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Getting Pregnant: Here’s How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

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You have decided that you want to conceive and intend to plan your actions accordingly. Getting pregnant involves mental, emotional, and physical preparation to ensure the health and safety of the baby. And this pregnancy involves your partner too, as both of you have to be well and ready.

The physical aspect of preparing yourself for conception is a challenge within a challenge. Depending on your current condition, you may have to adapt or modify your behavior to make room for healthy choices.

So what do you expect when you want to expect?

Consult Your Doctor before and during Pregnancy

baby

Mayo Clinic recommends women, along with their partners, trying to conceive to go on a preconception appointment that covers a tall order of critical issues relating to fertility and more:

  • Birth control
  • Vaccines, especially if you are up-to-date
  • Medications or supplements
  • Chronic conditions
  • Health history (yours and your family’s)
  • Age
  • Previous pregnancies
  • Weight ideal for conception
  • Lifestyle

This visit to the doctor sets you up for realistic and deliberate planning for your pregnancy. As you conceive successfully, you have to undergo ultrasound scans to monitor the growth of your baby. The ultrasound transducer typically glides over the abdomen to perform the scan. You can look into what ultrasound transducers that hospitals and clinics use here.

Go Easy on Coffee

A study reveals that there’s little association between coffee intake and fertility or achieving pregnancy. However, the study finds that consuming 300 milligrams of caffeine every day during early pregnancy is tied to a greater risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB). To be on the safe side, limit your coffee intake to less than 200 milligrams a day or a 12-ounce cup, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

What about herbal tea?

It may be generally safe for you to drink tea products while waiting to conceive. Still, consult with your medical practitioner regarding the consumption of such products and their effect on your fertility, if any.

A study notes that consuming more than four cups of green tea a day leads to low serum folate levels during the early stage of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTD), and tea consumption may increase such risk.

Eat Healthy and Right

You may have to lose or gain weight to get pregnant. What’s important is to achieve this ideal weight prior to pregnancy.

Thus, eat a balanced meal by doing these:

  • Cut back on junk food, empty calories, and high-sugar foods.
  • Include fruits, vegetables, and grains in your meal plan.
  • Take vitamins and mineral supplements, including folic acid.

Ask your doctor about specific restrictions or inclusions to your diet.

Move Around

Exercise plays a role in improving fertility and helps you manage or control your weight for pregnancy. According to the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA), obese women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but exercise regularly can increase their frequency of ovulation. That then leads to regular menstrual cycles and higher chances of conceiving.

Per FSA, do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity that includes brisk walking and dancing every day.

Can you travel during the preconception stage?

Traveling itself can influence the levels of melatonin and cortisol. That, in turn, affects your monthly cycle. The fluctuations in the levels of those hormones can disrupt the window of fertility. You may have to scale back on traveling that can unduly stress you and mess up with your cycle. Instead, bank on sleep and rest.

Abstain from or Quit Drinking, Smoking, and Using Drugs

Medical experts always warn both men and women about consuming cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs and its effects on the unborn baby.

  • Alcohol: the substance can interfere with ovulation and may make it difficult for women to get pregnant. Alcohol can also decrease men’s sperm count.
  • Smoking: it can damage the eggs and cause miscarriages. Aside from lowering the sperm count on men, cigarettes have been linked to sluggish sperm motility.
  • Drugs: they can cause hormonal imbalance that leads to fertility issues. If your partner chronically smokes marijuana, then the sperm count and development of the sperm also take a hit.

Thus, you need to abstain or refrain from taking any such substances leading to and during pregnancy. You must also avoid environmental toxins, such as those from pollutants that can interfere with the baby’s development.

You can refer to this ultimate guide to flush drug toxins out of your body and pass a drug test if you or your partner needs to take one for the workplace. The key takeaway is that you have options to ensure you are clean months or so before you plan to get pregnant.

Follow these tips to physically prepare for conception, and coordinate your efforts with your doctor every step of the way.

Sara Gloria is the author of the young adult, contemporary romance novel, All the Wrong Reasons. She is currently at work on book two, aptly titled All the Right Reasons.

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Diet

Khapli Wheat vs. Modern Wheat: Making an Informed Choice.

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In a world where convenience and highly commercial production often take precedence, the resurgence of interest in ancient grains like Khapli wheat signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to food. Khapli wheat is also known as Emmer wheat, and it has gained attention for its potential nutritional benefits in a way similar to multigrain chakki atta. However, that is not all. Khapli wheat is also recognized for its reduced environmental impact when compared to modern wheat varieties.

Does this pique your interest in finding out more about Khapli wheat? Or perhaps you are already aware of this ancient grain but are looking for information on how it stands against modern wheat. Whatever the case, you are at the right place.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Khapli wheat and modern wheat, considering aspects such as nutrition, taste, and environmental impact. Read on to empower yourself to make informed choices about your dietary preferences.

