RBC Folate Tips

Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Dr. Savita Gupta 90% (74 ratings)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG)
IVF Specialist, Alwar
Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

At times being able to conceive becomes a challenge due to certain biological reasons. Feeling positive and eating healthy naturally takes you a step nearer to getting pregnant. In case of no medical condition acting as an obstruction, consuming the right food can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Here’s a list of supplements you can include in your diet to maximise your chances of getting pregnant.

1. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates: Reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates (found in milk, potatoes, corn to name a few) can reduce inflammation of the genitals, which will help increase fertility. You can still continue to have your favourite foods, but ensure they are low GI (glycaemic index- a figure used to represent the ability of carbohydrate to increase glucose in blood) carbohydrates.

You can consume whole grains, which help in reducing insulin levels that in turn reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes and also help lower cholesterol levels. Try having whole grain bread instead of white bread and porridge instead of sugary processed cereals to reduce your GI ingestion.

2. Harness the power of Proteins: Proteins are an important part of your diet and the type of proteins you require careful consideration as they help make new hormones. Try having 25gms of vegetable protein like seeds, legumes and nuts instead of animal protein.

Add dairy foods to your diet as they are also a rich source of protein. They provide vital minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B12 to the body and at the same time are low in calories. Include milk, yoghurt and cottage cheese to your meals so that you have a minimum of three servings of dairy products a day, which is essential to meet your nutritional needs and increase your chances of having a baby.

3. Welcome Good Fats: Processed foods, fatty meats and takeaways are high in saturated fats including trans fats. These lead to inflammation and an increase of oxygen free radicals in the body, which decrease fertility. So, incorporate good fats in your diet in controlled quantities. Try having avocado and tomato on a whole grain toast, for instance.

4. Make folate an integral part of your diet: Folate is an essential nutrient that helps in decreasing the incidence of birth defects in babies, while ensuring a healthy conception. Along with the prescribed supplements, try to increase its intake in its natural form. The best way to do this is by having green leafy vegetables, which are a rich source of folate. You can also have veggie sticks and vegetable soup along or green vegetable dishes to increase your folate intake. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

5081 people found this helpful

8 Diet Changes To Help Increase Your Fertility!

Dr. Asha S Vijay 90% (173 ratings)
Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine & ART
IVF Specialist, Bangalore
8 Diet Changes To Help Increase Your Fertility!

4 Dietary Changes that can Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

At times being able to conceive becomes a challenge due to certain biological reasons. Feeling positive and eating healthy naturally takes you a step nearer to getting pregnant. In case of no medical condition acting as an obstruction, consuming the right food can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Here’s a list of supplements you can include in your diet to maximise your chances of getting pregnant.

1. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates: Reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates (found in milk, potatoes, corn to name a few) can reduce inflammation of the genitals, which will help increase fertility. You can still continue to have your favourite foods, but ensure they are low GI (glycaemic index- a figure used to represent the ability of carbohydrate to increase glucose in blood) carbohydrates.

You can consume whole grains, which help in reducing insulin levels that in turn reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes and also help lower cholesterol levels. Try having whole grain bread instead of white bread and porridge instead of sugary processed cereals to reduce your GI ingestion.

2. Harness the power of Proteins: Proteins are an important part of your diet and the type of proteins you require careful consideration as they help make new hormones. Try having 25gms of vegetable protein like seeds, legumes and nuts instead of animal protein.

Add dairy foods to your diet as they are also a rich source of protein. They provide vital minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B12 to the body and at the same time are low in calories. Include milk, yoghurt and cottage cheese to your meals so that you have a minimum of three servings of dairy products a day, which is essential to meet your nutritional needs and increase your chances of having a baby.

3. Welcome Good Fats: Processed foods, fatty meats and takeaways are high in saturated fats including trans fats. These lead to inflammation and an increase of oxygen free radicals in the body, which decrease fertility. So, incorporate good fats in your diet in controlled quantities. Try having avocado and tomato on a whole grain toast, for instance.

4. Make folate an integral part of your diet: Folate is an essential nutrient that helps in decreasing the incidence of birth defects in babies, while ensuring a healthy conception. Along with the prescribed supplements, try to increase its intake in its natural form. The best way to do this is by having green leafy vegetables, which are a rich source of folate. You can also have veggie sticks and vegetable soup along or green vegetable dishes to increase your folate intake.

