Health

10 Things That Happen When You Stop Eating Meat

10. Artery Clogging Menace Red meat contains bacteria that tend to clog arterial walls. People eat lean steak because it is low in fats and cholesterol… Denis Courtney - February 5, 2017

Eating meat is one of the choices that people tend to make in their life. Meat is one of the tastiest foods that many individuals enjoy in their lives. Meat is commonly taken from different types of animals, e.g. beef, pork, chicken, and other processed meat products. Meat is one of the addictive things that people do not realize they are addicted to until they begin to see the side effects. It is easy for people that are addicted to meat to cook it in different ways to satisfy their needs. The tastier one’s meat gets, the higher the chances of one having to deal with the side effects.

Consumption of these dangerous types of meat on a daily does not just add to the risk of one getting sick, but it is also an expensive way of life. People who care about their lives tend to escape from this lifestyle, and they get to the vegetarian style which is healthier and sustainable. This lifestyle is, however, not easy to adopt if one is used to eating meat. It is advisable to make it a routine for young children so that they can avoid getting meat-related complications and adopt the new way of life before they get older and it becomes nearly impossible to escape from it.

The Medical Health Organization, in conjunction with the Cancer Agency for Research of Cancer published a report that made people worried in October 2015. The report contained studies that had been made over the past 20 years. These studies concluded that meat is one of the cancer-causing products we consume, especially red meat and processed meat. It is important to understand that red meat includes many different kinds of muscle meat, like beef, pork lamb, veal (and horse for the people who eat horse meat).

Also, the study explained that processed meat is meat that has undergone processes like smoking, adding additives like salting, fermenting and the meat has already lost its natural taste. Some of the processed meat are sausages, ham, frankfurters which are commonly known as hot dogs, canned meats etc. The report concluded that regular consumption of these meats doubles the chances of one getting cancer. Eating processed meat regularly has been linked to increased risks of getting colorectal cancer.

The following is what can happen to your body when you stop your routine of regularly consuming meat.

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1. Your Heart Health Improves

Well, it is medically discovered that consuming meat alone does not increase the chances of one developing heart problems; but red meat that has been processed in some way is what significantly enhances the risk of your body getting cancer and heart issues. Your body will always try to get rid of anything it deems foreign by attacking it. It does this by inflammation, which is a defense mechanism of the body against any attacks that are caused by disease-causing organisms like bacteria and viruses.

Meat is one of the foods that may cause the heart to experience inflammation. When the inflammation of the heart walls and tissues persists, it tends to significantly increase the possibility of the heart getting attacked with microbe-causing diseases. These heart diseases are oftentimes caused by the consumption of red meat, especially meat containing the Neu5Gc red meat molecule that our body does not produce, and so considers foreign. So, one may get infected from eating red meat that contains the molecule on a continuous basis.

This happens when the body comes in contact with different molecules that it does not produce itself in order to function properly. So, what the body does is that it reacts to this foreign molecule by creating inflammation in order to get rid of it; this is called an immune response. Continuous inflammation can be dangerous to tissues, and the more the body is exposed to this dangerous situation of inflammation, the greater the risk the heart tissues get affected. This conclusion was discovered from research that was made in the proceedings of The National Academics of Science in 2015.

It was also stated that red meat has a compound called L-carnation that greatly increases the possibility of clogging arteries when it comes into contact with bacterial diseases. Clogged arteries are without doubt one of the main reasons for getting heart diseases, because the arteries have been hindered from performing their required functions.

The body tries to adapt to this new system and instead it ends up increasing the chances of a person’s death, because clogged arteries mean that there will be little-to-no transportation of oxygen throughout the body system. One is encouraged to adopt a vegetarian diet, as it is known to reduce inflammation and helps to protect the heart.

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2. You Can Protect Yourself from Cancer

As most people know, cancer is one of the top ten dangerous diseases in one’s body; there is no cure for cancer patients and their life changes as it gets worse day by day. Many people have lost their loved ones from cancer. In ancient times, the problem of people dying from cancer was very minimal, because they used only to consider eating fruits, vegetables, and well-cooked meat.

People long ago were not exposed to science, so they were safe from coming into contact with refined meat. One of the ways that they used to refine their meat was by smoking, salting and drying which, even though they are cancer-triggering methods because the flesh is not in its natural state, they would ensure that it is well cooked before they ate it.

As we have seen before, inflammation is one of the factors that cause diseases in the body and cancer happens to be one of them. Eating meat on a daily basis is dangerous to your body as it increases the possibility of inflammation and may shorten your life span. Research was carried out on bodybuilders comparing people who ate meat on a daily basis, and those that ate meat occasionally, and those who did not eat meat at all.

It was discovered that people lived longer who ate vegetables, followed by those that ate meat only occasionally. The ones who ate meat on a daily basis was more prone to acquire dangerous diseases like cancer, and so reduced their life span. This was according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which was published in 2012. Those who died sooner died from heart diseases and cancer due to their high rates of meat consumption.