Nutrition: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Khapli wheat, with its roots dating back thousands of years, offers a nutritional profile that distinguishes it from its modern counterparts. Unlike refined flours that have been stripped of their nutrients, Khapli wheat retains a higher content of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Its higher fiber content not only aids in digestion but also contributes to a slower release of sugars into the bloodstream, potentially helping in managing blood sugar levels. Moreover, Khapli wheat is often considered more tolerable by individuals with mild gluten sensitivity due to its lower gluten content.

Modern wheat varieties, on the other hand, have undergone extensive breeding to increase yields and uniformity, often at the expense of nutritional value. While enriched flours are available to counteract the loss of nutrients during processing, they may not fully restore the original nutritional richness found in ancient grains like Khapli wheat.

Taste and Culinary Applications: Tradition vs. Modernity

One of the most compelling aspects of Khapli wheat is its distinct, nutty flavor that sets it apart from the blander taste of many modern wheat varieties. This flavor profile lends itself well to traditional recipes, infusing them with an earthy richness that harkens back to centuries-old culinary practices. From rustic bread to traditional Indian rotis, Khapli wheat flour adds a depth of flavor that modern flours often lack. With these advantages under consideration, more and more families are choosing to turn to Khapli wheat flour in Bangalore.

Modern wheat varieties, bred for consistent taste and texture, may fall short in providing the diverse flavors that ancient grains offer. However, they have their own advantages, particularly in the production of fluffy baked goods and uniform pasta, which have become staples of modern cuisine.

Environmental Impact: Sustainable Farming Practices

The cultivation of modern wheat varieties or grains for producing multigrain chakki atta often involves intensive agricultural practices. These end up demanding high water usage, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Unfortunately, such an approach can contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and reduced biodiversity. All of these consequences are not favorable in today’s times.

However, in contrast, Khapli wheat has come to show resilience in diverse agroecological conditions. It requires fewer external inputs and promotes more sustainable farming practices. Its deep roots can improve soil structure and water retention, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious farmers.

Preservation of Biodiversity and Heritage

It may not be a well-known understanding, but Khapli wheat also plays a crucial role in preserving agricultural biodiversity and cultural heritage. The cultivation of diverse wheat varieties, including ancient ones like Khapli, helps safeguard against potential crop failures due to disease outbreaks or changing environmental conditions.

Additionally, the revival of traditional farming practices associated with Khapli wheat can strengthen connections to cultural roots and promote intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Making an Informed Choice: Balancing Tradition and Progress

In the quest for a healthier and more sustainable diet, the choice between Khapli wheat and modern wheat varieties is not necessarily a black-and-white decision. Both have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and environmental concerns.

For those seeking to reconnect with culinary traditions and experience the rich flavors of the past, Khapli wheat flour offers an exciting avenue. Its potential health benefits, such as improved digestion and potential suitability for mild gluten sensitivities, can make it a valuable addition to specific diets. If this entices you to try Khapli wheat, find Khapli wheat flour in Bangalore here.

On the other hand, modern wheat varieties continue to meet the demands of convenience and versatility in contemporary cooking and baking. Their consistent texture and familiarity are invaluable in producing a wide array of food products that have become integral to modern lifestyles.

To Sum Up

In a nutshell, the resurgence of interest in Khapli wheat is not merely a nostalgia-fueled trend but a reflection of our growing awareness of the importance of sustainable, nutrient-rich foods. The choice between Khapli wheat and modern wheat varieties is not about rejecting progress or tradition, but instead finding a balance that aligns with our nutritional needs, culinary preferences, and environmental responsibilities. Through an understanding of the nuances of each option, consumers can make informed choices that contribute to their well-being and the health of the planet.

Since you have made it to the end of this article, you may be inclined to try out Khapli wheat flour for yourself. If this is the case, then Aashirvaad Namma Chakki is where you need to be!

Namma Chakki from Aashirvaad

Aashirvaad’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovative drive has solidified Khapli wheat flour in Bangalore as an essential element in countless households. Now, you have the opportunity to incorporate this same commitment into your own home with Aashirvaad Namma Chakki.

Moreover, Namma Chakki from Aashirvaad offers finely ground flour that is tailored to your specific preferences, presenting a diverse range of choices including over 12 varieties like 100% wheat, multigrain, millet, and vegetable flours. With swift doorstep delivery in just 2 days, Aashirvaad maintains rigorous quality checks to ensure the preservation of freshness and exceptional quality. Order your own pack, today!

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Diet

Snake hunters nab 19-foot-long Burmese python in Florida

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The eye-popping 19-foot-long Burmese python was caught this week by snake hunters in Florida, according to officials.