3150 people found this helpful

10 Foods Increase Low Platelet Count - Add In Your Diet Now

Dr. Jagdish Prasad Mehrotra 93% (1914 ratings)
MBBS, D.P.H
General Physician, Gurgaon
10 Foods Increase Low Platelet Count - Add In Your Diet Now

low platelet count is also known as thrombocytopenia. The human blood is essentially composed of four components namely erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), thrombocytes (blood platelets), and plasma.

10 Foods Items Improves Low platelet Count

Here we create a list of food items that helps in the lower platelet count problem. These fruits items, dairy products, protein items, vitamins, and minerals help in increasing platelet count.

1. Anar (Pomegranate): It is rich in iron and also contains vitamins. This fruit help to combat increasing platelet reduction with regular consumption & vitamins to keep your energy levels steady.

2. Milk: It has high calcium which helps to regenerate the platelet. Calcium content with vitamin K and milk protein “Fibrinogen” increases the Platelet count and improves the blood's ability to form the clot. Calcium Deficiency can lead to your body much longer time in forming a clot .

3. Folate Rich Food: Folate or B9 is essential for healthy cell division in the body. A severe deficiency of folate in the body can result in a reduction in Blood Platelet. Daily intake of Folate is 400 mg is required. When the platelet count is low it’s consumption increases the platelet count. Food rich in Folate is Asparagus, Orange juice, Spinach, and fortified cereals.

4. Lean Proteins: Lean protein food is an excellent source of Zinc and Vitamin 12 which are essential to reverse the effects of thrombocytopenia. In case of reduced platelet count take food like soybean, spinach (Palak), black beans, cow’s milk, white of egg, Oatmeal, Fish, and white meat chicken.  This protein item helps increase platelet count

5. Papaya: Extract of the leaf of papaya is excellent for overall blood production and increases the platelet count (Prepare an extract of leaves by boiling leaves in medium heat for 15 minutes with water and wait till the water comes down to half ). Take leaf extract 2tsf twice daily.

6. Cod Liver Oil and Flax Seed Oil: These oils strengthen the Immune system many autoimmune disorders are cause of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count. These oils reduce the inflammation of the body and improve blood circulation throughout the body.

7. Vitamin A Rich Food: Vitamin A is essential for healthy platelet production, it also plays a role in the formation of Protein in the body which helps in the process of cell division and growth. Carrot, Pumpkin, Kale, and Sweet Potatoes (Sakarkandi).

8. Chlorophyll from Wheat grass: Wheatgrass juice contains 70% of chlorophyll (The Plant Haemoglobin) have a strong effect in overall blood production and increases the platelet count. Take ½ cup per day.

9. Vitamin K Rich Food: Vitamin K keeps cell growth at an optimum level in the body. Life of platelets is only 10 days which is to be compensated continually to maintain the lost amount in the body, hence high-calorie food for ideal production of blood platelets and vitamin K is one of the ingredients available in Eggs, Green leafy vegetables, Kale, Frozen Spinach, Mustard Greens Broccoli & Liver.

10. Macrobiotic Diet: To combat Thrombocytopenia in patients a vital anti-inflammatory diet is recommended by Platelet Disorder Association which helps in optimum blood production e.g. Whole grains, vegetables, and organic beans is recommended while animal protein is to be avoided except Fish Yogurt & cheese.


Update From Lybrate: Keep a check on your overall well-being by consuming healthy and delicious products. These Healthy Food Items not only soothe your taste buds but also keep you hydrated.

26 people found this helpful

Kidney Disease - How It Is Related With Anaemia?

Dr. Gireesh Reddy 90% (60 ratings)
Interventional Nephrology, DM - Nephrology, MD - General Medicine, MBBS
Nephrologist, Bangalore
Kidney Disease - How It Is Related With Anaemia?

A healthy kidney produces a hormone known as the erythropoietin. The latter assists the bone marrow to produce an adequate amount of RBC that carries oxygen to every nook and corner of the body. A damaged kidney results in less RBC production, thereby, creating a condition known as anaemia. The hemoglobin count in the blood reduces significantly in this condition.

Anaemia is characterized by shortness of breath, weakness and tiredness. It can affect sleep and a loss of appetite. A patient suffering from anaemia reports of frequent headaches and a faster heart rate. These symptoms also surface when a person suffers from chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The condition gets worse as the disease progresses.