It was further noticed that those who eat red meat increase their chances of having heart disease by 13 percent, which increases to 20 percent if the person consumes red meat that is processed. This is the reason why it is advisable to replace those bad habits of regular meat consumption with vegetables and other sources of bodybuilding foods to avoid endangering one’s self from dying sooner, because no cure for cancer has been found yet.

One that gets to leave with cancer leaves a sad life knowing that there is no hope of getting well also the medical facilities for cancer patients are scarce in some countries, and the medication is expensive. To avoid putting your beloved family in danger, it is best to stop taking foods that are likely to cause cancer in your body.

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3. Your Chances of Living Longer Increase

Eating red meat and processed meat reduces your life span. By eating a lot of red meat or processed meat, one forces the body to function in a way that it was not supposed to function, because it is trying to make you comfortable in your skin. It has been discovered that people who eat red meat died sooner compared with the people who simply consumed a vegetarian diet. There is no research proving that one dies earlier from consuming a lot of vegetables, but it has been proven excessive consumption of red meat may shorten life one’s lifespan. People that eat a lot of red meat also increase pain in their bodies.

When one suffers from diseases that come about as a result of consuming red meat, he or she ends up endangering their body if they take medication that has a high content of chemicals that need to be broken down. This can reduce one’s chance of getting better. The body has to endure this because, as the body tries to get rid of the sickness, it reduces the cell’s functioning, and in turn, the person’s life may be shortened. Those individuals who take meat daily, oftentimes increase their weight because of it; and if they do not have regular exercise, they increase their chances of getting other chronic diseases like obesity, which can also shorten one’s lifespan. People who are obese may have a more difficult time being cured of health issues than those who are at a proper weight.

It has also been discovered that people who consume red meat on a daily basis reduce their blood’s function of transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. As a result, this makes the body more prone to muscle pains that occur due to insufficient oxygen in the tissues. When one gets foreign molecules in the body, the body’s immune systems reacts causing inflammation. As a result of this inflammation, the tissues may become weakened.

One’s movement may also be reduced because the joints may become weakened. Sometimes they become so painful, that taking painkillers on a daily basis occurs, which in turn may cause issues in other organs in one’s body. It stands to reason that one should consider consuming sources of proteins other than red or processed meat, such as mineral- and vitamin-rich fish, certain grains and nuts to help reduce the chances of contracting cancer or heart disease, thus possibly shortening your lifespan.

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4. You May Lose Weight

When people try to avoid these diseases, they oftentimes turn to a healthy way of eating, which includes vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts in higher quantities, and avoiding meat, especially red and processed meat. This may help them to lose weight because a vegetarian diet usually contains less fat and sugar than a diet that includes meat. This is a very good diet for people who are obese. This is because the only thing they lose from meat is its tastiness. Vegetables are known to contain a wide variety of nutrients, and one’s body ends up having less inflammation because what food they are consuming has much less foreign molecules in them.

A purely vegetarian diet with no meat and any other animal products, like dairy products, leads to a significant loss of weight for people who want to lose weight. This is the reason why many programs that are made to aid in weight loss greatly discourage the consumption of a lot of red meat and other products like milk, eggs, and chicken. For one to lose weight, he or she should consider a vegetarian diet that is rich in grains and nuts that do not have any artificial additives. Also, one is advised to consider consumption of fruits that are rich in fiber so as to avoid constipation. Constipation often comes about as a result of consuming foods that are low in fiber content.

It is scientifically proven that fiber has been associated with a lower body mass index and lowers the chances of one gaining weight drastically. However, any plant-based foods are the best for consumption as they are low in fat, sugar, and calories that encourage one’s body to gain weight. According to a study in 2012, people who considered a vegetarian diet substantially lost more weight by 4.4 pounds than those who had a non-vegetarian diet.

Those who strictly observed the vegan diet (consists of only plant-based foods) lost 5.5 pounds more than those who only followed the vegetarian diet; this shows that the less consumption of processed meat and meat products the less the chances of gaining weight are, and the higher the chances of increasing one’s lifespan.

However as you completely ditch the bad habits of red meat consumption, it is important to find other healthy sources of proteins and vitamins. This can be gotten from grains, cereals, and fruits; one can also consider taking fresh fish instead of meat. This will make the body able to get the minerals and vitamins without any compromising situations. However if one wants to lose weight, he or she is advisable to skip some of the meals that have a high concentration of proteins.

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5. You May Prevent Diabetes or Manage It Better

One’s body often excretes insulin in order to control the level of blood sugar in the body. Insulin production keeps the body safe from the diseases that come about as a result of high levels of sugar available in the body. Insulin resistance in the body is a condition that comes about when the body begins to resist producing insulin properly.

One of the causes of diabetes is an increase in glucose levels. The glucose level in one’s body and its blood flow should also be carefully managed, because it might prompt diabetes or heart issues and even corpulence.

