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How to Replace Carcinogenic Fragrances at your Home
As long as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by beautiful scents. Even in elementary school, I used to sneak my mom’s perfume, carefully hidden in the closet under her clothes. Scented lip balms and relaxing bubble baths were my little rituals. At drugstores, I would always choose cosmetics based on their scent. I trusted the promises made by the manufacturers. I ignored the ingredient lists that seemed incomprehensible to me. Does a beautiful scent equal a healthy home? I loved it when my home smelled nice. Air fresheners were a standard – in the bathroom, living room, and sometimes even the bedroom. Plus, candles created a special atmosphere…
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Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Are We Aware of the Risks?
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the United States, is one of the most commonly used pain relievers worldwide. Often referred to as APAP or Tylenol, it is versatile and can be found in over 600 products designed to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In particular, paracetamol is commonly used by pregnant women. Studies show that more than 50% of pregnant women use this medication during pregnancy. Recommendations about the use of paracetamol during pregnancy come from reputable health institutions like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. Recognized as Safe, But Is It Really? According to information…
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Choline in Pregnancy – How to Give Birth to a Genius
Pregnancy is a time when many women strive to make the best choices for their developing babies. This often means avoiding raw eggs due to the risk of listeria. Many women remove them entirely, particularly during the first trimester when food aversions often occur. However, it’s important to recognize that eggs are one of the most significant sources of a key nutrient vital for your baby’s brain development: choline. Choline is often underestimated, yet a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to serious issues. Understanding the role of choline during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. Why Is Choline So Important During Pregnancy? Choline plays a crucial…
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Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Is “One Coffee”? Shocking Findings.
As a devoted coffee lover, I often found myself asking an important question during my pregnancy: how much coffee can I safely drink each day? Many sources suggested that “one coffee a day” was fine, but I began to wonder—what exactly does “one coffee” mean? Is a small latte equivalent to a large flat white? Does a double espresso count as one coffee or two? How many teaspoons of ground coffee can I brew at home? It turned out that caffeine during pregnancy is more complicated than I had initially thought! The Impact of Caffeine on Pregnancy: What the Latest Research Says Caffeine is a beloved staple for many, boosting…
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DHA in Pregnancy – Choose the Best Supplement
If you’ve read my previous post about the essential role of DHA during pregnancy, you may be wondering which supplement to choose. This decision can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of products available on the market. It’s important to note that while many multivitamins claim to contain DHA, the doses are often insufficient. For instance, a popular supplement in the UK, PregnaCare Max (which is the more expensive version), contains 600 mg of omega-3, but only 300 mg of that is DHA. Research indicates that the optimal daily dose of DHA is at least 500 mg, with a preference for 1000 mg. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to…
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Paracetamol: A Hidden Link to Neurological Disorders in Children
Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the USA, is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. In the USA, it is commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, while in the UK, it is marketed as Calpol. It is frequently administered to infants and children and is widely available, as recommended by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. As a result, nearly every household has it in their medicine cabinet. However, emerging evidence suggests that the use of paracetamol early in life may lead to long-term neurological issues. Paracetamol and Toxicity While paracetamol can cause liver damage in adults, studies indicate that its use during early childhood may…
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8 Effective Oils for Reducing Stretch Marks
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it often comes with the challenge of stretch marks appearing on the belly, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. Many believe that if their mother struggled with stretch marks, they are destined for the same fate. However, my experience reveals that fate is not set in stone—especially when you have the right knowledge and research-backed solutions at your disposal. The beauty market is overflowing with products that promise miraculous results, and many of us are eager to spend significant money in hopes of achieving smooth skin. But what does science really say? Let’s explore the research and uncover the remarkable role oils can play in pregnancy…
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Nutrition and Stretch Marks: Care for Your Skin from Within!
Welcome Back! If you haven’t read my previous article on external methods for preventing stretch marks yet, I highly encourage you to do so! Today, we’ll explore a topic that perfectly complements that post: how to care for your skin from within, giving stretch marks no chance to develop. A proper nutrition during pregnancy is just as crucial as the oils and creams we apply to our bodies. Vitamin C: Your Skin’s Superhero Vitamin C plays a fundamental role in collagen production, which is a protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Research has shown that fibroblasts, the cells responsible for synthesizing collagen, require vitamin C to function properly. Moreover,…
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Diary Free Egg Nog (Non-Alcoholic)
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink in the USA, often served with whipped cream and alcohol (such as brandy or rum). However, this version is alcohol-free, making it perfect for children and pregnant women. I fondly remember my mom preparing it for me during my childhood. When I was unwell, it became a comforting ritual. This recipe is not only delicious but also rich in choline, an essential nutrient for children’s development and maternal health. If you’d like to learn more about the importance of choline in your diet, click here. Ingredients (Serves 2): Instructions: 1. Whipping the Egg YolksIn a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with honey until the…
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Decaf Coffee – A Guide for Expectant Mothers
If you’ve read my previous article on the effects of caffeine during pregnancy, you already know that our beloved lattes are, unfortunately, too energizing for moms-to-be. But don’t worry! Decaf coffee during pregnancy is a fantastic alternative, allowing you to keep enjoying your coffee pleasures. Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful solution with you – organic decaf coffee, perfect for pregnancy! You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with regular coffee in a 50/50 ratio without worrying about caffeine overload. Before you grab your first bag of decaf, it’s important to understand that not all decaf coffee is created equal. Some varieties undergo chemical processes, while…