According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the enormous slitherer was found on Monday in Big Cypress National Preserve, some 45 miles west of Miami. The previous longest Burmese python, which measured 18 feet and 9 inches and was also discovered in Florida, was surpassed by the record-breaking female python, which weighed 125 pounds, according to a statement released by the conservancy on Wednesday.

The longest Burmese python ever captured in Florida was held by Stephen Gauta and Jake Waleri.
The longest Burmese python ever captured in Florida was held by Stephen Gauta and Jake Waleri.South Florida’s Conservancy.
The conservancy is a Naples-based environmental NGO.

Jake Waleri, 22, who discovered the snake, claimed to have known that it needed to be weighed and measured for scientific purposes.

“We transported the snake to the Conservancy so that it could be measured and formally recorded. We wanted to give this discovery to science,” he added in a statement to the conservancy.

Burmese pythons, according to the environmental organization, are a “invasive apex predator” that has to be eliminated from the ecosystem of Southwest Florida.

According to the conservancy, the heaviest Burmese python ever discovered in Florida weighed 215 pounds and was discovered in 2022.

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It is crucial to document how long Burmese pythons can grow, according to Ian Easterling, a biologist with the conservancy.

“We suspected that these snakes could grow to be this large, and now we have concrete proof. In the future, knowing the origins of South Florida’s founding population may benefit from her genetic DNA, according to Easterling.

According to National Geographic, Burmese pythons are favored by owners of large reptiles because of their placid disposition. According to National Geographic, they are regularly mistreated, frequently released into the wild, and attacks on their keepers are not unusual.

The grassy marshes and rainforests of Southeast Asia are home to the reptiles. They can reach a height of 23 feet or more, and according to National Geographic, small mammals and birds make up the majority of their diet. According to National Geographic, they murder by coiling their bodies around their prey and squeezing till asphyxia while also gripping it with their fangs.

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Diet

POLITICS Vice President Kamala Harris matches record set by John C. Calhoun for breaking most tie votes in Senate

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Politics Vice President Kamala Harris equals John C. Calhoun’s record for breaking the most ties in the Senate.

13 JULY 2023, 10:12 AM (AP)

As the first woman or person of color to hold the position of vice president, Kamala Harris made history once more on Wednesday when she tied the record for the most tie-breaking votes in the U.S. Senate.

With her 31st vote, Kalpana Kotagal’s appointment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was advanced. John C. Calhoun, who held the position from 1825 to 1832, was the only other vice president to receive this many votes.

Harris later told reporters, “I think there’s still so much that we have to do. It is a moment.

“My mother gave me great advice, which is that I may be the first to do many things,” the woman continued. “I’ll make sure I don’t end up being the last,”

Harris tied the record in 2.5 years, as opposed to Calhoun, who took 8 years to reach his number. It’s a reflection of her particular circumstances, which include a Senate that is deeply divided along partisan lines.

On June 21, 2023 in Washington, DC, Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol and breaks the tie in the Senate’s vote on the nomination of a district judge. In the vote to nominate Natasha C. Merle as a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, Harris broke a tie.
GETTY IMAGES / KEVIN DIETSCH
Joel K. Goldstein, a vice presidential historian, remarked that it “really says more about our time, and our political climate, than it does about anything else.” Even on issues that in the past would have passed without a vote, our politics are so divisive that the vice president must cast the deciding vote.

The event was not very formal or noteworthy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, congratulated Harris after she spent only a short time in the chamber and read a short script to record her vote.

One of the vice president’s only obligations under the Constitution is to preside over the Senate and break ties. It is a “immense burden,” according to Schumer, who also noted that Harris has “carried out her duties with supreme excellence” despite “all the other demands she faces” at work.

After the midterm elections, when Democrats increased their margin of victory from 50 to 51 votes, Harris had anticipated receiving a break from that position.

However, external factors came into play. The recently elected Democrat from Pennsylvania, Sen. John Fetterman, was admitted to the hospital for mental depression. Democratic senator from California Dianne Feinstein was hospitalized after developing shingles.

Harris’ string of tiebreakers was rekindled by the absences. She assisted in the confirmation of two federal judges earlier this year, one in Massachusetts and the other in California.

Although Harris’ presence may still be necessary for contentious nominations, such as the one on Wednesday, both Fetterman and Feinstein have rejoined the Senate.

When Harris was appointed vice president, she didn’t appear anxious to use tiebreaker votes to make history. She expressed her goal in the San Francisco Chronicle before entering office, writing, “It is my hope that rather than come to the point of a tie, the Senate will instead find common ground and do the work of the American people.”

However, tiebreakers quickly took center stage in her work. The assignment may occasionally be aggravating because it restricted her travel and kept her bound to erratic occurrences on Capitol Hill.

The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief program, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which restricted the pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals and offered financial incentives for sustainable energy, were two examples of legislation on which Harris had a deciding vote.

Because it links her to several significant achievements of the Biden administration, Goldstein called it a godsend.

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