Hormonal imbalance is also caused by insulin resistance. If a person is suffering from diabetes, he or she is then having problems with their insulin production. Hormonal imbalance can also be caused by high-stress levels, genetic issues that are maybe inherited, medical history of the person, and sometimes food allergies. When one suffers from diabetes, they need to act quickly before diabetes develops and leads to other health issues.

Type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition when the body isn’t forming enough insulin to handle the amount of blood sugar one has; this may lead to the body having weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. This, in turn, makes the body less able to control blood sugars in it, and may also lead to high blood pressure. Insulin is understood to regulate blood sugar levels, but if one consumes high levels of processed meat, he or she impairs its production of it. Type 2 diabetes is difficult to maintain. However, many are able to control their Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. If they can’t, they need to be careful to take their insulin regularly as prescribed by their doctor.

Medical doctors have proven that foods low in calories can control abdominal weight and regulate insulin levels. Consumption of red meats, especially processed ones, tends to contain a higher amount of sodium, nitrates, and nitrites than the normal amount required in the body. This results in increasing the chances of insulin resistance by hindering the cells that produce insulin from manufacturing it. Otherwise, the plant-based diet, like nuts, whole grains, beans, soybeans, and low-fat dairy products as well, has proven to significantly aid in lowering weight.

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6. You Can Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control

The blood that flows smoothly throughout the body leads to a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients in the body. This greatly helps in the maintenance of the body, especially the walls of the arteries walls. The smooth flow also leads to the prevention of the heart suffering from a heart attack or high blood pressure. Magnesium and calcium in the body help in building the heart’s muscular walls. This is very important so the heart can absorb the pressure that comes about as a result of pumping the blood from the heart out to all parts of the body at high pressure. Other minerals present also help in ensuring that the heart is able to function properly, thereby avoiding weak and faint heartbeats.

For the heart to function properly one needs to avoid eating foods that are known to increase blood pressure. Those foods include red meat and processed meat. According to a study that was published in 2015 in the Journal of Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine, people that consumed red meat in high quantities were more prone to high blood pressure. This is because the excess fats and acids that are ingested into the body may encourage microorganisms that cause diseases in the coronary area to grow, which may cause inflammation and deterioration of the heart muscle. When this happens, as the heart pumps blood, it has to increase its speed and effort, which may lead to high blood pressure.

This may also happen when one’s intestinal bacteria begin to metabolize the red meat. When our body metabolized red meat, it tends to release a compound called trimethylamine-N-oxide which contributes to elevating one’s blood pressure. Also, red meat often contains a high amount of saturated fats. So, daily consumption of red meat may clog the arteries, resulting in the heart straining to pump the blood sufficiently in the body, leading to elevated blood pressure. When there is a smooth flow of blood throughout the body, this leads to less risk of a heart attack or high blood pressure.

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7. You Can Get More Relief from Arthritis Pain

Weak bones and joints are mostly suffered by older adults. However, people from other age groups are known to suffer from them too, but they do not take a keen interest in it. Weak bones may result from one’s body having excessive acid levels to deal with. Arthritis that forms in joints may be affected by the above-mentioned foods.

Studies have shown that certain diets tend to increase the chance of getting the microorganisms that may cause inflammation, which increases arthritis pain. The body gets this pain from pulling minerals from the bones, especially calcium. One of the functions of calcium is to keep the bones strong, and as a result of the unavailability of calcium in the bones, it can lead to bones becoming weak, hence leading to arthritis pain. Sometimes this pain might lead people like athletes to lose their careers, because one’s bones and joints tend to become painful, making it almost unbearable to move your body.

Ironically, too much usage of pain relievers may lead to an increase in pain; and as one continues to consume chemicals, the body tends to get tolerant of them and eventually stop working as they should. Avoiding red meat, which is known to be rather acidic, will ultimately help in lessening the inflammation caused by high levels of acid in our bodies.

One is advised to seek help from doctors and to take medications that are prescribed to them. Also, adopting a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet will only improve your arthritis pain.

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8. Your Acne May Improve

Meat that is rich in vitamin B12 may cause an excess of the vitamin in your body, which has been known to trigger an acne breakout. Acne breakouts can be very uncomfortable physically and emotionally. The healthier a person’s skin is, the more likely it will perform its functions properly and improve one’s overall condition. However, skin problems may come as a result of a low pH level (acidic) in the body. As we know, the skin is one of the detoxifying organs of the body.

The skin aids in the excretion of excess fats and acids from the body through sweating. This excretion process occurs when there are too many acids circulating in the bloodstream. The skin is designed to handle a certain amount of that, but sometimes other factors cause skin issues.

Researchers have discovered that people who do not have a predisposition to acne can handle extra B12 in their system more effectively than those who do have a predisposition to acne. When the medical researchers were conducting their studies, they noticed that the people who were given vitamin B12 injections developed worse acne just a few days later, leading them to believe that cell division is significant in acne breakouts. So, consuming less red meat, which is high in vitamin B12, might lessen the chance of prolonging an acne breakout.

