12 Foods to Avoid for Pregnant Ladies

foods to avoid for pregnant by Iyurved

Pregnancy is the most unexceptional moment in a woman’s life with a rollercoaster of emotion. A special shout-out to all the soon-to-be mothers. Every mother wants the best for her child. You may have a strong desire for all of the world’s delectable meals and go insane over them, but limiting your taste buds for a few months and being extra careful with your diet can be good for your child. The mother’s diet has a direct impact on the health of the child. Read more to know about 12 foods to avoid for pregnant ladies.

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Foods to avoid for pregnant ladies:

Fortunately, there’s more you can eat than there isn’t. A little extra care about what you eat can make your pregnancy easy and free from some unwanted concerns. Certain meals should be ingested only on rare occasions, while others should be avoided entirely.

1. Fish high in mercury:

This comes first on the list of foods to avoid for pregnant ladies. Seafood is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids (Omega-3) that can aid in the brain development of your growing baby. It should be noted, however, that high-mercury fish should be avoided at all costs. Such fish can be dangerous and toxic, affecting the developing nervous system of the baby. This species of fish is commonly found in polluted water. If you want to eat fish, always choose properly cooked fresh water fish. You can eat this fish about three times per week.

Fish to avoid: King Mackerel, Swordfish, Tuna, Shark, Orange Roughy, Shellfish

Fish to consume: Salmon, Shrimps, Cod, Haddock, Anchovies, Tilapia, Trout

(Note: There can be other fishes too mentioned in the above category. Enlisted here are only few)

2. Sesame Seeds:

It might be quite surprising to hear that sesame seeds (loved by many of us) should be avoided during the first 3-4 months of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that it activates the uterine muscles, forcing the fertilized ovum to expel.

3. Salty foods:

Cravings for salty foods (chips, sauces, wafers, condiments, and instant foods) are understandable during pregnancy because they may satisfy your taste buds. However, it is strongly advised that salty foods must be avoided by pregnant ladies. It is said to be so because a high salt content causes increased water retention in the body, which can lead to pregnancy complications.

4. Caffeine:

A sip of coffee or tea may lift your spirits and provide you with energy, but hold on! Caffeine is one of the “must avoid foods” during pregnancy. Caffeine is quickly absorbed by the body and can pass the placenta. Because the baby’s placenta lacks the main enzyme that metabolizes caffeine, there is a high risk of caffeine build-up. Furthermore, it can limit foetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight during delivery. Generally, 2000mg caffeine/day is the advised limit for pregnant people.

5. Papaya:

You may have heard from your grandmother that eating papaya is a no-no during pregnancy. But do you understand why? Raw, green, unripe, or semi-ripe papaya should be avoided at all costs. These papayas contain the chemicals papain and latex, which are responsible for limiting foetal growth and uterine contractions, respectively. This could even result in a miscarriage.

6. Ajinomoto:

Do you have a craving for Chinese food preparations? Yes! Cravings for this type of cuisine are quite common, but they are not very healthy. This is due to the addition of one ingredient during the preparation – Ajinomoto! It can have a significant impact on the baby’s brain development while he or she is still a foetus. As a result, ajinomoto should be avoided to avoid such complications and to protect the baby’s growth.

7. Raw sprouts

Everyone tells you to eat healthy when you’re pregnant. Amongst them are sprouts. It is easily digestible and a good source of protein as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Raw sprouts, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs. This is done to avoid salmonella (bacteria) contamination, as pregnant women are at a much higher risk of infection. Sprouts, on the other hand, are safe to eat after they have been cooked.

Similarly, unwashed and unpeeled fruits and vegetables are must to avoid in order to keep away the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections.

8. Pineapple:

Bromelain is the active ingredient in pineapple. This compound causes cervix softening, which may lead to cervix opening and miscarriage. Furthermore, it is believed that pineapple can rapidly increase body heat. This can cause blood pressure to fluctuate, which is not ideal during pregnancy. Having very small amounts, however, is safe during pregnancy.

