seen to last for days.

Chronic Effects

These effects come about when a person has been using these products for many years. They could cause chronic diarrhea, constipation and pain which comes about because of laxative dependency. All of this leads to a sluggish bowel. It could also affect the functioning of the colon, and as per a case reported to the FDA, a man who had been using these products for decades had to undergo a surgery and have his colon removed.

Severe Effects

In its most severe form, these products could lead to dehydration, fainting spells, and electrolyte disorders. For example, it could bring on low blood potassium (a condition that could cause irregular heartbeat, paralysis and in rare cases even death.)

It has been found that people who are affected with the most severe forms are usually those who have compromised on a healthy food intake, and those who have developed eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

In Conclusion

It is therefore advised that these products be used only after reading through the ingredients properly. Along with that, it is advised that the dosage should not exceed the recommended amount, and the proper instructions be followed before consuming the same. It is also advised that pregnant women do not use this product as it can lead to complications in pregnancy, as well as affect the health of the unborn child.

It is required that you're completely aware of the side effects that diet tea can lead to if taken in excess and over the recommended amount. But the solution presents itself well enough--control the intake for one, and two, there are always better, more healthier options in both weight loss and beverages. So choose wisely and live well.

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Ginger Tea Known Side Effects

Ginger tea, is a hot conventional beverage that is consumed by millions of people everyday. It is very different from the traditional tea, and is made from the ginger root. Ginger, as we all would agree, is known for its medicinal and healing properties. The tea made from ginger root, is being used to heal various ailments including nausea, inflammation, indigestion, migraines, diarrhea, etc. In fact, ginger has been used in Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicines for more than 3000 years. Undoubtedly, the benefits of this herb are many to list. However, a famous saying goes, 'too much of anything is bad'; and this is no exception! Excessive consumption of ginger root tea can have serious side effects. Before we discuss as to why one should not go overboard with this beverage, let us first have a look at the recommended limits of consuming ginger in our diet.

Recommended Consumption Limits

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has listed ginger as a 'generally safe to consume food product'. The safety limit for ginger intake is 2 grams for every kg of body mass; anything more than that, is overdose. Basically, one needs to exercise caution, and be aware about the consumption of ginger tea, as side effects can occur even in circumstances where there is no over dose. Apart from that, herbs and medications for certain health conditions, are known to react with ginger tea; hence consulting one's physician is essential if you are consuming any medication, and also if you are pregnant.

Side Effects of Ginger Tea

One of the first precautions that you must take while taking ginger tea, is that you need to have a healthy amount of it, according to the needs of your body. The drawback of most of the botanical medicines, especially in the form of herbs and roots, is that there is a good possibility that these herbs can react with medications. It is thus advisable to consult a diet and nutrition expert before you actually start consuming large amounts of ginger tea on a regular basis. Ginger tea reacts with medicines that are prescribed in order to cure bleeding. Medications like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, also react with ginger, thereby causing internal bleeding.

Digestive Ailments

Ginger tea is to be consumed in limited quantities. The overdose of ginger tea affects the digestive system. In case of some people, excessive may cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, belching, or bloating. Over consumption may also lead to the production of acids in the human body, leading to acidity. Also, people suffering from diabetes should avoid excessive consumption of ginger in any form, as it can decrease the blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycemia.

Adverse Interaction with Anesthesia

If a person has consumed ginger tea just before a surgery, or has been drinking ginger tea for long, it can be a reason for certain complications in the surgery. Some drugs administered for anesthesia are found to react with ginger tea, leading to complications, such as hindrance in healing of wounds, or photosensitive reactions and bleeding; as a result of interaction with anticoagulants. Which is why, most of the doctors advice to stop the intake of ginger at least one week prior to the surgery.

