Nutritional supplements are certainly able to help people with health problems and conditions which affects their ability to have children. While many nutritional supplements have not been well examined and proven through clinical trials and scientific study, many people have gotten the positive results they wanted with safe health supplements. Besides those pills that help with the men or women libido, necessary prerequisites for having children, there are even health supplements that claim to assist with gender selection when you are trying to conceive a new baby of a particular sex. No, these are not placebos and do have some scientific underlying basis compared to weird Drano baby gender prediction although they are not yet proven to be significantly effective.
If you are interested, you will be taking different nutritional supplements depending on whether you are trying to conceive a baby girl or a boy baby. To some people, this is certainly better than trying to tell the gender of their baby after they are pregnant. Note that these baby gender manipulation health supplements are more meant for women, in order to alkalize or acidify the pH in the mother's reproductive organs. If you want to have a boy baby, you need to increase the vagina pH or equivalently make things more alkalic down there. For example, regular consumption of evening primrose oil capsules is good enough. Besides alleviating discomforts of Premenstrual Syndrome, evening primrose oil also helps alkalize your cervical mucus, which helps the weaker boy producing sperms survive long enough to reach and fertilize the egg before they all die off. However, do not continue to take evening primrose oil after your ovulation, as it is known to prevent fertilized eggs from implanting properly in the uterus, which may lead to pregnancy symptoms.
On the other hand, you need to lower the vagina pH or equivalently make things more acidic such that the weaker boy sperms are all killed off, leaving the stronger girl-producing sperms to survive and make their way to fertilize the egg. A very good supplement to take is cranberries, which are known to lower the pH in the reproductive system and is commonly taken to alleviate thrush or vagina yeast infections that affect many women. The increased acidity will kill off more weaker boy sperms compared to the girl sperms which are bigger in size and have more resilience. For this to work, cranberry supplements should be taken at least one week before you ovulate. Another well known herbal-alcoholic women supplement for increasing the chances to conceive a girl is the Lydia Pinkham tonic, which consist of five herbs that have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic qualities useful for painful spasms and dysmenorrhea in the pelvic and ovaries as well as relief from the symptoms of women menopause.
The use of nutritional supplements for manipulating baby gender and how to choose the sex of your baby are well studied under the Shettles method. Shettles predicts that the conceived baby is more likely to be female if the pH value of the woman reproductive tract is lower of more more acidic. On the other hand, if the the pH value of the reproductive tract is higher or more alkaline, the a male baby is more likely to be conceived. So, if a woman wishes to bear a baby girl, she should create a more acidic reproductive tract environment. Shettles states that this can be done using nutritional supplements as well as a variety of methods such as using a vagina douche consisting of water and vinegar prior to intercourse can create a more acidic reproductive environment, whereas using a douche by dissolving baking soda in water will create a more alkaline vagina environment to increase your chances on how to have a boy.
How to Maintain pH level thrugh Diet
You probably have heard about "pH Balance" before, but are still wondering what it really means. The term "pH" is a medical term that describes the balance of your system and it refers to the condition of metabolic changes. pH Balance, simply put, is the balance of acid and alkaline in all fluids and cells in the body. The scale of pH runs from 0 to 14. Zero is totally acidic and 14 totally alkaline. The middle of the scale at 7 is neutral. The pH level indicates the body's acid/alkaline balance.People wonder why the pH balance of the body is so important to maintain. This is because if body's pH Balance is not in equilibrium, it will create an environment where diseases can attack easily. Therefore, it is critical to maintain pH Balance of the body. Now one might ask: "How to maintain the pH Balance of one's body"?
Optimizing pH Balance:
If you suspect that your pH Balance is out of order, it is important to consider a change in your lifestyle and nutrition. Optimizing your health with a pH balanced diet is the natural way to obtain healthy living for a long time. All foods have an effect on the body's acid/alkaline level. To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. However, to restore health, nutritionists suggest that 80% of one's dietary intake should be alkaline and 20% acidic.
Alkaline forming foods: Alkaline forming foods include most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices herbs and seasonings, seeds and nuts, almonds, apples, avocados, bananas, beans, brazil nuts, broccoli, cantaloupe and carrots.
Acid forming foods:Acid forming foods include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, legumes, white flour, refined sugars, dairy products, peanut butter and chocolates.
Our health lies in our hands.
Since most illnesses find their roots in an imbalanced body pH, it is obvious that most cures also lie in maintaining the body pH Balance. Maintaining a pH Balance of 7.4 is the answer to all our physical problems. Alkaline supplements help to eliminate acid wastes from the body and restore overall health.
Gender Selection Explained through The Shettles Method
Gender selection has long been a topic of debate. While some gender selection methods claim to be highly successful, they often disregard other methods, claiming their own to be more accurate.Of course, most believe the most desired outcome from conception is a healthy baby, no matter which gender. Gender selection should not rule your attempts at conception – some methods can even decrease the chance of conception due to timing methods.
Please note that the information below on the Shettles Method is for reference only. It is not guaranteed to give you the 'recipe' for the desired gender you are trying for.
Introduction
Since the 1960s, Dr. Shettles has recommended gender selection methods which he claims is upheld by scientific evidence. The Shettles Method has the advantages of bearing no cost and requiring no medical treatments to conceive.
Men produce two types of sperm which already contain the sex chromosome, pre-determining the sex of the baby-to-be. The X chromosome being female and Y chromosome being male. Dr. Shettles found from his studies that the male sperm are smaller, weaker and faster than the female sperm, which are bigger, stronger and slower. Therefore he was able to come to the following suggestions to help couples try and choose the sex of their baby.
Timing
The most important factor according to the Shettles Method is the timing of intercourse.
The closer to ovulation that you have intercourse, the higher the likelihood that you will have a boy, since they are the faster of the two types of sperm, therefore likely reach the egg first. If you would like a boy, intercourse should take place during times of peak fertile mucus or no more than 12 hours before ovulation (you can detect ovulation through charting, OPK's etc). If you chart and have a temperature dip, this is a good time to have intercourse or the following morning. You can also have intercourse for a boy when peak mucus changes into thicker mucus.
If you were to have intercourse two to four days prior to ovulation, the higher the likelihood that you will have a girl. This is because the female sperm live for much longer than the male sperm, allowing more female sperm to be able to reach the egg. So if you would like a girl, avoid having intercourse during times of your peak fertile mucus (egg white cervical mucus) which would be more conducive for a boy. By following the Shettles Method, there is less chance of achieving female conception as you are not having intercourse during your peak fertile times. So if pregnancy is more important to you than having a girl baby, Shettles may not be for you.
Vaginal pH
Shettles tells us that an acidic environment favours girls, killing the weaker male sperm first. This leaves a greater number of X sperm to reach the egg.The ideal time to have sex for a boy is when the vaginal environment becomes alkaline, which is on the day you ovulate.
Abstinence
For a boy, you should not have intercourse for 4-5 days prior to ovulation, earlier than that you should use a condom.
For a girl, Shettles recommends daily intercourse from the end of your period until 2-4 days prior to ovulation, then no intercourse 2-3 days after ovulation, when you should use condoms.
Sexual Position
Sexual position is said to help your chances of gender selection due to both depth of penetration and also due to pH levels. The closer to the opening of the vagina, the more acidic the woman's reproductive tract is.
Deeper penetration (e.g. doggy-style) is more ideal for a boy, as the male sperm are closer towards the egg, giving them a head start on the female sperm (as well as being further away from the more acidic areas).
Shettles recommends the missionary position for girls.
Orgasm
For a girl, Shettles recommends women avoid orgasm.
Other
For the men – To try for a boy, Shettles suggests men try and keep the scrotal temperature cool – no hot spas / baths, tight clothing or underwear. Boxer shorts are a good alternative. He also recommends no scuba diving, heated vehicles for extended durations or other areas of high heat. A few cups of strong coffee half an hour before intercourse favours a boy.
Success rate?
Shettles claims that his methods for a boy have a success rate of 80-85% and the methods for a girl a little less at 75-80%.
Pregnancy Start - What is Gender Selection?
Today, with all the new technology, it is possible for parents to have a decision in the gender of their children. There are many ways in which this can be done from artificial insemination, drastic diets, separated sperm, dyed sperm, timing of intercourse and even the position of intercourse. Some of these may be myths while others really are working for couples all over the world.
Some studies show that if you have intercourse on certain days during the fertile time you can predict the sex of your child, while others believe you should use more than one method to ensure that you really get the gender that you desire.
Gender selection through scientific methods is of course, a controversial subject; you will hear all kinds of reasons why you should not be able to choose the gender of your children. From the balance in society to it being immoral. This subject can also cause couples many fights and arguments if one parent wishes a girl while the other one wishes to have a boy.
Choosing the gender of your child should be a personal one. If you would like the option to choose then you should read all the literature that is available concerning methods, risks involved, and above all else be certain that both of you desire the same sex child before moving forward. If deciding the gender of your child is going to be a major problem in your household, it would be best left alone and let nature take its course.
Making a decision on gender selection should be a private and joint decision between the parents, just as whether to have a child should be a mature decision.
Importance of Caffeine Before Sex to Conceive a Boy - Natural Gender Selection Methods
Believe it or not, something as simple as the male drinking one to two
cups of coffee right before having sex can greatly help the chances of
impregnating his partner with a baby boy. Y-sperm are already fast,
but it seems that the extra jolt provided by a higher caffeine level
can give those swimmers a turbo boost! When coupled with the Shettles
method, this little tip can yield big results.
cups of coffee right before having sex can greatly help the chances of
impregnating his partner with a baby boy. Y-sperm are already fast,
but it seems that the extra jolt provided by a higher caffeine level
can give those swimmers a turbo boost! When coupled with the Shettles
method, this little tip can yield big results.