9. Alcohol:

It is not safe to drink alcohol whether pregnant or not. When you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid alcohol because it raises the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a modest amount can have an adverse effect on a baby’s brain and development. Aside from that, it has the potential to create facial deformities as well as intellectual incapacity. DURING PREGNANCY, NO ALCOHOL LEVEL IS SAFE.

10. Processed junk foods:

You may have always struggled to avoid junk foods and eat healthy, or to plan a nutrient-dense meal. There is no better time to instill that than during pregnancy. To protect yourself and your child from infections, avoid eating street food such as chaats, Chinese, vada pav, and so on. Along with this, try to avoid foods made from refined wheat flour (Maida), which can cause bloating and constipation. Furthermore, pre-packaged pickles, chutneys, sauces, and condiments should be avoided because they may contain preservatives and additives that are harmful to the developing baby. Highly processed foods high in sugar, fat, added fats, and additives must be avoided as they can lead to unhealthy weight gain and pregnancy complications.

Increase your intake of protein, minerals, iron, calcium, and vitamins by eating more fresh foods. Don’t panic; there are a variety of methods to incorporate vegetables into your meals without compromising flavour.

11. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi):

Although fenugreek seeds have a number of health benefits, they should be avoided during pregnancy. contains a lot of phytoestrogens, which cause the uterine walls to contract and the lining to shed. Fenugreek seeds can also cause contractions and, if consumed in large quantities, can result in birth defects. It is unquestionably beneficial to consume fenugreek seeds after pregnancy. It aids in the production of breast milk, stimulates menstruation, and cleans the uterus.

(Read here: Foods that help to boost breast milk production)

12. Grapes:

Foods to avoid for pregnant ladies includes on of your favourite fruit too. This juicy fruit should not be consumed during your third trimester of pregnancy. Grapes can cause unwanted complications by rapidly increasing body heat. Apart from that, resveratrol, the active ingredient in grapes, can create a variety of problems, including hormone instability.

It’s natural to feel upset about not being able to eat what you want, but keep in mind that you’re doing this for yourself and your baby. There are several Indian foods that should not be consumed during pregnancy, but there are many others that are safe and delicious. So take pleasure in them! You’ll have a healthy baby if you focus on staying well and keeping your infant safe.


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Dry and frizzy hair home remedies: 10 hair hacks

dry and frizzy hair home remedies by Iyurved

People having dry and frizzy hair may relate to this quote that keeps on popping up the internet a lot of times. “My hair is wilder than I am” But, hey! Frizzy hair may be difficult to manage, but it’s not impossible! Frizzy hair is 100% natural and there is nothing wrong with it. With so many over-the-counter (OTC) anti-frizz products available in the market, you’d think keeping frizz away can be easy. But it seems that no matter how much product you put in your hair to keep it from frizzing up, nothing works. Here home remedies come into picture. Yes, there are some easy and effective dry and frizzy hair home remedies that not only control your frizz but also help improve the overall hair health.

Before going to home remedies, let’s start with some basic ideas about Frizz!

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what causes hair to be frizzy?

Our hair is composed of three layers, the outermost of which is known as the cuticle. When the hair is healthy, the natural oil present in the outer layers of the hair protects the inner layer of the hair as well. As a result, the hair retains moisture, shine, and sheen.

But, when hair becomes damaged or dry, the cuticle (outer layer of the hair strand) begins to resemble a pine cone, with rough, open, and overlapping scales. When this happens, the hair loses moisture while absorbing moisture from the air. This causes the hair to swell, lose shape, become fragile, brittle, and appear dull. In a nutshell, it becomes frizzy!