Side Effects in Patients with Blood Disorders

Ginger tea might be a hindrance in the functioning of the platelets that are responsible for the coagulation of blood. Patients who suffer from blood disorders such as hemophilia, must consult their physician before consuming this tea. Blood thinners (Warfarin), which are prescribed for some blood-related disorders are known to react with ginger. Also, people taking medications for high blood pressure should not consume ginger, as it tends to lower the blood pressure and causes heart palpitations.

Consuming Ginger Tea during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ginger tea is also rumored to be a substance that is toxic to the unborn child. However, some medical practitioners prescribe ginger tea as a medicine for morning sickness. The issue remains debatable; but the best we can do is to not take a chance. If you want, you can always consult your doctor for the same.

Drinking Ginger Tea before Sleeping

One of the common side effects of ginger tea is that it 'kills' sleep. That means, if you consume ginger tea before going to bed, there are chances that you would not be able to sleep for a very long time.

Ginger Tea and Gallstones

Bile production can have an adverse effect on people who are affected by gallstones. Ginger promotes bile production, and indirectly contributes to the pain caused.

It is thus, advisable for a person to seek able guidance before indulging in ginger tea on a regular basis. Side effects are observed when ginger tea is consumed in large quantities. So, whenever you have a craving for ginger tea, drink it in sips, not cups!

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Nasal Congestion Home Remedies

Nasal congestion caused by flu or allergies can be quite annoying and discomforting. Though most of us belong to the school of thought that excessive mucus production conduces to nasal congestion, this condition is caused by swelling of nasal membranes. Since the mucus draining from the sinus cavities are unable to move anywhere, it collects until the inflammation reduces. Most of us have gone through such nasal congestion which make us feel miserable at work and home, not to mention how discomforting nasal congestion at night can be.

Depending on the cause of nasal congestion, the remedy will differ. If the congestion has been caused by an allergen, then the removal of allergens from the environment can help subside the condition. However, for congestion caused by common colds, sinus infections, abnormally small nasal passage etc., there are some nasal congestion remedies for toddlers, infants, children and adults.

Steam

Who doesn't know the wonders that steam has on nasal congestion. This old granny remedy is simply stupendous. It clears even the severe nasal congestion. Use a steam inhaler to provide steam to your system. If you don't have the commercial steam inhaler, simply boil some water in a pot. Once it's boiled, place the pot on a platform carefully. Sit on a chair, drape your head with a towel and lean over the pot. The steam from the pot will unclog your congested nose. According to me, this is the best remedy, although one needs to patiently breathe in the steam.

Nasal Rubber Syringe

Since commercial nasal sprays and decongestants can make the congestion worse, it's better to use a nasal syringe to clear the congestion. All you need in one rubber bulb syringe with a pointed tip, one teaspoon salt and 2 cups of tepid water. Stir the salt into the water and keep aside. Squeeze the bulb of the rubber syringe before immersing its tip in the salt water. Now in this squeezed bulb position, drop the pointed end of the bulb syringe into the water. Draw water into the syringe and release this warm salt water into your nostrils. This nasal congestion remedy not only clears the mucus collected, but also helps flush out the pollens, allergens and other irritants.

Maintaining the Right Position in Bed

Lying down or maintaining a horizontal position worsens nasal congestion. So avoid lying down when you are suffering from it. Use several pillows to form a back rest and prop yourself in an upright position. An upright or elevated position allows the mucus to drain freely from the inflamed nasal passages.

Infant Nasal Congestion

For the first six months, babies breathe only through their nose, which is why it is important to keep the baby's nasal passages clear of mucus, or else the baby's sleeping and feeding patterns can get disrupted. Since infants cannot be given steam treatment, pediatricians recommend saline nasal drops to alleviate the congestion. When the congestion is severe, infant nasal aspirators are available that are used to suction out the mucus in the nasal tract. Even humidifiers can be used to maintain the moisture levels in the baby's room, which will reduce the congestion.