So make sure your coffee is caffeinated, and make sure you drink
yourself a few cups... this will supercharge your sperm right before
launch! After caffeinating, give it about fifteen or twenty minutes to
kick in before moving on to the next step...
Importance of pH Level How to Conceive a Baby Boy
As a woman trying to conceive, your reproductive tract will receive
millions of anxious, ready little sperm... and eventually, all of them
will perish. Sperm can live inside the womb for up to two to three
days (sometimes even more!) and there are a variety of factors that
determine how soon they die off. Acidity, or lower than normal (7.0)
pH levels, is the number one killer.
millions of anxious, ready little sperm... and eventually, all of them
will perish. Sperm can live inside the womb for up to two to three
days (sometimes even more!) and there are a variety of factors that
determine how soon they die off. Acidity, or lower than normal (7.0)
pH levels, is the number one killer.
The male sperm will die quicker than their female counterparts, and
the more acidic the environment the faster this will happen. This
leaves your reproductive canal filled primarily with x-swimmers,
meaning that the chances of having a boy at this point are very slim.
To combat this, you need to make your body's internal acidity more of
an alkaline place to live. You can do this by avoiding spicy or
strongly acidic foods, and by eating other more alkaline foods to
conceive a boy. This levels the playing field when the swimming
starts!
Boxers, Briefs, or Boxer Briefs? Natural Methods to Conceive a Baby Boy
Just as high levels of acidity can destroy sperm, higher temperatures
can do the same thing. Once again, as the weaker male-chromosome sperm
die off faster than their female-chromosome partners, the chances of
conceiving a girl go WAY up. That's why it's important for a man to
keep his sperm at normally regulated temperatures... as cool as
possible.
can do the same thing. Once again, as the weaker male-chromosome sperm
die off faster than their female-chromosome partners, the chances of
conceiving a girl go WAY up. That's why it's important for a man to
keep his sperm at normally regulated temperatures... as cool as
possible.
The best way to do this? Boxer shorts. Boxers allow the testicles to
hang naturally away from the body, keeping lower seminal temperatures.
Briefs allow the testicles to be hugged tightly to the body,
enveloping them in warmth that could kill off hoards of male sperm.
And if you're trying to conceive a boy... you don't want that! Go with
boxers.
Natural Methods - Sex, Positions, and Orgasms for Conceiving a Baby Boy
Finally, there's room for gender selection during the very act of
copulation itself. There are certain sexual positions to conceive a
boy, and others that would be better suited for spawning a female
baby. To know what these are, it's important to remember which sperm
are the faster swimmers: the male ones.
copulation itself. There are certain sexual positions to conceive a
boy, and others that would be better suited for spawning a female
baby. To know what these are, it's important to remember which sperm
are the faster swimmers: the male ones.
Since x-sperm go fast and die sooner, you want to give them the
shortest possible distance to the goal. This is best accomplished by
ejaculation during deep, deep penetration. The 'doggie style' position
is best for this. There are others too, but the ones conductive to
creating a boy will always be the ones where the sperm has the
shortest possible distance to the egg. Deeper is better.
Also important to conception is the female orgasm. During orgasm, the
woman's interior muscles contract, pulling the sperm in, moving it
closer to the cervix where it begins traveling up the reproductive
canal. The more and the harder a woman can climax, the greater the
chances of her getting pregnant... and the closer the sperm gets to
the egg, the better the odds of having a baby boy.
And the female partner's orgasm has another effect on the overall
state of the body, and this effect can help increase chances of having
a boy. Orgasmic feelings release natural endorphins into the body...
these endorphins immediately increase alkalinity in the body, helping
the cause for the y-sperm trying to make their way to the egg.
Determining Gender of Baby - The Steps
Before we begin, you'll need to understand that it's your male partner's sperm that determines the sex of your baby. When ejaculation happens, millions of sperm travel toward the unfertilized egg. Roughly half of them are male sperm (y-chromosome) and the other half are female (x-chromosome). Whichever type gets there first will determine whether you'll have a girl or a boy!
Now, it's already been scientifically proven that male sperm are faster. So why is the population of the Earth roughly 50/50? Because in nature's ever-present quest for balance, the female sperm were made stronger. So y-sperm as quick out the gate, but tire quickly and are more susceptible to dying out in a hostile environment. X-sperm are slower swimmers, but they've got long-term endurance and are heartier overall. Each has strengths, and each has weaknesses.
So what's this got to do with natural gender selection methods? Everything! Because once you realize the advantages and disadvantages of the x and y swimmers, you can use this knowledge to your advantage... and this is how you conceive a boy baby!
Dr. Shettles & his Method for Conceive a Baby Boy
It was a man by the name of Dr. Shettles who conceived of some of the best natural gender selection methods around. By charting the during of her menstrual cycles and noting any patterns, a woman could pinpoint the exact date of ovulation. Shettles suggested that since the male sperm swim faster, having sexual intercourse on that date (or close to it) would greatly increase the chances of having a boy baby. The further away from this date intercourse occurred, the higher the chances of conceiving a girl.
Dr. Shettles' method is one of the primary techniques used by couples when trying to predetermine baby gender. Faster (y) sperm having less distance to travel through the reproductive tract enormously helps the gender selection boy efforts. Slower by stronger (x) sperm swimming for longer distances allows for better odds of conceiving a girl. This basic principal can really help you determine the gender of your baby by creating a greater concentration of the desirable type of sperm.
Natural Methods for Conceive a Baby Boy
Trying for that bouncing baby boy you've always wanted? Need a son toss the old football back and forth with? Whether you're already overwhelmed by beautiful daughters or just want to finally conceive that first male child, the steps you'll find here will teach you exactly how to choose the sex of baby.
Gone are the days of guesswork and half-truths, in are the days of proven, quantified methods. Studies done over many years and trials conducted amongst many couples have finally unlocked the scientifically proven secrets to choosing the sex of your baby. The natural gender selection techniques you'll find below are just some of the ways you can choose the sex of your baby, whether you want a boy or a girl!
Determining Gender of Baby - The Steps
Since babies were first born, people have been trying all kinds of strange things to influence the birth of a boy or girl. From potions and elixirs to crazy herbs and exercises, chances are you've heard a wives' tale or two about how to choose the sex of baby prior to conception.
Below you'll learn to eat foods to conceive a boy, along with techniques, methods, and even sexual positions that will help influence a male-based conception. From sperm to egg, there are a great number of things you can do to increase your chances of having a boy... and if you're looking to have a girl you can take every one of these tips and just reverse it!
Diet for Conceiving a Baby Boy
Dietary considerations have also been proven to influence the sex of your child. Prior to conception, eating large amounts of salty foods and dairy products can all help out couples wondering how to have a boy baby. Bananas are also another staple of a boy-friendly diet. Eating higher amounts of grains or cereals helps also, as does eating a greater than normal amount of calories overall. And finally, the better supplied your body is with daily vitamins and minerals, the greater the chances of a male baby. Use these gender selection pregnancy tips and tricks to tilt the dietary scale in your favor.