Treating anaemia:
A patient suffering from anaemia should be treated on time as there are many pitfalls of a lower hemoglobin level. The treatment will give instant relief from other symptoms that might have arrived with CKD. Doctors frequently prescribe Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agent (ESA) for patients suffering from CKD and suffering from anaemia due to the shortage of erythropoietin. ESAs can be injected through an injection or intravenously. These injections stimulate the bone marrow to produce more RBCs. However, studies have revealed that ESAs increase the chance of strokes, heart attacks and blood clots. Furthermore, they aggravate tumor growth and shorten life expectancy for cancer patients. People undergoing ESA treatment should have periodic check-ups to ensure that the hemoglobin count is normal and under control.

Iron
Iron count in the body has an important role in treating patients suffering from anaemia and CKD. In case the level of iron is too low in the body, ESAs fail to improve the condition of an anaemic patient. The ferritin count of a patient should be in the range of 100-800 mcg/L. One more test known as TSAT reveals the number of iron required to produce RBCs in the body. In case the iron count is less, doctors often suggest iron pills to bring the count to a more accepted level.

Other causes
There could be other reasons for anaemia as well. A doctor might further investigate the level of B12 and folic acid present in the body. Even an inflammatory condition can lead to anaemia. A decreased count of any of the above mentioned ingredients can cause anaemia to a patient suffering from EKD.

Food items necessary to improve the condition
A healthy diet helps in improving the condition of an anaemic patient. Iron deficiency is best addressed by fish and beef. Food rich in vitamin C helps the body to absorb more iron in the body. Certain food items that block the entry of iron in the body include tea, milk, albumen (egg white) etc. Therefore, you should be strictly avoid these items from your diet.

2560 people found this helpful

Miracle Drink-Apple, Carrot, and Beetroot Juice

Dr. Praveen Chaudhary 91% (2364 ratings)
PGD In Ultraasonography, Non Invasive Cardiology Course, MD - Medicine, MBBS
General Physician, Narnaul
Miracle Drink-Apple, Carrot, and Beetroot Juice

What do you get when you mix together apple, carrot, and beetroot juice? You get miracle drink.
The drink has gained fame by the name, miracle drink because the countless benefits it gives to your brain and body is truly a miracle.

This powerful drink was introduced by chinese herbalists for the treatment of lung cancer and many other diseases ages ago. But currently, it has gained massive popularity all over the world because of its magical health benefits.

The drink is simple to make all you need is a juicer, apples, carrots, and beetroots. Juice them with their skins on and consume right after making it. Do not store. How many carrots, apples or beets you add to the juice is up to your own taste. You can either add more carrots or increase the number of apples. For best results, try to take them in equal quantities. You can even add lime juice to enhance its taste but do not add sugar.

Power of two vegetable and one fruit:
Packed in this juice are the power of two vegetables and one fruit, all enriched with a plentiful amount of lifesaving antioxidants. Apples contain nutrients like vitamin a, b1, b2, b6, c, e and k, folate, niacin, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, sodium, and manganese. Also, the dietary fibers found in apples are very beneficial for health. Carrots contain a wide variety of vitamins such as vitamin a, b1, b2, b3, b6, c, e and k, folate, niacin and pantothenic acid. There are minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium packed in it. One of the most important components found in carrots is beta-carotene. You can get the best of these nutrients by juicing the carrots. And the heart friendly beetroots are enriched with nutrients like vitamin a, c, b-complex, potassium, iron, magnesium, and copper. They contain anti-aging agents as well.

With the combined effect of the three, you can get enough nutrients that will not just keep you going through the day but would also have long-term beneficial effects on your health.

4 people found this helpful

High On Fibre Diet - 10 Foods That Promote It!

Dt. Ankita Gupta 92% (30 ratings)
Masters In Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (MCND)
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Secunderabad
High On Fibre Diet - 10 Foods That Promote It!

Fibre is crucial for proper digestion and 85 % immunity of the human body is due to digestion alone. Scientists have recently concluded after years of study that the human brain and gut are indeed connected. This leads us to the question whether we are looking after our guts to stay healthy and fit for years to come?

Consider these modern diets have left millions worldwide with deficiency of fibre. And, this is really alarming because high - fibre foods help to guard against cancer, heart disease, kidney stones, PMS, obesity and diabetes.

Fibre comes in two varieties- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre turns to gel in the stomach, slowing digestion, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Insoluble fibre remains untouched all the way to the large intestine aiding in proper evacuation of the GI tract. Since fibre is never absorbed into the body, you have to eat sufficient quantities of it every day. Experts suggest that you need 25-38 gm of fibre each day in your diet. But how do you get this amount?