Vitamin B12 is vital for the proper functioning of the digestion system, typical cell division, and protein amalgamation. Cell division is an important process in the body, and as mentioned above, can prolong an acne breakout. The absence of vitamin B12 causes a remarkable drop in the rate of the development of acne, while an increased rate of consumption of red meat that contains vitamin B12 increases the speed and duration of the discomfort of acne.

Some sources of vitamin B12 are cheddar cheese, eggs, yogurt, grain and red meat. During digestion, the body tries to get rid of the excess vitamin B12, and as a result, the body’s skin responds by excreting the excess B12 through the skin’s pores, which may lead to the formation of acne on the skin. Acne not only affects the outer part of one’s being with uncomfortable, unsightly pimples, but it also affects one’s inner self. One’s self-esteem may lessen due to one feeling rather embarrassed about their looks.

So, if one avoids foods that are rich in vitamin B12, they may be able to have fewer and less severe acne breakouts. However, if one continually eats foods that are rich in vitamin B12, they may need to seek medical attention due to the increased level of inflammation and the spreading of acne.

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9. Better Intestinal Microbiota Metabolism

During exclusive research, it was demonstrated that metabolism by the intestinal microbiota of a trimethylamine present in red meat also produced TMAO which is trimethylamine-N-oxide. TMAO is in more abundance in people who consume red meat than those that do not. The presence of specific bacterial taxa that are being spotted on human feces showed that the agency increased the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. These microbes also triggered major adverse cardiac events like myocardial infarction, stroke, and death.

These risks are gotten as a result of consuming a lot of meat that is processed and meat that is not well cooked. The microbes available in the meat make themselves comfortable in the body and in turn continue to grow and make the tissues rigid for movement.

The body also may develop some micro-organisms like ringworm that increase in the body, especially in small children. When they are high in number, they make the body too weak to do anything and may manifest on the skin looking like acne. It is, therefore, advisable to deworm about every three months. For people with excess weight, it is advisable to do some exercises regularly in order to prevent the body from having to endure strokes and heart failures.

For the diet section, one is advised to take a lot of vegetables and also take supplements that will enable the body to metabolize nutrients and proteins from the milk properly. The supplements should be medically recommended, however. When one practices all these things, they are increasing the health of the digestive tract, helping the body to metabolize food properly and without interference from unwanted microbes.

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10. Artery Clogging Menace

Red meat contains bacteria that tend to clog arterial walls. People eat lean steak because it is low in fats and cholesterol and high in protein. This is a healthy meat that can be recommended to meat addicts, but consumption of this meat in high quantities increases the risk of the arteries becoming clogged by the fats. Researchers have found that certain bacteria in the meat break down into a substance that can be harmful to the body and cause arteries to become clogged.

It was discovered that an individual’s collection of intestinal microbes is as essential to their diet as anything on a nutritional label. It was further stated that bacteria from the foods that we eat can grow and accumulate in the gut. And regular consumption of these foods may make the bacteria strong and the immune system too weak to fight them.

From all the information covered in this article, it can be concluded that the consumption of a lot of red meat may lead to death. It is therefore advisable to avoid red meat and processed meat altogether. They carry strong bacteria that may significantly damage the body if they are not well fought against. If they promote clogged arteries, especially of the heart, it can be a very painful and serious experience.

People that are suffering from arterial diseases never recover from it as there is no cure; the only comforting thing present is the painkillers that are needed to be taken frequently. If one does not use painkillers, they may likely die. For the less fortunate people who cannot afford to get the brand name meds, they are forced to get generic medicine, which may not have as high an impact on the body. With all this, it is better for one to adopt a vegetarian diet and avoid consumption of red meat and processed meat in high quantities. It is always best to take care of one’s body.

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10 Shocking Things That Happen To Your Body After Giving Birth

Life begins at conception. A mother, depending on the situation, may become very happy or very frustrated with the news that she’s carrying a baby. This… Denis Courtney - February 5, 2017

Life begins at conception. A mother, depending on the situation, may become very happy or very frustrated with the news that she’s carrying a baby. This depends on whether the baby, the pregnancy was planned, or whether it was accidental. Regardless, all life is a gift and we must guard it by keeping the pregnancy and letting the baby have the pleasure of coming into the world and beginning to live.

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Pregnancy is a journey. Through it all, mothers face many challenges. These challenges may not be the same for all mothers. Different women go through different experiences during pregnancy. Pregnancy usually has three phases. The first trimester, the second trimester, and the third trimester.

The first trimester is the first three months. This is when most women realize that they are carrying life. During this phase, the body has just realized that there is something extra that it needs to do. Various hormones are released during this stage to ensure that the baby stays in the uterus and remains safe. Through these hormones, some become intense and bring about early signs of pregnancy. The first sign that a woman is pregnant is that she misses her monthly periods. Nausea and vomiting become part and parcel of her morning and evening routine. Fatigue and general body weakness also appear in this first phase.