Complete List of Antidepressants
. Somehow, the fluvoxamine short circuits obsessive thought patterns, so a person can get these ideas out of their minds. Fluvoxamine Drug Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Paxil (paroxetine) There are two forms of Paxil these days. Glaxo has introduced a timed release formulation of Paxil called Paxil CR. It costs about three times as much as generic paroxetine. You should be able to obtain generic paroxetine for $1.00 per pill or less if you shop around. Prescribing Information Literature Search General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Compare Prices For Generic Paroxetine Prozac, Prozac Weekly (fluoxetine; Drug Family: SSRI - Lilly); generic available Click Here to comparison shop for generic Prozac Prozac, Prozac Weekly Information Database Prozac used to be one of the most popular drugs in the United Sates. As soon as it went generic and Lilly stopped promoting it, the sales of Prozac plummeted. Prescribing Information | Prescribing Information Source B; PDF File Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) Prozac.com - The official Prozac website General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Prozac Comparison Shopping: In the US, the druggist buys generic Prozac for about 5 cents per pill. They don't usually pass on the savings to their customers. There is a lot of competition between sites that sell generic Prozac. This competition drives down the prices. You can get your best price on Prozac and generic Prozac if you comparison shop. Click here to comparison shop for Prozac & Generic Prozac Zoloft (sertraline; Drug Family: SSRI - Pfizer) Zoloft is mostly sold as the generic "sertraline". Sertraline is the same thing as Zoloft but it is cheaper. Make sure that you take your Zoloft (sertraline) with food or milk. If you take Zoloft on an empty stomach, you may get a painful heartburn. Zoloft has many uses besides being a remedy for depression. Zoloft can be used to treat extreme shyness or post-traumatic distress syndrome. Click Here to comparison shop for Zoloft. You should visit at least 3 web sites before you buy anything. That's the beauty of the internet - comparison shopping is very easy and convenient. Zoloft Drug Information Database: Prescribing Information Official website; Prescribing Information; Depression Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Compare Prices There is a lot of competition between sites that sell Zoloft because Zoloft is a popular expensive drug. Tricyclics: Amitriptyline; GENERIC (Drug Family: tricyclic - various manufacturers) Amitriptyline was introduced By Merck as Elavil. Many doctors and patients are rediscovering amitriptyline because it is an effective and inexpensive antidepressant. Amitriptyline is sometimes off-label to treat nerve pain associated with diabetes and other painful conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. amitriptyline is also used off-label to treat conditions such as bed wetting, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and migraine headache. Amitriptyline Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Compare Prices There is a lot of competition between sites that sell amitriptyline because it is a popular drug. Amitriptyline cheap to buy - the drugstore gets amitriptyline for pennies per pill. Even if a drug store sells you amitriptylline at a low price, it is still a profitable item. Click Here to comparison shop for amitriptyline Desipramine; GENERIC (Drug Family: tricyclic - various manufacturers) Desipramine is similar to amitriptyline. It is unpopular for the same reasons that tricyclics went out of fashion - side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth and drowsiness. Desipramine drug information database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Nortriptyline; GENERIC (Drug Family: tricyclic - various manufacturers) Nortriptyline Drug Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Misc: Cymbalta (Duloxetine; Drug Family: SSNRI; serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor). Cymbalta is an interesting drug. Cymbalta works to treat more than one condition. It is useful in treating depression. It is also effective in treating diabetic nerve pain. Like the other brand name antidepressants, Cymbalta is expensive. It will cost you about $3.35 per pill. If you are on Cymbalta and you do not have insurance you should use the internet to comparison shop or ask your doctor for inexpensive alternatives such as generic zoloft or generic prozac or amitriptyline Cymbalta Drug Information Database Prescribing Information (WebMd version; computer friendly) Cymbalta.com Official Website Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information layman's monograph; a cross between the drugstore flyer and the full PI. Cymbalta's FDA Approval Packet approval History and Related Documents; label information. Effexor, Effexor XR Effexor is a powerful antidepressant. It works increasing the presence of the brain messenger chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. You should start off taking Effexor with a small dose and build it up gradually. If you start with too high a dose, you can get side effects such as nausea, sleeplessness and loss of appetite. Fortunately these side effects subside with time. Effexor is available as a generic generic - we are talking the tablets, not the time release capsules. The time-release version of Effexor (Effexor XR) is not available as a generic and it is expensive. Wyeth is working on a new product that is similar to Effexor. It is referred to as "son of Effexor". It is called "desvenlafaxine". Desvenlafaxineknown by the code-name "DVS-233". Effexor Drug Information Database: (venlafaxine; Drug Family: serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor - Wyeth Laboratories) Prescribing Information (Effexor) Effexor XR Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) Effexor XR.com; official web site; Prescribing Information; Depression Information General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Comparison Shop Prices To Buy Effexor and Effexor XR Mirtazepine (Drug Family: tetracyclic - Organon) The brand name for mirtazepine is Remeron. However, Remeron went generic and hardly anyone still uses the Remeron brand - everyone uses generic mirtazepine. The major drawback to mirtazepine therapy is that it is associated with increased hunger and weight gain. People on mirtazepine have been known to eat and eat without satisfying their hunger. (A former colleague of mine was on mirtazepine and it caused him to eat like a horse; you could practically see sparks coming from his knife and fork; I had never seen anything like it). Mirtazepine is also known to cause drowsiness. For this reason it is typically administered at bedtime. Mitrazepine Drug Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Nardil (phenelzine; Drug Family: MAOI - Parke-Davis) Nardil is a powerful drug with many dangerous side effects. It should only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or some other expert. Mixing Nardil with certain other drugs or certain foods (such as black licorice, aged cheeses) or alcoholic beverages can cause a serious reaction or death. Because of all the side effects associated with Nardil, this drug is usually used only as a last resort - when the other drugs have failed. Nardil Drug Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Parnate (tranylcypromine; Drug Family: MAOI - SmithKline) Parnate is a powerful drug with many dangerous side effects. It should only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or some other expert. Mixing Parnate with certain other drugs or certain foods (such as black licorice, aged cheese) or alcoholic beverages can cause a serious reaction or death. Because of all the side effects associated with Parnate, this drug is usually used only as a last resort - when the other drugs have failed. Parnate Drug Information Database Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Serzone (withdrawn from USA Market In June, 2004) (nefazodone; Drug Family: phenylpiperazine - Bristol-Myers Squibb) Serzone is no longer available in ther USA. Serzone was withdrawn due to safety concerns Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of Serzone pill, etc. Trazodone; GENERIC (Drug Family: triazolopyridine - various manufacturers) Prescribing Information Literature Search (National Library of Medicine Database) General Information Patient Information, picture of pill, etc. Wellbutrin Wellbutrin SR (twice a day) Wellbiutrin XL (Once a day) (bupropion; Drug Family: aminoketone - Glaxo) Wellbutrin's claim to fame is that it is an effective antidepressant that has no sexual side effects unlike most other antidepressants. An unusual side effect of Wellbutrin is that it can cause a person to sweat excessively in response to heat, nervousness or hot spicy foods like hot sauce or chili peppers. This excessive sweating is not dangerous, just an inconvenience. Sometimes when it is mildly warm a person on Wellbutrin will be sweating like crazy while nobody else in the room is sweating. Another use for Wellbutrin is for smoking cessation. For some reason Wellbutrin removes the pleasant taste and soothing effects cigarette that smokers
Causes of Depression - Types of Antidepressants
Depression patients should realize that depression is a chronic illness just like diabetes or asthma. People experiencing depression feel hopeless. They may have feelings of worthlessness and experience a loss of interest in every-day activities such as work, hobbies or physical intimacy.
Many factors can trigger depression such as: being out of work, serious illness, divorce, flunking out of school, loss of a loved one. Sometimes there is no apparent factor that triggers a depression.
There are many prescription drugs as well as illegal drugs that can cause depression.
Fortunately, depression is a highly treatable condition. If you are diagnosed with depression and you take the medications that your doctor prescribes, there is an excellent chance that your depression will fade away, like a bad dream.
Scientific studies have determined that antidepressants work best when they are combined with counseling, such as seeing a
psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other health professional on a regular basis.
It is essential that depressed people who are on medication do not discontinue taking their medication even when they feel great. You need to take your medications religiously every day regardless of how you feel.
If you discontinue taking your medications without the advice and approval of your doctor, there is a good chance that you will fall into a tailspin and become depressed again, possibly severely, and the medicines may take longer to work.
Antidepressants are powerful drugs and should never be taken without a doctor's prescription. You don't want to self treat depression (even if you are a doctor) because the consequences could be disastrous.
Use in children
Antidepressants carry a strong warning regarding their use in children and adolescents. This warning admonishes doctors and parents that " Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior".
If your child is taking an antidepressant you must notify the prescriber at once if you notice any change in his behavior.
How can drugs help depression?
The brain communicates with itself through the use of special chemicals called neurotransmitters such as "serotonin" and "norepinephrine". There is correlation between the amount of these chemicals in the brain and a person's mood. Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine have not been proven to cause depression but it widely believed that elevation of these chemicals is associated with improvement in mood in depressed people, particularly when their use is combined with
psychological counseling.
Doctors elevate these brain chemicals with the use of drugs.
There are many different families of antidepressants available today. The two most common groups are:
- SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
These drugs ncrease the brain's level of serotonin, and are associated with an improvement in mood. SSRI's have also been shown to be useful in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and some forms of severe shyness. These drugs come with strong warnings regarding their use in children. There is data to suggest that occasionally when kids take
SSRI's some of them engage in self destructive thoughts.
However, many times the benefits of giving your child a SSRI far outweigh the possible side effects. That is a decision for you and your doctor.
They are generally well tolerated and effective. Some common SSRI side effects include: heartburn and drowsiness. They can sometimes produce a transient loss of appetite. SSRI medications can have drug interactions. You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior to mixing them with other medications.
Tricyclic antidepressants get their name from their chemical structure. Tricyclics were first discovered in the 1950's. Prior to that, depression was commonly treated with barbiturates or shock treatment. This class of drugs is effective in combating depression but is associated with troublesome side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation. They are also associated with weight gain and sleepiness.
Another drawback to tricyclic antidepressants is that these drugs are dangerous when taken in an overdose.
For this reason, doctors usually prescribe the smallest number of pills possible -- they do not want a patient to commit suicide by taking an overdose of tricyclics.
Tricyclic antidepressant medications can have drug interactions. You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior to mixing them with other medications.
- MAOI's (monoamine oxidase Inhibitors). MAOI's are very effective but have potentially life-threatening drug interactions and food interactions. If you are taking a MAOI drug, it is important that you consult with your doctor before you take any other medicines. Your doctor will also tell you which foods to avoid mixing with your medicine.
SSRI's: General Citalopram; Drug Family: SSRI; sometimes referred to as "Celexa". These days, nobody buys brand Name Celexa. However, generic citalopram is widely available at low prices.
What causes depression? What about postpartum depression?
There is no single cause. Rather, depression likely results from a combination of factors:
- Depression is a mental illness that tends to run in families. Women with a family history of depression are more likely to have depression.
- Changes in brain chemistry or structure are believed to play a big role in depression.
- Stressful life events, such as death of a loved one, caring for an aging family member, abuse, and poverty, can trigger depression.
- Hormonal factors unique to women may contribute to depression in some women. We know that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. We also know that women are at greater risk of depression at certain times in their lives, such as puberty, during and after pregnancy, and during perimenopause. Some women also have depressive symptoms right before their period.