Here is a list of 10 high- fibre foods for jacking-up fibre content

  1. Legumes like split peas or ‘dals’: Fibre content - 16.3 gm per cup. Eaten as a staple food in India, split peas are full of proteins and fibre. They can be had in soup, stew and dal form.
  2. Lentils like quinoa: Fibre content - 15.6 gm per cup. They are also good source of protein, iron, folate, manganese and phosphorous.
  3. Artichokes: Fibre - 10.3 gm per medium vegetable. Reservoir of vitamins A, C, E, B, K, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, Artichokes are one of the top most high antioxidant food.
  4. Peas: Fibre - 8.8 gm per cup. They are also filled with protein, Omega-3s, vitamins and folates and contain insoluble fibres
  5. Broccoli: Fibre - 5.1 gm per cup. A power-packed cruciferous vegetable, full of anti-oxidants.
  6. Brussels sprouts: Fibre - 4.1 gm per cup. Contains balance of soluble and insoluble fibre apart from nutrients like vitamins C, K, B1, B2, B6, folate and manganese.
  7. Oatmeal: Fibre - 4 gm per cup. Great for breakfast with milk!
  8. Flax seeds: Fibre - 3 gm per tablespoon: Tonnes of nutrients are packed in the humble flax seeds. They contain protein, thiamine, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. They reduce cholesterol and help ease symptoms of menopause.
  9. Avocados: Fibre - 6.7 gm per half fruit raw. Pack with the goodness of vitamin C, E, B6, folate, vitamin K and potassium. Contain healthy fats that help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  10. Pears: Fibre - 5.5 gm per medium fruit. This fruit contains Omega-6 fatty acids which help keep the cells in brain and nerves healthy.
2824 people found this helpful

Fibre Rich Diet - 10 Foods You Must Include In Your Diet!

Dt. Mukta Anup Bagadia 88% (54 ratings)
MSc Food & Nutrition, Diploma In Diet & Nutrition
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Akola
Fibre Rich Diet - 10 Foods You Must Include In Your Diet!

Fibre is crucial for proper digestion and 85 % immunity of the human body is due to digestion alone. Scientists have recently concluded after years of study that the human brain and gut are indeed connected. This leads us to the question whether we are looking after our guts to stay healthy and fit for years to come?

Consider this modern diets have left millions worldwide with deficiency of fibre. And, this is really alarming because high - fibre foods help to guard against cancer, heart disease, kidney stones, PMS, obesity and diabetes.

Fibre comes in two varieties- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre turns to gel in the stomach, slowing digestion, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Insoluble fibre remains untouched all the way to the large intestine aiding in proper evacuation of the GI tract. Since fibre is never absorbed into the body, you have to eat sufficient quantities of it every day. Experts suggest that you need 25-38 gm of fibre each day in your diet. But how do you get this amount?

Here is a list of 10 high- fibre foods for jacking-up fibre content

  1. Legumes like split peas or ‘dals’: Fibre content - 16.3 gm per cup. Eaten as a staple food in India, split peas are full of proteins and fibre. They can be had in soup, stew and dal form.
  2. Lentils like quinoaFibre content -  15.6 gm per cup. They are also good source of protein, iron, folate, manganese and phosphorous.
  3. Artichokes: Fibre - 10.3 gm per medium vegetable. Reservoir of vitamins A, C, E, B, K, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, Artichokes are one of the top most high antioxidant food.
  4. Peas: Fibre - 8.8 gm per cup. They are also filled with protein, Omega-3s, vitamins and folates and contain insoluble fibres
  5. BroccoliFibre - 5.1 gm per cup. A power packed cruciferous vegetable, full of anti-oxidants.
  6. Brussels sproutsFibre - 4.1 gm per cup. Contains  balance of soluble and insoluble fibre apart from nutrients like vitamins C, K, B1, B2, B6, folate and manganese.
  7. Oatmeal: Fibre 4 gm per cup. Great for breakfast with milk!
  8. Flax seeds: Fibre - 3 gm per tablespoon: Tonnes of nutrients are packed in the humble flax seeds. They contain protein, thiamine, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. They reduce cholesterol and help ease symptoms of menopause.
  9. Avocados: Fibre 6.7 gm per half fruit raw. Pack with the goodness of vitamin C, E, B6, folate, vitamin K and potassium. Contain healthy fats that help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  10. Pears: Fibre - 5.5 gm per medium fruit. This fruit contains Omega-6 fatty acids which helps keep the cells in brain and nerves healthy.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2893 people found this helpful

Dt. Kamna Desai 89% (4390 ratings)
Post Graduate Diploma In Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Mint (Phudina)

Mint is the best herb in this summer to avoid abdominal related complaints like gas, acidity, indigestion, etc .