The second phase is the fourth to sixth month. During this period, for most women, the belly begins to swell. The baby starts to form into a human-like creature. The eyes and digestive system begin to develop. The appetite of most women increases during this time and the rate at which pregnant mothers consume food may be shocking in some instances. Most mothers also develop food preferences or cravings.

The third and most important stage is the seventh to ninth month of gestation. During this period the baby begins to fill out and look even more like a human being. Toward the time of delivery, the baby usually shifts and the head is facing down, ready to be born.

During birth a series of activities take place. Birth hormones trigger the uterus, cramping begins, and the vulva begins to dilate to create a passage for the baby on its way out.

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When the baby is finally delivered, your role automatically shifts. The first weeks after birth may prove to be difficult, but after some time, you develop a motherly instinct, and a bond is created between you and your baby. You will spend these first few weeks changing diapers, feeding the child and making sure that the baby is fine and comfortable. The role may come with a lot of pressure, but you should relax and ask for help when you need it. After a few weeks, these roles of motherhood will turn into daily routines, and from then till forever, these roles will remain part and parcel of your life.

During the few first weeks after delivery, a woman may experience some changes both physically and emotionally. These changes may include postpartum blues, excess hair loss, hot flashes or night sweats, post-baby belly, painful breasts and post-partum thyroiditis.

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1. Postpartum Blues

Postpartum blues is a type of clinical depression that can affect both the mother and father after childbirth. It is also referred to as clinical depression. Irritability, anxiety, sadness, low energy, crying episodes, reduced desires for sex and changes in sleeping and eating patterns are some of the symptoms that come with postpartum blues.

Contributing to postpartum depression is hypothesized hormonal changes. This condition begins three to four weeks after delivery. Severe cases of postpartum blues may lead to postpartum depression. Hormones responsible for this state include testosterone hormones, progesterone hormones, and thyroid hormones. These hormones cause mood swings or mood changes right after delivery.

Profound lifestyle changes after giving birth may also be a major influence on postpartum blues. This happens mostly in fathers who do not have to go through hormonal changes right after childbirth. However, once the baby is in the house, sudden changes occur.

First change in sleeping patterns. Sleeping patterns after delivery will automatically have to change. This is because the baby will awaken parents from time to time when in need of a diaper change, milk or when the child is unwell and unable to sleep. Parents may even go to the extent of making a timetable showing who will take charge of the baby and at what time. This is why fathers in some countries are allowed a three-week paternity leave. Which is very considerate for the male partners!

Some factors can increase the risk of postpartum blues if not dealt with on time. These factors include; birth-related psychological trauma, low self-esteem, low social support, poor marital relationship, low socioeconomic status, infant health problems, unwanted or unplanned pregnancies, cigarette smoking, formula being used instead of breastfeeding, previous miscarriage or stillbirth and maternity blues.

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There are different ways to help you cope with postpartum blues. Some ways of dealing with post-partum blues include creating a secure attachment with your baby. Both mothers and babies need a secure emotional attachment. Once this attachment is created, your baby will no longer be a liability. This promotes the brain of both the mother and the baby to respond cohesively. This attachment makes you feel confident and happy as a mother. Another way of dealing with postpartum blues is by asking for and accepting help from other people. Being a mother is not an easy endeavor. You should accept as much support as you may have available, especially for new mothers. You cannot make it on your own. You should seek help.

Also, be sure to take good care of yourself as well as your baby. This is very important because it will make you feel worthy and wanted. After birth, you should not shift all the attention to your baby; make time to bond and strengthen your relationship with your partner as well.

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2. Post-Labor Pains

The first six weeks after giving birth may not be easy for some mothers. This is due to post-labor pains. Post-labor pains are caused by the physical changes that take place in your body after childbirth. The changes that cause this pain may include bleeding and sore muscles as a result of extreme pushing during delivery. Post-labor pains may come in the form of a sore vagina, which may be accompanied by discomfort, pain and numbness.

Pain is also experienced in your uterus. This is a result of contractions of the uterus. During pregnancy, the uterus expands in order to accommodate the growing fetus. There is a lot of space left in the uterus after birth. The uterus needs to contract in order to return to more normal size. During this contraction, a certain degree of pain is experienced.

The vagina, on the other hand, may swell. For mothers who have had a vaginal birth, the vagina may be swollen after delivery. This swelling is due to a lot of pressure exerted during delivery. When a mother pushes for the baby to come out, the pressure exerted on the walls of the vagina causes swelling. This pain and swelling may last for almost two weeks. Another pain in the vaginal region is when virginal tears occur during birth, and they have to be stitched. This is very painful especially when urine passes over that particular place.