Depression after childbirth is called postpartum depression. Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When you are pregnant, levels of the female hormones estrogen (ESS-truh-jen) and progesterone (proh-JESS-tur-ohn) increase greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly return to normal. Researchers think the big change in hormone levels may lead to depression. This is much like the way smaller hormone changes can affect a woman's moods before she gets her period.
Levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that helps regulate how your body uses and stores energy from food. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can tell if this condition is causing your symptoms. If so, your doctor can prescribe thyroid medicine.
Other factors may play a role in postpartum depression. You may feel:
- Tired after delivery
- Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep
- Overwhelmed with a new baby
- Doubts about your ability to be a good mother
- Stress from changes in work and home routines
- An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom
- Loss of who you were before having the baby
- Less attractive
- A lack of free time
Are some women more at risk for depression during and after pregnancy?
Certain factors may increase your risk of depression during and after pregnancy:
- A personal history of depression or another mental illness
- A family history of depression or another mental illness
- A lack of support from family and friends
- Anxiety or negative feelings about the pregnancy
- Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
- Marriage or money problems
- Stressful life events
- Young age
- Substance abuse
Women who are depressed during pregnancy have a greater risk of depression after giving birth.
If you take medicine for depression, stopping your medicine when you become pregnant can cause your depression to come back. Before you stop any prescribed medicines, talk with your doctor. Not using medicine that you need may be harmful to you or your baby.
Sex Position - Doggie-Style
The doggy-style position allows for the deepest penetration for women. Often, it is deep penetration, as well as a lack of lubrication, that causes pain. You can use another kind of lubricant, such as Aqualube, in addition to natural vaginal lubrication to help minimize friction.
As for the depth of penetration, you can control it by putting your penis in a bit at a time, and then asking her to let you know what is pleasurable and what is painful. However, if during doggy-style sex your body is pounding like a pile-driver, Alice encourages you to reconsider the type, speed, and intensity of your movements.
One last thought: check with your wife to make sure doggy-style sex is something she really wants to do, or if she is interested, to find a more comfortable way to do it. Good sexual communication facilitates more enjoyable sex for you and your wife.
As for the depth of penetration, you can control it by putting your penis in a bit at a time, and then asking her to let you know what is pleasurable and what is painful. However, if during doggy-style sex your body is pounding like a pile-driver, Alice encourages you to reconsider the type, speed, and intensity of your movements.
One last thought: check with your wife to make sure doggy-style sex is something she really wants to do, or if she is interested, to find a more comfortable way to do it. Good sexual communication facilitates more enjoyable sex for you and your wife.
What is the missionary position?
The term "missionary position" is generally used as slang for the heterosexual intercourse position in which a man is on top of a woman and they are face-to-face. In the missionary position, the woman lies on her back and the man supports himself with his arms on top of her and with his legs between hers. Though Christian missionaries didn't invent this position (evidence of it exists in art that long predates the Christian era), they were the inspiration for the name.
Early Christian teachings said women needed to be subordinate to men (even during sex), and that other positions were sinful and unclean.
Ancient missionaries taught this position as the only and proper way to have sex. The early Greeks, Romans, Peruvians, Indians, Chinese, and Japanese also associated this position with the dominant status of men over women in their societies. Lesbians can use their bodies, fingers, sex toys, and other pleasurable items on a woman's clitoris, while one partner is on top of the other. Some couples also have anal sex in this position.
While some men find the missionary position satisfying, possibly because they feel in control, it seems like "the right way," and/or because they believe they're less likely to lose their erection, some women find that penetration while in this position doesn't rub or press their clitoris (the hot button of their pleasure) directly or sufficiently to trigger orgasm.
Adjust Sex Timing For Gender Selection
Of all of the natural gender selection methods out there, sex or intercourse is probably the most well known and the easiest to achieve, both in terms of timing and the sexual positions that you use. There is actual science behind this method, which I will discuss in the following article.
Why The Sex You Have Today Could Influence Or Determine The Gender Of Your Baby Tomorrow
At the heart of all gender selection methods is the fact the sperm which produce a boy infant and the sperm which produce a girl infant are noticeably different in a lab. Boy sperm are super fast, but this speed contributes to them burning out and dying off quicker. Although they will win a race if all things are equal, their weakness keeps this from actually being the case. They are swayed and weakened as soon as they hit your vagina because acidity is extremely detrimental to them and because they are so short lived, time is not their friend either. 
The girl producing sperm on the other hand are just the opposite. They are slow, but strong. They can thrive and live just fine in your vagina because acidity doesn't bother them. They also have time on their side, as they can live for days longer than the boys.
Timing Sex / Intercourse
To Correspond With Ovulation (Depending On The Gender That You Want) Most people realize that there are certain times in the month when a woman is more likely to become pregnant. But, if you are dead set on one gender over another, you'll have to do better than this.
A woman's fertility window generally runs for about five days (up to three days before you ovulate and the day of and after ovulation.) If you want a girl infant, then you want to be on the front end of the window. The girl sperm have no problem hanging out waiting to meet your egg. Boy sperm will usually die off within this time frame. If you want a boy infant, you need to wait til the end of the window. If you go earlier than this, your boys will be weak and can't use their speed. Basically, these little guys have a very short life span so timing is vital.
And, you can't ignore precision accuracy here. You should not guess as to when you actually ovulate or assume that you ovulate precisely midway through your cycle. I recommend finding a good saliva or urine ovulation predictor so that you don't have to guess. These gadget use changes in your bodily fluids to tell you when ovulation is approaching and has occurred.
Sexual Positions And Baby Gender The intercourse positions that you use follow the same idea as timing. If you want a girl, you want to expose the boy sperm to your acidic vaginal tract for as long as you can. If you want a boy, you need the shortest, least traumatic trip that you can manage. Deep penetration is best for this goal.
You can lower your vaginal PH if you want a boy and raise it if you want a girl. This is done through douching and / or diet and you can monitor your progress using PH testing strips.
I've put together a few websites that take a lot of the guess work out of choosing your baby's gender. You'll find step by step instructions, resources for douche recipes and food PH lists, tips, support, and examples of ovulation predictors / PH testing strips.
Infant Vomiting Can be Dangerous
If you keep reading you will learn a little more about infant vomit so you will be prepared in the event this happens to your child.
Most of the time infant vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis. The biggest worry with infant vomiting is that the child will become dehydrated. Also, keep in mind that infant vomiting in a child less than six months of age is treated differently than infant vomiting in a child six months to one year of age.
For infants less than six months of age you should replace any fluids lost with a non-flavored electrolyte solution. Your doctor can also recommend the best electrolyte replacement solution for your child. Make sure you do not give your child plain water, but the oral electrolyte solution instead. Also, never give your infant more solution than he usually eats at one time. This will simply irritate his already sensitive tummy and increase the vomiting. Infants six months to one year of age require a similar treatment plan, however sometimes you may need to give flavored electrolyte solution to help your child drink it. There are also electrolyte frozen pops that encourages children to drink. After 24 hours have passed with no vomiting a normal feeding schedule can resume.
If at any point you are worried about your child then call the doctor.
Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?
The missionary position is often uncomfortable for a woman during pregnancy.
The weight of the man's body pushing on her abdomen can cause severe discomfort even in early pregnancy, and especially during later pregnancy when the woman's abdomen has expanded.
One variety of the missionary position, sometimes called Missionary on the Edge, will often work up until the beginning of the fifth month of pregnancy.
One of the best positions during pregnancy is the Woman on top position. A sitting position can also be more comfortable during pregnancy. The woman then straddles the man, either facing him or facing away from him.
Another possible position for the first trimester is the "T-square." In this position, the woman lies flat on her back, and the man lies perpendicular to her making the shape of a T-square.
The missionary position is often uncomfortable for a woman during pregnancy.
A sitting position can also be more comfortable during pregnancy. Here a man will sit on a chair or the edge of the bed. The woman then straddles the man, either facing him or facing away from him.
The rear entry position or "doggy style" position, involves the woman being down on all fours. The man enters from behind, standing or kneeling behind the woman. A variation of this position, the "leap frog," has the woman resting her arms and her head on the mattress.
Often, during the last portion of pregnancy, spooning is a favored position. Both man and woman lie on their sides, with the man in the back, facing the woman's back. This position keeps the weight off of the abdomen, and keeps penetration shallow, as deep penetration is sometimes uncomfortable later on in pregnancy.
Essential Fatty Acids
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, are considered essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by humans.
- The long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), can be synthesized from LA.
- The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can be synthesized from ALA, but EPA and DHA synthesis may be insufficient under certain conditions.
- Typical Western diets tend to be much higher in omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
- While DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development, it is not yet clear whether feeding infants formula enriched with DHA and AA enhances visual acuity or neurological development in preterm or term infants.
- A large body of scientific research suggests that higher dietary omega-3 fatty acid intakes are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease risk. Thus, the American Heart Association recommends that all adults eat fish, particularly oily fish, at least twice weekly.
- The results of randomized controlled trials indicate that increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake can decrease the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sudden cardiac death in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Low DHA status may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, but it is not yet known whether DHA supplementation can help prevent or treat such cognitive disorders. (More information)
- Increasing EPA and DHA intake may be beneficial in individuals with type 2 diabetes, especially those with elevated serum triglycerides.
- Randomized controlled trials have found that fish oil supplementation decreases joint tenderness and reduces the requirement for anti-inflammatory medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (More Information)
- Although limited preliminary data suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial in the therapy of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, larger controlled clinical trials are needed to determine therapeutic efficacy.