Remedies During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women experience nasal congestion regardless of whether they have a cold or not. While some may encounter this congestion only at night, some may struggle from it all throughout the day. One of the best ways to alleviate the congestion is by taking a warm bath and allowing the steam vapors to work their way into the nose and heal the condition. You could also place a vaporizer with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil in the bedroom before sleeping. The vaporizer helps maintain moisture in the room and alleviates nasal congestion.

Nasal congestion occurs far more than respiratory infections in humans across the globe. A slight alteration in the climate can spearhead bouts of congestion, especially in the case of newborns and infants. However, this even causes stress to the mother. In case of babies and children, it is necessary to consult the pediatrician before administering any medications, even if they are natural.

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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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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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Vegetables High in Iron

Our body requires several nutrients for its proper functioning. These are the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Deficiency of micronutrients is rare. The exception to this is the deficiency of iron, being extremely widespread around the world. In case of iron, the best food sources are non-vegetarian meals. This presents a particular problem for vegans, who exclude these sources from their diet. To compensate, they need to consume vegetarian foods having a high iron content.

Iron-rich Vegetables

It is well-known that green, leafy vegetables are a rich source of iron. Although, there are vegetables other than these also that contain good amounts of iron. Some vegetables, though, contain substances that inhibit iron absorption, like Phytic acid, Tannic acid, fiber, and some minerals. Certain substances, on the other hand, enhance iron absorption. Vitamin C and citric acid are well-known examples of these.

Vegetable	Processing	Iron (mg/1 cup)
Soybeans	mature, boiled, cooked, unsalted	8.84
Soybeans	green, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	4.50
Spinach	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	6.43
Spinach	canned, with solids drained	4.92
Spinach	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	3.72
Spinach	raw	0.81
Tomatoes	sun-dried	5.00
Parsley	raw	4.00
Swiss Chard	cooked	3.96
Pumpkin	canned, unsalted	3.41
Pumpkin	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.40
Turnip greens	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	3.18
Turnip greens	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.15
Beets	canned with drained solids	3.09
Beet greens	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	2.74
Beets	boiled, drained, cooked	1.34
Collards	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	2.20
Collards	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.90
Dandelion greens	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.89
Kale	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.22
Kale	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.17
Broccoli	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.12
Broccoli	boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.05
Broccoli	raw	0.64
Asparagus	frozen, boiled, drained, cooked, unsalted	1.01

Why is Iron Important?

Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that binds with and carries oxygen to every cell of the body. Iron is also a component of the muscle protein myoglobin. Iron is stored in the liver, from where it can be harnessed if the diet proves insufficient in providing it. Iron-deficiency anemia, a condition caused due to insufficient production of RBCs, is common in women, especially those who are of child-bearing age. Anemia hampers one's ability to function. It leads to headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, pallor, etc.

Recommended Dietary Allowance

How much iron a person needs depends upon the age, sex, and special nutritional requirements (the kind that arises during pregnancy), and lactation. There is a lot of variation in iron requirement after taking the above factors into consideration, and the RDA for iron reflects this. Pregnant females between the age of 14 - 50 require the highest amount of iron (27 mg/day). Women between the age of 19 - 50 require 18 mg/day of iron (owing to loss of blood during menstruation). Lactating women require less iron than the aforementioned groups (about 10 mg/day). Males above 19 years of age need 8 mg/day of iron. Apart from these, the rest of the age groups need a level of iron usually found in a complete diet. It ranges from 7 to 11 mg/day.

Although vegetables are non-heme sources of iron, they are valuable for those who have to avoid meat or poultry for a variety of reasons. Vegetables also have the advantage of having good fiber content, vitamins, other minerals, and some other substances like antioxidants. Consuming enough vegetables that are high in iron content ensures that individuals, especially vegans, do not miss out on this vital mineral.

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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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Is Herbal Tea Safe While Breastfeeding?