Cramping is also a postpartum pain. Most mothers experience this for two to three days after delivery. Cramping may cause mild or even intense pain to the mother. This cramping can be intense, especially for breastfeeding mothers. The sucking of the baby triggers the release of the oxytocin hormone, which triggers contractions. However, postpartum blood loss is reduced by this hormone, so as much as they may cause pain, they are very helpful.

For postpartum pain relief, you may try the following tips. With your pillow under your belly, lie face down. For some moms, massaging the belly gently helps a great deal in easing the abdominal pains. Even if you don’t feel the urge, you should try to urinate as often as possible. This may help to reduce the cramping. For postpartum pain, consult your doctor before using any pain-reducing medication, especially if the cramping lasts longer than three days.

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3. Painful Breasts

After birth, most new mothers have to deal with painful and swollen breasts. A few days after delivery, your breasts may feel very normal or they may feel very tender. A few more days afterward, the breasts start producing milk for your baby, and they may become tender, hence breastfeeding may become a very painful experience.

After birth, the breasts are soft and tender because they only have colostrum, the first milk that is very rich in nutrients. After a while, the hormones responsible for producing breast milk may cause some discomfort when activated, and the breasts start filling with milk. Due to the pressure from the milk inside the mammary glands, the nipples swell and may become very painful. Some mothers may refuse to breastfeed their babies due to the intense pain experienced during breastfeeding. This denial may become very dangerous, as it may lead to a severe case of breast engorgement. Other than breast engorgement, refusing to breastfeed may make the mammary glands dry up, hence early weaning. This is because these glands are activated as the baby sucks.

You can tell when your breasts are engorged. This is because the breast swell and the nipples become very painful. This is very normal for mothers who have just given birth, and this causes the mother to panic. The swelling of the breasts may even extend to the armpit and this may cause pain, and you may experience a fever as well.

To deal with painful breasts, following are some helpful tips. Within two hours of birth, ensure you breastfeed so that milk does not accumulate in the breasts, causing breast engorgement. You should nurse the baby frequently. Make sure to breastfeed the baby at least fourteen times a day. This will ensure a continual supply of enough milk for your baby because the glands will produce enough milk according to the consumption of the milk by the baby.

Before switching to another breast make sure that you breastfeed completely on one breast first. This will ensure that milk will not be accumulated in one breast making it swell and becoming painful. As much as possible, use pumped milk instead of formula milk as a supplement. Formula milk should only be used according to your doctor’s or your lactating counselor’s recommendations. Use a breast pump, or express your milk using your hands, to store up in case your baby refuses to breastfeed. Do not let the milk accumulate in the beast.

To treat engorgement, nurse frequently, gently massage the breast to dissolve the milk, you may apply a cold pack on your breasts to soothe the pain, and lastly, nurse frequently.

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4. Virginal Dryness

Another afterbirth-related problem is virginal dryness. Apart from afterbirth, virginal dryness may be caused by various other factors. They include menopause, failure of arousal before sex, a few varieties of contraceptives, some cancer treatment, and breastfeeding after childbirth. Vaginal dryness may cause discomfort and uneasiness, but after a few months, it may disappear on its own.

In afterbirth, vaginal dryness cases are mostly caused by breastfeeding. This is because, as you breastfeed, the hormones overconcentrate in the glands to produce milk. The hormonal imbalance during this time may course vaginal dryness. Women will mostly experience this vaginal dryness for about three months after delivery.

Symptoms for virginal dryness are reduced sex drive, virginal itchiness, discomfort or irritation, discomfort during sex, repeated urinary tract infections, vaginal surface may look pale and thin instead of moist and fatty, difficulty reaching orgasm or even being aroused, and an urge to pee more often than normal. If you experience these signs, then chances are you have vaginal dryness and you should surely do something about it.

Vaginal dryness can be controlled by some methods. One remedy is to consume a lot of water and fluids. This fluid will help keep the virginal area well hydrated, hence it will reduce the dryness in the vagina. Also, you can use lubricants to moisten it. There are gels or liquid that you can apply directly to your vagina or vulva, or your partner’s penis before having sexual intercourse. Also, these lubricants off short-term relief and pleasure during sex.

Another method is by using moisturizers specifically for the vagina. These liquids or gels are applied to the vaginal area in order to help keep it moist. They are longer lasting compared to other lubricants. To get rid of virginal dryness they may need to be applied for a few days.

Virginal estrogen too may be used for the same purpose of moisturizing the vagina. This is mostly prescribed to people who are experiencing menopause, but they are equally good for vaginal dryness as a result of breastfeeding. If the dryness turns out to be very severe then one can decide to try hormone replacement therapy to see if it can be helpful for her.

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5. Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding, or lochia, as it is commonly known, is the blood that flows from the walls of the uterus. This happens monthly for most women and it is a normal experience for women. After birth, vaginal bleeding is just as normal. At first, the blood will be a light read and very heavy. The blood may have clots during the first three to seven days after birth. The blood will gradually change to brownish-pink. Then the blood will turn yellow-white. After having a baby, you may bleed for as long as six weeks, or for as short as three weeks. This is a very normal undergoing for every mother that has just given birth.