Omega-3 fatty acids and Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise HDL, so people with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain DHA and EPA. ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same benefit as DHA and EPA because some people with diabetes lack the ability to efficiently convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use readily. There have been slight increases reported in fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes while taking fish oil supplements.
Alternative Sources of Omega 3
Omega 3 & Omega 6 are two Essential Fatty Acids that are recognised by most. These fatty acids are essential, as they are needed for many bodily functions and processes, however our bodies cannot produce them. This means we must obtain Omega 3 & Omega 6 from dietary sources.
Studies have shown that the ratio in our diets of these essential fatty acids is off balance, and we need to be consuming more of Omega 3. One major, concentrated source of Omega 3 is oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. The type of Omega 3 contained in these fish is a complex one made up of two types of acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) & DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This more complex Omega 3 is perfect for our needs.
Those of us out there who are vegetarian, or simply have an aversion to fish, must consume simpler Omega 3 fatty acids from plant sources. These are called ALA's (alpha-linolenic acid), and can be converted in our bodies into EPA & DHA.
You can find foods fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids such as breads, juices, meal bars, margarine's and oils. Supplements are also widely available, the most popular being Linseed/Flaxseed oil (which is one of the most concentrated plant sources of Omega 3).
Other good plant based sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are:
Leafy Green Vegetables
For a double hit make a spinach and walnut (see below) salad. Add any other ingredients of your choice.
Nuts
Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans. Brilliant as a snack instead of chocolate or sweets. Toast slightly under grill for a great taste.
Seeds
Choose a seeded roll when you go shopping. Sesame seeds also complement any slightly sweet or spicy chilli dressing.
Tahini
Tahini is a sesame seed paste that is used itself as a dip, and also as a base for some Middle Eastern sauces such as curries, as a 'roux' would be in European cooking.
Houmous
A great tasting chickpea dip (one of my favourites) – made with a tahini base!
Oils
Soya Bean Oil, Canola Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Linseed/Flaxseed Oil. Most of these can be found in your local supermarket. Experiment when cooking, marinating and dressing.
Eggs
Egg yolks, both chicken and duck, are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that the ratio in our diets of these essential fatty acids is off balance, and we need to be consuming more of Omega 3. One major, concentrated source of Omega 3 is oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. The type of Omega 3 contained in these fish is a complex one made up of two types of acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) & DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This more complex Omega 3 is perfect for our needs.
Those of us out there who are vegetarian, or simply have an aversion to fish, must consume simpler Omega 3 fatty acids from plant sources. These are called ALA's (alpha-linolenic acid), and can be converted in our bodies into EPA & DHA.
You can find foods fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids such as breads, juices, meal bars, margarine's and oils. Supplements are also widely available, the most popular being Linseed/Flaxseed oil (which is one of the most concentrated plant sources of Omega 3).
Other good plant based sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are:
Leafy Green Vegetables
For a double hit make a spinach and walnut (see below) salad. Add any other ingredients of your choice.
Nuts
Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans. Brilliant as a snack instead of chocolate or sweets. Toast slightly under grill for a great taste.
Seeds
Choose a seeded roll when you go shopping. Sesame seeds also complement any slightly sweet or spicy chilli dressing.
Tahini
Tahini is a sesame seed paste that is used itself as a dip, and also as a base for some Middle Eastern sauces such as curries, as a 'roux' would be in European cooking.
Houmous
A great tasting chickpea dip (one of my favourites) – made with a tahini base!
Oils
Soya Bean Oil, Canola Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Linseed/Flaxseed Oil. Most of these can be found in your local supermarket. Experiment when cooking, marinating and dressing.
Eggs
Egg yolks, both chicken and duck, are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids Cure for Blood Pressure
High cholesterol
Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Inuit Eskimos, who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, also tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been reported in several large clinical studies to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in alpha linolenic acid or ALA) have been reported to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with high cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure
Several clinical studies suggest that diets or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with hypertension. An analysis of 17 clinical studies using fish oil supplements found that supplementation with 3 or more grams of fish oil daily can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.
Heart disease
One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Clinical evidence suggests that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
Strong evidence from population-based clinical studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake (primarily from fish) helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, people who eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Inuit Eskimos, who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, also tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been reported in several large clinical studies to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in alpha linolenic acid or ALA) have been reported to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with high cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure
Several clinical studies suggest that diets or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with hypertension. An analysis of 17 clinical studies using fish oil supplements found that supplementation with 3 or more grams of fish oil daily can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.
Heart disease
One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Clinical evidence suggests that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
Strong evidence from population-based clinical studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake (primarily from fish) helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, people who eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Omega 3 Benefits and Best Omega 3 Sources
Omega 3 benefits are wide-ranging and proven by clinical studies. Understanding the best Omega 3 sources means you can include more of these healthy foods in your daily meal planning. From heart health to depression treatment to pregnancy health, Omega 3 benefits are too good to ignore if you are interested in health.
What are Omega 3's and what are the best Omega 3 sources? The Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA's) are polyunsaturated fats or the so-called "good fats". These desirable fats cannot be made by the human body, so they must be obtained from foods or supplemental sources. These fats are required for normal development of the brain, eyes and nerve tissue in humans. Clinical studies show that Omega 3 benefits come primarily from DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best Omega 3 sources are animal foods, not plant sources. For example, flaxseed is a source, but the body must convert the flax oil Omega 3 into DHA and EPA. This can be difficult for unhealthy or elderly persons. Three of the top Omega 3 sources are cold-water fish oil, grass-fed red meat and natural eggs. Omega 3 oils provide DHA and EPA in a natural form that your body can easily assimilate. No conversion is required by the body. Most of the clinical studies on Omega 3 benefits are based on fish oils from consuming fish and fish oil supplements.
Here are Omega 3 benefits proven by clinical studies:
1. Improves Heart Health - fish oil and Omega 3 benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing the risk of heart-related sudden death and lowering unhealthy triglyceride levels. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week for healthy persons and one serving per day of fish or fish oil supplement containing at least 900mg of fish oil for persons with heart disease.
2. Improves Mood - persons suffering from mood disorders such as depression benefit from fish oil supplementation and Omega 3. The lack of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA) has been linked by researchers to depression.
3. Reduces Risk of Developing Altzheimer's Disease - clinical studies suggest that fish oil and DHA may protect the nervous system in humans.
4. Improves Memory and Brain Function - DHA and fish oil have been proven to stimulate memory and the ability to learn. Research has shown that mothers who take supplemental DHA during their pregnancy and lactation may increase their baby's IQ.
5. Reduces Allergies - fish oil protects against the symptoms of hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, certain food allergies and allergic skin conditions like hives and eczema.
6. Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - Omega 3 benefits come from the EPA and DHA in fish oil that reduce the amount of compounds causing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
7. Improves Eye Health - consuming fish oil is related to lowered risk of developing age related macular degeneration, an increasing common eye disease in people over 50.
8. Reduces PMS Symptoms in Women - Omega 3 is converted into substances called 'prostaglandins type-3' that control contractions of the uterus, which cause the cramping.
9. Improves Skin and Hair Health - fish oil helps protect the skin against damage from UV exposure, and skin disorders such as psoriasis can consider fish oil supplenentation a treatment option.
10. Lowers Cancer Risk - studies on Omega 3 benefits have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.
Besides adding cold-water fish to meal planning, an easy way to enjoy Omega 3 benefits is by adding fish oil supplementation to your diet. Protect yourself from health problems related to the lack of the essential fatty acids DHA and EFA. The best of the Omega 3 sources is high-quality fish oil. However, it must be pure and totally free from contaminants. Read as much as you can about even more fish oil benefits that provide an amazing array of health benefits.
What are Omega 3's and what are the best Omega 3 sources? The Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA's) are polyunsaturated fats or the so-called "good fats". These desirable fats cannot be made by the human body, so they must be obtained from foods or supplemental sources. These fats are required for normal development of the brain, eyes and nerve tissue in humans. Clinical studies show that Omega 3 benefits come primarily from DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best Omega 3 sources are animal foods, not plant sources. For example, flaxseed is a source, but the body must convert the flax oil Omega 3 into DHA and EPA. This can be difficult for unhealthy or elderly persons. Three of the top Omega 3 sources are cold-water fish oil, grass-fed red meat and natural eggs. Omega 3 oils provide DHA and EPA in a natural form that your body can easily assimilate. No conversion is required by the body. Most of the clinical studies on Omega 3 benefits are based on fish oils from consuming fish and fish oil supplements.
Here are Omega 3 benefits proven by clinical studies:
1. Improves Heart Health - fish oil and Omega 3 benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing the risk of heart-related sudden death and lowering unhealthy triglyceride levels. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week for healthy persons and one serving per day of fish or fish oil supplement containing at least 900mg of fish oil for persons with heart disease.
2. Improves Mood - persons suffering from mood disorders such as depression benefit from fish oil supplementation and Omega 3. The lack of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA) has been linked by researchers to depression.
3. Reduces Risk of Developing Altzheimer's Disease - clinical studies suggest that fish oil and DHA may protect the nervous system in humans.
4. Improves Memory and Brain Function - DHA and fish oil have been proven to stimulate memory and the ability to learn. Research has shown that mothers who take supplemental DHA during their pregnancy and lactation may increase their baby's IQ.
5. Reduces Allergies - fish oil protects against the symptoms of hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, certain food allergies and allergic skin conditions like hives and eczema.
6. Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - Omega 3 benefits come from the EPA and DHA in fish oil that reduce the amount of compounds causing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
7. Improves Eye Health - consuming fish oil is related to lowered risk of developing age related macular degeneration, an increasing common eye disease in people over 50.
8. Reduces PMS Symptoms in Women - Omega 3 is converted into substances called 'prostaglandins type-3' that control contractions of the uterus, which cause the cramping.
9. Improves Skin and Hair Health - fish oil helps protect the skin against damage from UV exposure, and skin disorders such as psoriasis can consider fish oil supplenentation a treatment option.
10. Lowers Cancer Risk - studies on Omega 3 benefits have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.
Besides adding cold-water fish to meal planning, an easy way to enjoy Omega 3 benefits is by adding fish oil supplementation to your diet. Protect yourself from health problems related to the lack of the essential fatty acids DHA and EFA. The best of the Omega 3 sources is high-quality fish oil. However, it must be pure and totally free from contaminants. Read as much as you can about even more fish oil benefits that provide an amazing array of health benefits.
Necessity of Omega-3 in Childhood
As given in Section I, the Food and Nutrition Board in the U.S. (2002) set an AI (Acceptable Intake) target of 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 gm/day as ALA (omega-3) for children (both genders) aged 1-3, 4-8, 9-13 years, respectively. While no specific mandatory requirements for DHA or DHA/EPA was set, the Board did indicate that up to 10% of the AI for ALA (omega-3) could be in the form of DHA + EPA (combined). Thus, the DHA/EPA (combined) intakes for the above three groupings could be up to 70, 90, and 120 mg/day, respectively.
In 1999, the NIH Workshop held in Bethesda recommended that DHA + EPA (combined) for adults should represent 0.3% of daily energy with at least one-third of the mixture being DHA and one-third being EPA. If the recommendation is applied to young children consuming 1300 kcal/day (ages 2-3 yrs.) or 1800 kcal/day (ages 4-6 yrs.), the corresponding target intakes of DHA plus EPA (combined), DHA, and EPA would be at least 433, 145, and 145 mg, respectively, per day and 600, 200, and 200mg, respectively for the older children. For extrapolation to children ages 7 yrs. and over, who have daily energy intakes similar to adults, the corresponding estimated targets would be 650, 220, and 220 mg/day, respectively.
A few studies have appeared in the literature evaluating the potential effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid as DHA plus EPA in children with dyslexia or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Although children with ADHD have been shown to have low blood levels (both plasma and erythrocyte) of DHA, studies using supplemental DHA/EPA (combined) or DHA alone have been mixed with some studies showing moderate benefit and others showing no significant effect. A Japanese study, choosing functional food sources of omega-3 fatty acid providing an average of 514 mg DHA plus 100 mg EPA per day over a two month period in children aged 6-12 yrs. with ADHD (not on medication) resulted in a significant reduction in aggression when compared to the control group. The effect of DHA/EPA-containing foods on hostility was more appreciated by parents than by teachers and the effect on physical aggression was more appreciated by teachers than by parents. The recently reported Oxford-Durham Study from the U.K. has had a major impact on consideration being given to the potential beneficial effects of increased intakes of DHA plus EPA on DCD/dyspraxia. In this randomized, controlled trial, 117 children (ages 5-12 yrs.) with DCD (developmental coordination disorder) were given a supplement providing 170 mg of DHA plus 558 mg of EPA for a 3 month period. It should be noted that DCD affects approximately 5% of school-aged children (including core deficits in motor function, difficulties in learning, behavior, and psychological adjustments that persist into adulthood). As compared to control (healthy) children, supplementation of the DCD children resulted in a net improvement (relative to controls) in reading age by 6 months, spelling age by 6 months, and also significant behavioral improvements (hyperactivity, inattention, anxious/shy behavior, cognitive problems, and restless-impulsive characteristics). An approximate 6 month 'catch up' in reading and spelling age was observed within 3 months of omega-3 supplementation.
In 1999, the NIH Workshop held in Bethesda recommended that DHA + EPA (combined) for adults should represent 0.3% of daily energy with at least one-third of the mixture being DHA and one-third being EPA. If the recommendation is applied to young children consuming 1300 kcal/day (ages 2-3 yrs.) or 1800 kcal/day (ages 4-6 yrs.), the corresponding target intakes of DHA plus EPA (combined), DHA, and EPA would be at least 433, 145, and 145 mg, respectively, per day and 600, 200, and 200mg, respectively for the older children. For extrapolation to children ages 7 yrs. and over, who have daily energy intakes similar to adults, the corresponding estimated targets would be 650, 220, and 220 mg/day, respectively.
A few studies have appeared in the literature evaluating the potential effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid as DHA plus EPA in children with dyslexia or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Although children with ADHD have been shown to have low blood levels (both plasma and erythrocyte) of DHA, studies using supplemental DHA/EPA (combined) or DHA alone have been mixed with some studies showing moderate benefit and others showing no significant effect. A Japanese study, choosing functional food sources of omega-3 fatty acid providing an average of 514 mg DHA plus 100 mg EPA per day over a two month period in children aged 6-12 yrs. with ADHD (not on medication) resulted in a significant reduction in aggression when compared to the control group. The effect of DHA/EPA-containing foods on hostility was more appreciated by parents than by teachers and the effect on physical aggression was more appreciated by teachers than by parents. The recently reported Oxford-Durham Study from the U.K. has had a major impact on consideration being given to the potential beneficial effects of increased intakes of DHA plus EPA on DCD/dyspraxia. In this randomized, controlled trial, 117 children (ages 5-12 yrs.) with DCD (developmental coordination disorder) were given a supplement providing 170 mg of DHA plus 558 mg of EPA for a 3 month period. It should be noted that DCD affects approximately 5% of school-aged children (including core deficits in motor function, difficulties in learning, behavior, and psychological adjustments that persist into adulthood). As compared to control (healthy) children, supplementation of the DCD children resulted in a net improvement (relative to controls) in reading age by 6 months, spelling age by 6 months, and also significant behavioral improvements (hyperactivity, inattention, anxious/shy behavior, cognitive problems, and restless-impulsive characteristics). An approximate 6 month 'catch up' in reading and spelling age was observed within 3 months of omega-3 supplementation.
Necessity of Omega-3 for Infants
The previous section on lactation outlines some of the supportive research studies which have positively correlated maternal intakes of DHA plus EPA (or DHA alone) with breast milk levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, blood levels in infants, and measures of visual acuity and mental development in breast fed term infants. A number of studies have been performed in preterm and term infants by introducing DHA into infant formula. As reviewed by Fleith and Clandinin (2005), the body of literature suggests that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are important to the growth and development of infants. They conclude that a target DHA level of 0.4% of total fat for preterm infants is desirable and that slightly higher levels than necessary for term infants may be needed.
There is clinical evidence indicating that infant formulas containing DHA with 0.36% DHA (in comparison to conventional infant formula also containing ALA but no DHA) provided an improved performance on the Mental Development Index (MDI). The 'MDI' is a measure (scoring) which measures the overall 'mental' development (it evaluates several types of abilities including sensory/perceptual, memory learning and problem solving, vocalization, abstract thinking, math concepts). Very recently, a significantly better visual maturation of term infants using sweep visual evoked potential (VEP) acuity as the functional outcome was demonstrated in term infants fed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (including DHA at 0.36% of total fatty acids) as compared to control formula for a 12-month period. These and other findings have led to DHA-containing infant formula now appearing in the North American marketplace and elsewhere.
Studies on the potential influence of higher versus lower DHA levels in breast milk on visual function and neurodevelopment in breastfed term infants has been evaluated by including measurements on the Bayley PDI (Psychomotor Development Index). The 'PDI' measures the progressive acquisition of skills involving both 'mental' as well as motor activities ('motor' would include body control, large muscle coordination, manipulatory skills of the hands and fingers, and ability to recognize objects by touch). Infants consuming breast milk containing 0.35% DHA, via supplementation of the mothers with 200 mg DHA, versus 0.20% by weight of the milk fat as DHA (at 4 months postpartum) gave rise to children at 30 months of age having significantly higher outcomes on the PDI as seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Relation of DHA in breast milk fat and PDI
The Bayley PDI at 30 months of age was 8.4 points higher in the children of mothers exhibiting higher levels of DHA in their breast milk fat (0.35% of total fatty acids). This difference represented an 8% overall better score on the PDI in the higher as compared to the lower DHA group.
Interesting, Health and Welfare Canada (in 1990) and the Food and Nutrition Board in the U.S. (in 2002) recognized that omega-3 fatty acid was of importance in providing DHA for neuronal functioning. However, both groups recommended the consumption of ALA (but not DHA) at a level of 0.5% of total energy for term infants. This recommendation was based in part on reported animal studies indicating some conversion of ALA to DHA by desaturation/elongation reactions as found in the liver and elsewhere. However, it has become apparent that the human body (particularly infants) has a very limited capacity to convert dietary ALA to the physiologically-essential DHA. An intake of approximately 300 mg DHA/day during lactation is considered as a reasonable target for ensuring the elevation of DHA in breast milk to at least 0.35% of total fatty acids. The provision of DHA-enriched egg yolk to breast-fed infants at 6 months of age has also been found to accelerate the maturation of visual acuity when measured at 12 months of age. These and other studies support the need for an adequate dietary supply of DHA throughout at least the first year of life for optimal overall health and functioning.