When you are breastfeeding your baby, components (the good ones and the bad ones) from your food are transferred to the baby through your milk. You may have also resorted to drinking herbal tea for your little one's growth. Herbs have been used in medical history, since ancient times, to restore bodily health. However, some herbs may be too strong for your baby's delicate body to handle and may cause much harm. When you are pregnant, you take so many health precautions. Once the baby is born, there are several questions in your mind, especially, if it is your first baby. It is even more confusing because you don't know how much your diet could affect your baby through breastfeeding. Most young mothers are not even aware that the food they eat is passed into your bloodstream, absorbed into the milk in your breasts and is transferred to the baby through breastfeeding. Also, signs of poor health of the baby could put you in a fix and it would be very difficult to trace the exact cause of his/her behavior.

Herbal Teas that Reduce Milk Production

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Menthol
• Sage
• Dandelion
• Oregano

While peppermint tea can be very relaxing, it can also decrease the production of milk in you breasts. In fact, any other type of mint tea like spearmint or menthol will lead to the same result. Sage tea can also decrease milk. Dandelion tea is really helpful to soothe swelling but you should still avoid it as it can cause dehydration. There is no sufficient research to prove that these herbal teas are not safe to drink while breastfeeding, but they have been observed as a cause of skin-irritations in infants. These herbal teas should be highly avoided, at least until, your baby is 6 months old. Some herbal teas mimic the chemical effects of medication in the body and pass into your milk. Hence, you should avoid them although it may take large quantities of these herbal teas to cause side-effects.

Herbal Teas to Avoid During Lactation

• Green tea
• Rhubarb
• Ginseng
• Chamomile
• Kava root
• Fenugreek
• Gingko
• Parsley
• Borage
• Buckthorn
• Thyme
• St. John's Wort

Some herbs contain alkaloids and are not recommended for consumption during breastfeeding. Avoid drinking green tea during pregnancy too. Even though it is packed with anti-oxidants and vitamin C, it inhibits the production of folic acid which is required in a higher quantity when you are nursing. Fenugreek herbal tea should be avoided in excessive quantities during breastfeeding, because, although it can increase lactation, it can cause diarrhea and stomach upset in the baby. If you are drinking herbal teas while breastfeeding, watch out for certain herbal ingredients like Kava root, buck-thorn, parsley thyme, cocoa, rhubarb, ginseng, St. John's Wort, star anise, borage, gingko and valerian, licorice, basil. If you like garnishing your herbal tea with oregano powder, better discard this habit. Your only source of providing nutrition for your new-born baby to grow and develop is through breastfeeding. Drinking any of these herbal ingredients in your tea can significantly reduce the amount of milk supply. If you are at all drinking green tea or chamomile tea, ensure that they are decaffeinated versions.

Herbal Teas that are Safe to Drink

• Ginger
• Red raspberry
• Nettle tea
• Rosehip
• Milk thistle
• Echinacea

If you want to add ginger to your tea, make sure it is freshly crushed and not dried. According to Chinese medicine, it is not advisable for a young mother to have dried ginger. It will help increase blood flow in your body and soothe symptoms of stomach upset. Red raspberry tea is an excellent choice if you are trying to increase breast milk. It is loaded with minerals and will benefit your little one. Nettle tea also works the same way. Alfalfa can increase lactation by double the quantity. Milk thistle herbal tea is very apt for its name because this herbal tea also helps increase milk supply. Rose-hip herbal tea is absolutely beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Citrus herbal teas like orange and lemon are very rich in vitamin C. Echinacea tea is a really safe drink and will help fight against common cold and flu, boost your immune system and heal any breast infections.

It is also not good to have more supply of milk than the baby can drink because excessive quantity will reduce the nutrition concentration in your milk. If you are not sure whether a certain herb could harm your infant's health or not, I would advise you to do away with it instead of taking a chance. Observe your baby's mood. If he/she seems irritable or you notice any physical effects when you consume a particular herb, immediately exclude it from your diet.

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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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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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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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