Mint contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate, iron, calcium, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, dietary fibre.

Health benefits:-

Its best digestive tonic as it prevents and relieves flatulence and also promotes the digestion.

It improves oral health as it prevents bad odour from mouth.

It inhibits the release of histamines that cause allergies and hay fever.

Its natural stimulants relieves fatigue and depression.

Some research suggests that people chewing mint gums have higher memory retention and alertness.
3 people found this helpful

What Are The Possible Complications Of Psoriasis?

Dr. Nitin Hundre 89% (205 ratings)
Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine (H.M.D.)
Homeopath, Belgaum
What Are The Possible Complications Of Psoriasis?

Folate deficiency - patients with severe psoriasis have a risk of developing folate deficiency. Folate is a B vitamin that is vital for proper nerve function; it also prevents birth defects. Folate also prevents high levels of homocysteine, which increase the risk of heart disease.
Heart problems, obesity and diabetes - a higher percentage of individuals with psoriasis develop heart problems, diabetes and/or obesity. Experts do not know whether there is a genetic link between these conditions and psoriasis. People with moderate-severe psoriasis, ideally should be tested for these conditions. Experts from UC Davis explained in Archives of Dermatology that fat cells in patients with psoriasis secrete cytokines that raise insulin resistance in the liver and muscle, which initiates the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Bad body temperature regulation - patients with erythrodermic psoriasis may have abnormalities in the body’s ability to control temperature.
Zumbusch psoriasis - this is a combination of erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. The condition may develop suddenly. The patient may experience fever, chills, muscle weakness and weight loss. Sometimes there may be an over-accumulation of fluids, protein loss, and electrolyte imbalances; in such cases the patient may need to be hospitalized until fluid, chemical balances and body temperature are normalized. Zumbusch psoriasis is especially dangerous if the patient is elderly.
Psoriatic arthritis - in the majority of cases, psoriatic arthritis symptoms are mild. However, the following complications are possible:
Arthritis mutilans - an extremely severe form of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, in which the bones are reabsorbed, resulting in the collapse of soft tissue. When the hands are affected it can cause a phenomenon called telescoping fingers; the feet may also be affected. Patients with other arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the joints of the fingers have a higher risk.
Risk of developing psoriatic arthritis - it is estimated that between 10% and 20% of all patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis; in about 20% of these people the arthritis symptoms occur before the psoriasis ones.
Cancers - patients with severe psoriasis who received systemic medications (those that affect the whole body) have a higher risk of developing skin cancers and lymphomas.
Psychological and emotional consequences - living with psoriasis often has emotional and social consequences.
Patients may feel embarrassed by having visible plaques and that can lead to depression. In some cases the individual may withdraw from society.
Symptoms may become so severe that patients have to leave their jobs, further increasing the risk of psychological and emotional problems.
Several surveys have shown that a significant number of patients with psoriasis report a negative mental and physical impact that is similar to several chronic conditions, including cancer, hypertension, heart disease, depression and diabetes.
According to a national survey (USA) Psoriasis Uncovered of people with the most severe form of psoriasis:
20% say that their psoriasis contributed towards the loss of a job or resignation.
25% believe that their psoriasis has caused an intimate relationship to end.
43% said psoriasis had prevented them from making new friends.
83% expressed dissatisfaction with their current treatment.
The majority of GPs (general practitioners, primary care physicians), specialists and other health care professionals know and understand that psoriasis has an emotional and psychological impact. It is important that the patient discusses any concerns and anxiety they may have.
6 people found this helpful

Manage Stress In A Healthy Way!

Dt. Tejashree Joshi 92% (92 ratings)
Ph. D. Nutrition, Master in Food Science and Nutrition, Bachelor's of Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Chennai
Manage Stress In A Healthy Way!

When work deadlines begin piling up and your social calendaris booked, the last thing you want to hear is to steer clear of the vending machine. Who has time for healthy eating? But when it comes to combating stress levels, what you eat may actually help relieve your tension. 

  • Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you keep calm
  • A regular healthy indulgence (just a bite, not a whole bar!) of dark chocolate might have the power to regulate your stress levels. It can reduce your stress hormones, including cortisol. Also, the antioxidants in cocoa trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. And finally, dark chocolate contains unique natural substances that create a sense of euphoria similar to the feeling of being in love!
2 people found this helpful