There is clinical evidence indicating that infant formulas containing DHA with 0.36% DHA (in comparison to conventional infant formula also containing ALA but no DHA) provided an improved performance on the Mental Development Index (MDI). The 'MDI' is a measure (scoring) which measures the overall 'mental' development (it evaluates several types of abilities including sensory/perceptual, memory learning and problem solving, vocalization, abstract thinking, math concepts). Very recently, a significantly better visual maturation of term infants using sweep visual evoked potential (VEP) acuity as the functional outcome was demonstrated in term infants fed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (including DHA at 0.36% of total fatty acids) as compared to control formula for a 12-month period. These and other findings have led to DHA-containing infant formula now appearing in the North American marketplace and elsewhere.
Studies on the potential influence of higher versus lower DHA levels in breast milk on visual function and neurodevelopment in breastfed term infants has been evaluated by including measurements on the Bayley PDI (Psychomotor Development Index). The 'PDI' measures the progressive acquisition of skills involving both 'mental' as well as motor activities ('motor' would include body control, large muscle coordination, manipulatory skills of the hands and fingers, and ability to recognize objects by touch). Infants consuming breast milk containing 0.35% DHA, via supplementation of the mothers with 200 mg DHA, versus 0.20% by weight of the milk fat as DHA (at 4 months postpartum) gave rise to children at 30 months of age having significantly higher outcomes on the PDI as seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Relation of DHA in breast milk fat and PDI
The Bayley PDI at 30 months of age was 8.4 points higher in the children of mothers exhibiting higher levels of DHA in their breast milk fat (0.35% of total fatty acids). This difference represented an 8% overall better score on the PDI in the higher as compared to the lower DHA group.
Interesting, Health and Welfare Canada (in 1990) and the Food and Nutrition Board in the U.S. (in 2002) recognized that omega-3 fatty acid was of importance in providing DHA for neuronal functioning. However, both groups recommended the consumption of ALA (but not DHA) at a level of 0.5% of total energy for term infants. This recommendation was based in part on reported animal studies indicating some conversion of ALA to DHA by desaturation/elongation reactions as found in the liver and elsewhere. However, it has become apparent that the human body (particularly infants) has a very limited capacity to convert dietary ALA to the physiologically-essential DHA. An intake of approximately 300 mg DHA/day during lactation is considered as a reasonable target for ensuring the elevation of DHA in breast milk to at least 0.35% of total fatty acids. The provision of DHA-enriched egg yolk to breast-fed infants at 6 months of age has also been found to accelerate the maturation of visual acuity when measured at 12 months of age. These and other studies support the need for an adequate dietary supply of DHA throughout at least the first year of life for optimal overall health and functioning.
Necessity of Omega-3 Adulthood
The NIH Workshop held in 1999 in Bethesda, Maryland consisting of scientific experts and research in the omega-3 fatty acid area from various countries provided recommendations on intakes of DHA plus EPA for normal subjects in order to promote optimal health and cardiovascular care. Based on a 2000 kcal adult diet, it was recommended that DHA plus EPA combined should represent 0.3% of total energy with DHA and EPA each representing at least one-third of the mixture, ie., at least 0.1 energy % each. In quantitative terms, these intakes correspond to 650 mg of DHA plus EPA (combined) with DHA being consumed at the level of at least 220 mg/day and EPA at the level of at least 220 mg/day. It is noteworthy that the average North American intake of DHA plus EPA combined is approximately 120-150 mg or about one-fifth of the AI (Adequate Intakes) for adults recommended by the Workshop.
While numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA) on improving mental and visual performance in infants, very little information is available on normal healthy adult populations. Most of the research and clinical trials in adults related to neuronal functioning have been applied to adult patient groups with specific psychiatric disorders. Very recently, a clinical trial has been published from Italy which has evaluated the effect of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive performance in normal healthy adults with mean ages of 33 years. This study indicated that supplementation with 800 mg of DHA plus 1600 mg of EPA for a 35 day period was associated with an improvement in the profile of mood state as measured by the POMS (Profile of Mood Stage) analysis. The POMS analysis showed an increase of vigor and a decrease of the other mood states (anger, anxiety, fatigue, depression, confusion). This published trial raised the possibility that normal healthy subjects in good health (and performing physical activity) may possibly obtain some further improvement in cognitive functioning via activity of the central nervous system in the presence of an already good condition of well-being. It is noteworthy that the level of DHA plus EPA (combined) intake in this study of 2400 mg/day is approximately 3-fold the aforementioned recommended intake from the NIH Workshop and 16-fold the current North American intakes.
While numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA) on improving mental and visual performance in infants, very little information is available on normal healthy adult populations. Most of the research and clinical trials in adults related to neuronal functioning have been applied to adult patient groups with specific psychiatric disorders. Very recently, a clinical trial has been published from Italy which has evaluated the effect of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive performance in normal healthy adults with mean ages of 33 years. This study indicated that supplementation with 800 mg of DHA plus 1600 mg of EPA for a 35 day period was associated with an improvement in the profile of mood state as measured by the POMS (Profile of Mood Stage) analysis. The POMS analysis showed an increase of vigor and a decrease of the other mood states (anger, anxiety, fatigue, depression, confusion). This published trial raised the possibility that normal healthy subjects in good health (and performing physical activity) may possibly obtain some further improvement in cognitive functioning via activity of the central nervous system in the presence of an already good condition of well-being. It is noteworthy that the level of DHA plus EPA (combined) intake in this study of 2400 mg/day is approximately 3-fold the aforementioned recommended intake from the NIH Workshop and 16-fold the current North American intakes.
Necessity of Omega-3 in Aging
The Food and Nutrition Board (2002) recommended minimum intakes of ALA (omega-3) of 1.6 gm/day for elderly men and 1.1 gm/day for elderly women. These Adequate Intakes (AI) are identical to the recommended AI values for younger adults. The Food and Nutrition Board indicated that up to 10% of the ALA (omega-3) targets could be represented by DHA + EPA with no obligation that DHA/EPA be consumed and with no specific indication as to whether both DHA plus EPA needed to be present in such mixtures. The NIH Workshop which convened in Bethesda in 1999 recommended, in their published reports, that DHA plus EPA (combined) should be consumed at the level of at least 650 mg/day with at least one-third of the mixture being represented by each of the two fatty acids. A recently-published study on residents of the Chicago area who were 65 years of age and older over a 6 year follow-up period indicated that those who were consuming higher levels of fish as a source of DHA/EPA exhibited a slower rate of decline in their cognitive scoring with age. Other studies have shown that aging individuals who utilized fish oils supplementation (as a source of DHA/EPA) with corresponding higher levels of DHA + EPA in their blood samples appeared to show improved retention of their cognitive functioning in old age. Other studies in elderly individuals (65-98 yrs. of age), who were free of known cerebrovascular disease at baseline, exhibited a significantly lower risk of developing a stroke during 12 years of follow-up with increased fish consumption as a source of DHA/EPA. In the latter study, the lowest risk (by 30%) was found in those aging individuals who consumed fish at least 5 times per week. Such consumption is the equivalent of approximately 700 mg of DHA / EPA per day; however, it needs to be recognized that other components in the fish in addition to DHA/EPA could be contributing to such beneficial outcomes.
Omega-3 in Pregnancy
The primary rationale for supplying sufficient intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for mothers is to support the optimal health of the baby during pregnancy (neonatal period), after birth (during infancy), and during the subsequent childhood period as well as providing for the health and physiological needs of the mother. DHA, with its unique structure, physico-chemical properties, and prevalence in neuronal cell membranes (brain, nerve), plays a key role as a physiologically-essential nutrient for optimal brain functioning of the infant (cognitive performance) and retinal performance (optimal visual acuity). A significant supply of DHA to the developing infant is generally considered advisable throughout pregnancy and particularly during the last trimester. Since ALA (found in certain plant foods such as flax, canola oil, walnuts) is very poorly converted via metabolism to DHA, the most direct and efficient means of supplying DHA to the mother for transfer to the developing baby during pregnancy is via DHA consumption. However, DHA as found predominantly in fish/seafood, is consumed only once or so every 10 days during pregnancy because of concerns with respect to contaminants (eg, methyl-mercury in a few fish which can increase the risk of impaired brain development in the infant), taste, convenience, etc.
DHA intakes average only 80 mg/day in pregnant women based on a Canadian study. The published paper(s) from the 1999 NIH Workshop in Bethesda advised that pregnant women should attempt to consume at least 300 mgs DHA/day. The Food and Drug Administration (U.S.) has recommended that women who are pregnant eliminate shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and golden snapper from their diets while limiting their consumption of other fish to 3 servings/week to minimize exposure to methyl mercury. A recent Canadian study indicated that the consumption of two-three servings weekly of farmed salmon, wild salmon, or rainbow trout, which would provide a daily averaged DHA intake of at least 300 mg/day during pregnancy, would not approach the tolerance levels for mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, or dioxins and furans as set by Health Canada, the NRC (U.S.), or the World Health Organization. The absence or extremely low levels of environmental contaminants in the DHA-enriched ingredients being introduced into functional foods is another reason for their acceptance by expectant mothers.