Causes of dry and frizzy hair:

A lot of factors are responsible for dry and frizzy hair. Dry hair makes the frizz worse. Here are some possible causes:

  • Dry scalp
  • Weather or environmental conditions
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Age
  • Very hot water for hair wash
  • Frequent or too often hair wash
  • Heat styling (blow try, straighteners, curlers)
  • Using harsh hair care product
  • Hormonal changes
  • No proper hair care routine
  • Some medical conditions can also lead to dry and frizzy hair:
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Menkes disease
dry and frizzy hair home remedies:

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on these home remedies. Well, definitely not as much as the anti-frizz products available in the market. These remedies are pocket friendly, effective, and the simplest way to control frizz!

1.    Banana hair mask:

This fruit is almost universally adored. Bananas are not only good for the body but also for the hair. They are high in potassium and contain a lot of moisture. When applied to the hair, they help to prevent split ends, reduce frizz, soften the hair, keep it moisturized, and improve the elasticity of the hair.

Mash one banana. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey. Whisk and make a paste. Apply thoroughly from roots to tips. Let it rest for 45-50 minutes. Rinse well.

mash one banana and thoroughly spread it on the hair, from roots to ends. Leave it on for 1 hour and rinse with lukewarm water.

2.    Egg mask:

‘Do not use it if you have an egg allergy.’ Eggs contain a lot of protein, saturated fats, vitamins, and biotin. It has the ability to smooth and moisturize frizzy hair. Furthermore, it makes the hair shinier and healthier.

Whip one or two eggs according to the length of your hair. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to it. Whisk it until they are frothy. Apply on the hair and scalp. Make sure that the entire length of hair is covered. Tie and cover your hair with aplastic wrap. Rest it for 30 minutes. Rinse well.

3.    Apple cider vinegar (ACV):

The pH of healthy hair is between 4.5 and 5.5. When the pH of the hair becomes too alkaline, the cuticles open up, resulting in frizz. ACV which is slightly acidic in nature that maintains the hair pH when applied. It helps by removing the product build up, reduces dandruff and thus tames frizzy hair. It also has antibacterial properties. People having sensitive scalp should avoid this remedy as it may cause irritation. Additionally, those who have coloured hair must not use this very often as this may fade the colour.

Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar to 1 quarter warm water. Combine thoroughly. Pour the required amount onto the hairs. Ensure that the entire length is covered. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. You can even use a conditioner if necessary. The strong odour of ACV must be washed away.

4.    Yogurt and Honey:

Honey and yogurt are a great combination to kick the frizz out. Yogurt has conditioning properties whereas honey provides hydration.

Mix well ½ cup of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply this to your hair and scalp completely. Keep it for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse well and ensure that all the residues of yogurt are washed off.

5.    Warm oil:

Coconut oil and argan oil are great to control the frizzy hairs. They are rich in lauric acid and oleic, linolenic acids respectively. Overall, they help in adding moisture to the hair, reduce protein loss, provide shine and protect hair from styling heat. There are multiple ways in which you can use these oils.

Apply warm coconut oil mixed with 10 drops of vitamin E on the scalp and hair. Massage gently. Leave it overnight. Rinse with warm water and shampoo.

Applying a tiny amount of coconut oil post wash (when the hair is damp) helps in reducing frizz too.

Before heat styling, add a few drops of argan oil on the palm and apply on the hair.

6.    Avocado hair mask:

Frizzy hair remedies at home include this fruit which is not only a delicious toast topping, but it’s also a superfruit that fights frizz. Avocado is high in vitamin A, E, saturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, all of which aid in hair strengthening, nourishing dry, damaged hair, and retaining moisture.

Mash one ripe avocado. To it add 2-3 spoons of coconut oil. Make a medium thick paste. Apply it all over your scalp and hair. Cover it with a plastic wrap or towel. Let it rest on your hairs for 20-30 minutes. Wash well with shampoo.