This happens as a result of open blood vessels. When the placenta is detached from the uterus, these open blood vessels are left behind. The open blood vessels then bleed into the uterus, leaving behind a flow of blood. This blood is almost the same as monthly periods, but is usually thicker with massive clots. The blood is drastically reduced when the uterus contracts, causing the blood vessels to eventually close. In the case of a tear during birth, until the tear is sutured, the blood will continue to flow from that place as well. Synthetic oxytocin and a massage may be given by the person helping with the delivery to help the uterus contract so that it may close the blood vessels and reduce the blood flow.

To manage this blood flow that comes as a result of childbirth, you need to do a series of things. First and foremost, you should use sanitary pads. These pads should be heavy-duty because of the presence of clots in the blood and the increased blood flow. As the blood flow reduces, you can then switch to mini pads. You should avoid tampons due to the delicate healing of the vagina and uterus. Tampons may easily cause an infection in the vagina and also in the uterus.

In the case of over-breeding, you should seek medical advice. The following are just a few signs and symptoms that you are hemorrhaging. For four days after your birth, the blood is still light red. This may mean that the uterus has not yet contracted and that the blood vessels are not closed, and they are still removing a lot of blood. When your blood has a bad smell, or you get chills or fever, you may need to see a doctor.

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6. Post-Baby Belly

Hormonal changes cause your abdomen to reduce right from the time you have been delivered. Your abdomen may take at least four weeks before it comes back to normal. Normal means the shape your abdomen was in before you were pregnant. This does not guarantee a flat belly. In most cases, women end up acquiring rounder abdomens than before they were pregnant.

During pregnancy, the uterus and abdomen muscles are usually stretched for a long period of time probably four to five months for most women before they give birth. This stretching makes the belly expand in order to accommodate the baby who is growing in the womb. For the tummy to shrink back to normal, it may take a longer time. To get toned and flat belly for those who gave birth through a C-section, it may even take a year for the belly to get back to normal.

After birth, it is important to restore your original body shape by shedding the extra pregnancy weight. Chronic diseases, such as heart conditions and diabetes, may come as a result of too much body weight, hence it is important to restore your original body weight.

Exercise is very vital in retaining the body weight and shape you had before getting pregnant. One of the exercises designed for this purpose is the pelvic tilt. This should be started as soon as possible after your delivery. For mothers who delivered naturally, you may start after one week; for those who had a C-section, they may start as soon as their wound is completely healed.

Here is how to do this exercise: with one pillow under your hips, and another between your legs, lie flat on your back. Rise slightly after inhaling and exhaling. This exercise improves your stamina and abdominal strength.

Here is another good exercise: with your legs hip-width apart, lie on your back with your knees bent. Pressing your heels into the floor, extend your left foot. Repeat the same exercise with your right foot. Do this for about two minutes. This exercise is important because it helps strengthen the lower back and the transverse muscles while supporting your core. It also helps to lower your pulse. Single leg lifts and pelvic tilts are also important exercises, so be sure to do them as well.

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7. Loss of Hair

After birth, many women’s hair may enter into a resting stage. This is perfectly normal when the resting stage is accompanied by massive loss of hair. What happens during this period is that when you start to breastfeed the level of the hormone estrogen increases.

This rapid growth sends at least five to six percent of your hair into a resting stage. During the resting stage, five percent of your hair follicles begin thinning, causing the hair to start falling out. When it comes to the average woman, at least one hundred hairs may fall out in a day. As serious as this condition may seem, it is a temporary condition. A few months after delivery, the estrogen levels come back to normal, and the hair begins to grow at an increased pace again. Over the next fifteen months or so, your hair may come back to normal, and the thickness of your hair will be restored.

Loss of hair in the first few months of delivery should not surprise you; it is a natural stage of hair growth, and it is normal. More than 30 percent of women who have just given birth experience hair loss. If you do not experience hair loss, that is perfectly normal as well, because different women have different hormone levels throughout their pregnancies. If you do experience hair loss, don’t panic, your hair will go back to normal again in due time.

The bad news is that this condition can’t be stopped. When you are undergoing a time of hair loss, the best thing to do is just to come to terms with it. A variety of products like hair thickeners may come to your mind to use. For new mothers who find it very difficult to experience hair loss, some just decide to cut their hair short. This is just fine to do, because the hair will eventually grow back to the length it was.

During this time of hair loss, you may want to refrain from doing a lot of harsh things with your hair that may cause even further hair loss. This includes using binders for pigtails, curlers, curling irons, hair blowers, etc. Biotin and silica-inclusive shampoos should be your best friend in the shower. And finally, avoid combing or brushing your hair when it is wet.