There is evidence from published clinical trials that women with higher DHA intakes (via 4 fish servings/week) or by way of supplementation during pregnancy, ranging up to 1100 mg DHA (plus 800 mg EPA) daily, gave birth to infants with higher cognitive development scores and young children with higher IQ scores and mental processing scores up to 4 years of age. A quantitative positive relationship between increasing intakes of DHA (per 100 mg/day) during pregnancy and the child's IQ has been determined. There is also published evidence that mothers with higher intakes of DHA during pregnancy along with higher corresponding levels in their body give birth to infants with improved sleep patterns. Furthermore, fish oil (with DHA + EPA) supplementation during pregnancy may enhance infant immunity (better allergy protection) and reduce to risk of allergic disease. In addition, higher intakes of DHA + EPA during pregnancy (levels as low as 150 mg/day) have been implicated with increased birth weights, moderately prolonged gestation, and reduced risk of preterm delivery. Finally, a higher dietary intake of DHA during pregnancy to support brain development of the baby in the womb has been associated with a great availability to the mother herself and a lesser risk of postpartum depression.
DHA intakes average only 80 mg/day in pregnant women based on a Canadian study. The published paper(s) from the 1999 NIH Workshop in Bethesda advised that pregnant women should attempt to consume at least 300 mgs DHA/day. The Food and Drug Administration (U.S.) has recommended that women who are pregnant eliminate shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and golden snapper from their diets while limiting their consumption of other fish to 3 servings/week to minimize exposure to methyl mercury. A recent Canadian study indicated that the consumption of two-three servings weekly of farmed salmon, wild salmon, or rainbow trout, which would provide a daily averaged DHA intake of at least 300 mg/day during pregnancy, would not approach the tolerance levels for mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, or dioxins and furans as set by Health Canada, the NRC (U.S.), or the World Health Organization. The absence or extremely low levels of environmental contaminants in the DHA-enriched ingredients being introduced into functional foods is another reason for their acceptance by expectant mothers.
There is evidence from published clinical trials that women with higher DHA intakes (via 4 fish servings/week) or by way of supplementation during pregnancy, ranging up to 1100 mg DHA (plus 800 mg EPA) daily, gave birth to infants with higher cognitive development scores and young children with higher IQ scores and mental processing scores up to 4 years of age. A quantitative positive relationship between increasing intakes of DHA (per 100 mg/day) during pregnancy and the child's IQ has been determined. There is also published evidence that mothers with higher intakes of DHA during pregnancy along with higher corresponding levels in their body give birth to infants with improved sleep patterns. Furthermore, fish oil (with DHA + EPA) supplementation during pregnancy may enhance infant immunity (better allergy protection) and reduce to risk of allergic disease. In addition, higher intakes of DHA + EPA during pregnancy (levels as low as 150 mg/day) have been implicated with increased birth weights, moderately prolonged gestation, and reduced risk of preterm delivery. Finally, a higher dietary intake of DHA during pregnancy to support brain development of the baby in the womb has been associated with a great availability to the mother herself and a lesser risk of postpartum depression.
Necessity of Omega-3 in Lactation
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) is a physiologically-essential essential nutrient and a key omega-3 fatty acid needed in high levels in the brain and retina (eye) for optimal neuronal functioning (learning ability, memory) and visual acuity, respectively.
For breast-fed infants, their only source of nutrition (incl. DHA) for growth and development is their mother's milk. The amount of DHA in the diet is a major factor determining how much DHA appears in breast milk for the baby to consume for health. Since fish is by far the predominant food source of dietary DHA, and since fish is consumed at a very low rate (approximately one serving every 10 days), the level of DHA in North American breast milk is very low. For example, Health Canada has reported that DHA represents an average of only 0.14% of the total fat in breast milk. This low level reflects the low dietary intake of DHA during lactation of approximately only 80 mg/day.
It is noteworthy that ALA, alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), a commonly consumed omega-3 fatty acid from plant sources (such as canola oil, walnuts, flax, etc) at approximately 1300 mg/day in a North American diet, is very poorly converted to DHA in the human body via metabolism. For example, the low level of DHA in the breast milk of American women was found to be unaltered despite their consumption of 11,000 mg ALA/day over a 4 week period. Thus, the total omega-3 fatty acid intake alone fails to predict the level of DHA in breast milk. The direct consumption of DHA, at relatively low levels, provides a fairly rapid and marked improvement in the DHA level found in breast milk. An intake of 300 mg DHA/day during lactation has been found to elevate breast milk levels to 0.39% of total fatty acids, a level which slightly surpasses the levels of DHA (0.35%) present in infant formula studies in infants which have resulted in better mental and visual functioning. Supplementation of breast-feeding women with 200 mg DHA/day for four months after delivery resulted in higher circulating levels of DHA in their blood plasma phospholipid and higher scores on the Bayley Psychomotor Development Index at 30 months of age. Positive relationships have also been reported for high levels of DHA in mothers' milk and visual development in term infants as well as optimized arousal in newborn infants. A Norwegian study indicated that women who supplemented their diet with 1183 mg DHA and 803 mg EPA per day for a 3 month period after delivery, after supplementing at a similar level from week 18 of pregnancy, gave rise to young children at four years of age who exhibited more favourable mental development based on the augmentation of their IQ assessments. Correlational studies have also indicated that infants from mothers who maintained supplementation with fish oil (DHA + EPA) during lactation exhibited a better visual acuity at 4 months of age when higher levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were found in their red blood cells as compared to those with lower levels of in their red blood cells due to lower dietary intakes of DHA plus EPA by their mothers during lactation.
For breast-fed infants, their only source of nutrition (incl. DHA) for growth and development is their mother's milk. The amount of DHA in the diet is a major factor determining how much DHA appears in breast milk for the baby to consume for health. Since fish is by far the predominant food source of dietary DHA, and since fish is consumed at a very low rate (approximately one serving every 10 days), the level of DHA in North American breast milk is very low. For example, Health Canada has reported that DHA represents an average of only 0.14% of the total fat in breast milk. This low level reflects the low dietary intake of DHA during lactation of approximately only 80 mg/day.
It is noteworthy that ALA, alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), a commonly consumed omega-3 fatty acid from plant sources (such as canola oil, walnuts, flax, etc) at approximately 1300 mg/day in a North American diet, is very poorly converted to DHA in the human body via metabolism. For example, the low level of DHA in the breast milk of American women was found to be unaltered despite their consumption of 11,000 mg ALA/day over a 4 week period. Thus, the total omega-3 fatty acid intake alone fails to predict the level of DHA in breast milk. The direct consumption of DHA, at relatively low levels, provides a fairly rapid and marked improvement in the DHA level found in breast milk. An intake of 300 mg DHA/day during lactation has been found to elevate breast milk levels to 0.39% of total fatty acids, a level which slightly surpasses the levels of DHA (0.35%) present in infant formula studies in infants which have resulted in better mental and visual functioning. Supplementation of breast-feeding women with 200 mg DHA/day for four months after delivery resulted in higher circulating levels of DHA in their blood plasma phospholipid and higher scores on the Bayley Psychomotor Development Index at 30 months of age. Positive relationships have also been reported for high levels of DHA in mothers' milk and visual development in term infants as well as optimized arousal in newborn infants. A Norwegian study indicated that women who supplemented their diet with 1183 mg DHA and 803 mg EPA per day for a 3 month period after delivery, after supplementing at a similar level from week 18 of pregnancy, gave rise to young children at four years of age who exhibited more favourable mental development based on the augmentation of their IQ assessments. Correlational studies have also indicated that infants from mothers who maintained supplementation with fish oil (DHA + EPA) during lactation exhibited a better visual acuity at 4 months of age when higher levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were found in their red blood cells as compared to those with lower levels of in their red blood cells due to lower dietary intakes of DHA plus EPA by their mothers during lactation.
Another reason why men like curves - Nigella Lawson's voluptuous curves
Lawson graduated from Oxford before finding fame in the kitchenNigella Lawson's voluptuous curves have given her a legion of male admirers, but a new academic study suggests that her appeal, and that of other curvy women, is based on more than the purely physical.
It is already known that curvaceous women live longer and that men find them more attractive but the new research suggests that they are also cleverer.
The study, to be published this week, shows that men who admire women with hourglass figures do so because they are more intelligent and therefore produce more intelligent children than waif-like women or those of "apple-shaped" proportions.
The case of Lawson appears to bear out the findings. Possessing perhaps Britain's most famous hourglass figure, the cookery presenter is also an Oxford graduate.
Rachel Weisz, the naturally curvy Oscar-winning actress, completed an English degree at Cambridge before she headed for Hollywood.
The scientists, from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Pittsburgh, concluded that women with lower waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) produced children with better intellectual abilities.
They found that a woman's hips and thighs contained omega-3 fatty acids, which help nurture both mother and baby's brains during pregnancy. Fat around the waist, however, contains higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which does not help brain growth.
"Shapely hips and thighs hold essential nutrients that nurse brains and could produce smart kids, too," said one researcher, Steven Gaulin, of the University of California at Santa Barbara.
His colleague, William Lassek, from the University of Pittsburgh, said: "Men respond because it's reproductively important."
Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that men through the ages have found women with hourglass figures more attractive.
A study published this year found that as far back as the ancient Egyptians men have sought out curvaceous women.
However, the reason for the attraction has never been conclusively proven. Many scientists believed that a shapely figure suggested to a man that a woman would be good at bearing children and have a longer life expectancy.
The researchers tested 16,000 women and girls and found that women with a greater difference between their waist and hip measurements scored significantly higher in the tests, as did their children.
The research suggests that children born to teenagers do worse in cognitive tests because their mothers did not have enough of the omega-3 acids stored in their hips.
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