Ayurvedic dry and frizzy hair home remedies:

Herbs have been used for centuries for treating a lot of health concerns. It has incredible medical benefits when it comes to hair and skin too. Ayurvedic formulations are full of nutrients, which nourish the hair from root to tip. They keep the cuticle hydrated and seal in moisture to prevent frizzing. Here are a few simple but amazing ayurvedic dry and frizzy hair home remedies:

1.    Ashwagandha

This ayurvedic herb is well known for its healing and grounding abilities. One of the reasons for dry and frizzy hair is vata dosha. Ashwagandha has a very high potential to treat this frizz.  

Apply warm ashwagandha oil to the scalp and hair. Keep it overnight. Rinse well with shampoo.

Mix ashwagandha powder (required as per the hair length) and add water to it to make a fine paste. Apply this to your scalp and hair and massage gently. Wrap it up with a towel or sheet. Rinse well after 30 minutes.

2.    Neem:

Well, the antibacterial properties of neem are well known. In addition to it, the fatty acids in the neem helps to control frizz by locking the moisture in the hair follicles.

Take a handful of neem leaves and add it to boiling water. Leave it overnight. Grind the leaves to a medium flow consistency. You can use the water too for the hair wash. Apply gently on the hair and the scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse well with a mild shampoo.

3.    Brahmi:

Since ancient times Brahmi has been a magical herb that helps to reduce vata dosha and thus reduce dry and frizzy hairs. Moreover, it also reduces hair loss and premature hair greying. Additional benefit is that a regular scalp massage with Brahmi oil helps in curing insomnia.  

Soak overnight a few Brahmi leaves in warm amla oil. Warm the oil before applying and massage gently on the scalp and hairs. Leave it for 1 hour and rinse well.

4.    Homemade shampoo:

Boil Reetha, Shikakai and Amla separately and strain the juice. To it mix Brahmi, hibiscus and fenugreek powder. Mix well. Use this as a shampoo. It will reduce frizz naturally.

Effective tips to prevent frizzy hair:
  • Protect your hair from humidity
  • Avoid excessive exposure to sun
  • Best to avoid hair dyes
  • Do not over wash/ over shampoo your hair
  • Use warm or cold water to cleanse your hair.
  • Protect the hair from the hair styling heat
  • Follow a hair care routine
  • Avoid (frequent) chlorinated water exposure
  • Trim your hair on a regular basis in order to prevent split ends
  • Apply hydrating hair mask at least once a week
  • Tie your hair in loose hair styles
  • Use soft and padded hair accessories and do not sleep with them
  • Avoid washing your hair too often
  • Use chemical free hair care products
  • Proper oiling
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Consume a good healthy balanced diet
Food that helps reduce dry and frizzy hairs:

Food is the most important aspect to consider when decreasing frizz. A balanced diet will help your hair become less dry and frizzy while also adding shine and hydration.

Nuts and seeds: These seeds are rich in essential fatty acids that help in keeping the hair hydrated, almond, pista, walnut, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.

Fruits: These are rich in vitamins, minerals and micronutrients too. Papaya, banana, avocado, grapes, oranges, melons, figs, plums, apples, coconut, berries and cherries.

Legumes and pulses: Green gram and black lentils.

Vegetables: Carrots, onion, garlic, asparagus, celery, beetroot, radish, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, sprouts.

Dairy: Milk, paneer, cheese, ghee, butter


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7 health foods for kids daily nutrition

heal foods for kids by Iyurved

Taking care of kid’s nutrition from early years itself is very important. This not only keeps their present active but also ensures a dependable and disease-free future. What are the benefits of eating nutritious food? Nutritious health foods for kids and healthy diet has many benefits for children: improves mental health, stabilizes energy, builds immunity and prepares the body against diseases. You can easily develop healthy eating habits in your children from their childhood. This can be the best gift you can give them for their better tomorrow.

Healthy eating for children?

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WHAT COMPRISES A NUTRITIOUS OR HEALTHY DIET FOR KIDS?