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8. Hemorrhoids and Constipation

Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen blood veins in your lower abdomen or around the anus. Hemorrhoids are also called piles. External piles form under the skin around the anus. As soon as they appear, hemorrhoids should be treated as advised by the doctors. Some symptoms accompany hemorrhoids. These symptoms are painless bleeding, and irritation or itching may be experienced in the anal area. From the anal region, you may notice protrusion of lamps, pain, and discord experienced in the anal area, and finally, leakage of feces. Hemorrhoids may happen after giving birth and may make a mother very uncomfortable.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids caused by giving birth include itchy anus, swelling after a bowel movement, bleeding, and pain around the anus. To deal with hemorrhoids, you may soak your anal area in water by having a sitz bath. You can soothe the hemorrhoid area by applying some witch hazel. To release pressure on the rectum, you may want to sit on a pillow or other soft cushiony surface. Intake of fluids and dietary fiber should be increased to deal with hemorrhoids. A stool softener in some cases may be prescribed for you too. These are a few ways to help ease or do away with hemorrhoids.

Constipation, on the other hand, is either not passing stool regularly, or it can also mean passing no stool at all. Constipation is a normal condition experienced by many mothers after they give birth. When you have constipation, you should up your fluid intake. For water, you can take between eight to ten glasses each day. Consuming some form of prunes is helpful too, because prunes are laxatives; they are natural and do quite well for a case of mild constipation. When you wake up each morning, remember to warm some liquid and drink it. It will help a great deal. If constipation persists, then seek medical advice as soon as possible.

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9. Night Sweats or Hot Flashes

During labor, one may sweat a lot; however, this may not be the end of sweating. Sweating may also happen periodically after you have given birth. Night sweats and hot flashes may alarm many women. Do not panic. This also happens because of changes in your body’s estrogen level, which causes changes in your body temperature. All the excess fluid retained during pregnancy is also excreted from your body through hot flashes and night sweats.

This oftentimes happens a few weeks after delivery. Night sweats and hot flashes are perfectly normal for mothers who have just given birth. Also, due to an increase of the hormone prolactin in the body, sweating and hot flashes become part and parcel of over 80 percent of mothers who have just delivered. This comes with an increase in milk production as regulated by the hormone prolactin.

For bottle-feeding mothers, you may wonder why you have experienced hot flashes. This is because milk production is still active and the hormone prolactin becomes present too as a result of this milk production. For bottle-feeding mothers, the level of night sweats may be reduced sooner because the prolactin won’t be stimulated by nursing.

Hot flashes and night sweats may last for six weeks for nursing mothers. For some lucky mothers, hot flashes may only last between six to eight days. However, don’t worry if you are still experiencing hot flashes numerous weeks after delivery. This is still normal for some mothers. Though as a symptom, night sweats and hot flashes may indicate a problem. These symptoms may indicate a bout with the flu, with temperature increases and lump or swollen breasts.

Hot flashes may even take a few months to stop. The following are tips that may help you take care of your afterbirth body while experiencing hot flushes and night sweats. Make sure you drink plenty of water, because your body, due to heavy sweating, may become dehydrated. To help prevent rashes and excess moisture from hot flashes, put on some talc-free powder, which will help absorb some of the moisture produced during night sweats. To help allow the sweat to evaporate during night sweats and hot flashes, wear light and loose clothing.

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10. Postpartum Thyroiditis

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located below the Adam’s apple between your lower jaw and your neck. Thyroiditis is when your thyroid becomes inflamed, oftentimes in the first month after birth. This condition is not common. Postpartum thyroiditis may last from a few weeks to a few months after delivery. This type of thyroid abnormality may easily be ignored because most of the time it is associated with the stress experienced by mothers just after birth.

The symptoms of thyroiditis are nervousness, palpitations, irritability and intolerance. In the second phase of this condition, women may experience other signs and symptoms such as cold intolerance, dryness of the skin, general aches and pains, impaired concentration due to discomfort, poor memory and carelessness. Immunologic suppression that can occur during pregnancy induces fetus intolerance while in the womb. This suppression is important to diagnose, because, without a mother’s properly functioning thyroid, her fetus may be rejected in the womb, resulting in a miscarriage.

Mild thyroiditis is not an overly dangerous situation for mothers who have just given birth, and it only becomes a discomfort to you and other people around you when you begin experiencing symptoms like irritability and mood swings. Some people may find it awkward or uncomfortable to be around you because of being easily irritated.

A new mother is at risk of getting an infection when there is a history of thyroiditis disorder in her family. This is an autoimmune disorder and may cause your body to have highly concentrated amounts of anti-thyroid antibodies. For the treatment of postpartum thyroiditis, you must see a doctor for medical attention.

After giving birth, it should be an exciting feeling for the mother. When you experience the aforementioned symptoms, and any other unusual symptoms, you should be certain that you are taking proper precautions early on. As always, be certain to take good care of yourself before, during, and after becoming a mother.