A nutritious diet plan must provide all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water in the required amounts. Requirements of essential nutrients vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity.

Also check, Why is balanced diet important for children?

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE FOR INDIAN KIDS AS PER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NUTRITION, HYDERABAD:

RDA for Macronutrients and Minerals
RDA for Vitamins

7 health foods for kids daily nutrition:

Protein:

Protein makes up building blocks of organs, muscles, skin and hormones. Our body needs protein to maintain and repair tissues. Meanwhile, children need it for proper growth in their early years too. Fish, poultry, nuts (almond, peanut, cashew, hazelnut), beans, are best choices. A balanced protein rich breakfast is always great for children to start their day. It helps them stay full for longer ideas and hence protein is a must for proper child nutrition. (How to add protein to your diet?)

Good fats:

Health foods for kids must limit fats that are high in saturated fat and avoid trans-fat. Nuts, avocado, seeds (such as pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, sunflower seeds) and few oils are the healthiest sources of unsaturated fat. It is good for eye, bones and mental health of child, helps to boost brain and nervous system development, and strengthen the immune system. Encourage your child to eat all these good fats that support kid’s nutrition.

Also check, Foods and remedies for cough?

Calcium:

It is really important to get strong bones and teeth and we get chance to build them only once – throughout childhood and adolescence. Children who get enough amount of calcium in childhood start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. Mostly calcium is stored in bones and teeth where it supports their structure and hardness, but the body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. Calcium is predominately found in milk and milk based products like cheese. And is also found in smaller quantities in some nuts and seeds. Moreover, few herbs such as shallaki also contains calcium.

Also check, Should kids take whey protein?

Carbohydrates:

Fibre, starches and sugar are very essential food for healthy diet that body turns into glucose to give energy to function. Carbs that take time to digest and have fibre in them are complex carbs which are found in naturally existing fruits, vegetables, almonds, cashews, hazelnut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds and whole grains. 

Vitamin and minerals:

Vitamins and minerals help us to grow, to form bones, muscles, for eyesight, for skin and organs and most importantly help us to fight against infections by building immunity. Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to severe issues related to health. The best way to ensure that your child is getting enough vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development is to provide them with five food groups (fruit and vegetable, complex carbs, dairy, protein and fat).

Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ayurveda has the potential to not only correct imbalances in our children, but also to set them on an enduring path toward optimal health and well-being. Thus, ayurvedic herbs must be included in the list of health foods for kids. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, mulethi, brahmi, shallaki and turmeric are great for kids development. Overall, these herbs support immunity, bone strength, brain development and overall growth.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants are compounds produced in your body or naturally found in some foods that scavenge or neutralize the effects of cell damage by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Fortunately eating a diet rich in antioxidants or antioxidant rich foods help to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Turmeric, Vitamin E, cocoa, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Selenium, Beta carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Manganese, Polyphenols show great antioxidant properties.

Foods to avoid:

Refined sugar: Sugar causes inflammation in the body which results in weaker immunity. Sugar damages the protein in our body, resulting in ageing of organs, which further compromises immunity, growth and functioning. Greatest source of sugar in the average kid’s diet are sugary snacks and beverages like cookies, cakes, candies, fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks. Everything that the child picks up to eat today has strains of added sugar in some form or the other.

Preservatives: most of the packaged food companies are adding artificial preservatives to delay spoilage and contamination in foods.  artificial preservatives such as nitrates, benzoates, sulfites, sorbates, parabens, formaldehyde, BHT, BHA and several others can cause serious health hazards such as hypersensitivity, allergy, asthma, hyperactivity, neurological damage.

Refined oil: The high temperature involved in the refining process removes all the natural and beneficial substances from the oil, which is not good for the digestive as well as respiratory health and ultimately affects your immunity.

How to feed these essential foods to kids?

Now the question arises- how to include all these bitter Ayurvedic herbs, nuts, seeds and antioxidants in your child’s diet?

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