Some Interesting Vitamin D Secrets
July 4, 2010 by Andrew Desjardins
Filed under pregnancy
Everyone knows that we need vitamin D, but how much do we know about it? In this article we’re taking an in-depth look at some vitamin D facts.
Vitamin D, or calciferol as it is also known, is a fat-soluble vitamin and pro-hormone. This means that is a precursor to a hormone that is used by the body. The name calciferol refers to its primary function of boosting the deposit of calcium in the bones. There are different forms of the vitamin, of which D2 and D3 are the most important in the human body.
One of the most interesting vitamin D facts is that it’s most well known function is to balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. The absorption of calcium is assisted by the vitamin, building bone density and strength. This means that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both skeletal diseases.
The most important source of vitamin D is sunlight – the ultraviolet rays trigger the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. In certain geographic areas there are insufficient sunlight during wintertime, and in some cases the modern lifestyle prevents people from getting enough sunlight exposure.
Another source of vitamin D is dietary and supplemental Dietary vitamin sources are fatty fish, fortified food, and fish oils. Mushrooms are the only vegan source of naturally significant levels of vitamin D.
Some interesting vitamin D facts
* Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, depression, diabetes and obesity, prostate cancer and breast cancer
* Ultraviolet sunlight rays cannot penetrate glass, so your skin will not generate vitamin D if you are getting your sun exposure through a car or office window.
* The use of sunscreens will prevent synthesis of vitamin D by your body. Therefore get some unprotected sun regularly during the cooler hours of he day.
* You cannot overdose on vitamin D by overexposure to the sun: your body will stop manufacturing the vitamin.
* Dietary sources of vitamin D hardly ever provide sufficient vitamin D, even if you use fortified products. Supplementation is almost always necessary in certain areas of the world.
* Kidney and liver problems can prevent your body from activating the vitamin D.
* Fat can prevent the circulation of vitamin D, so obese people need higher levels of supplementation.
Vitamin D facts: some groups of people are more likely to be vitamin D deficient
* Babies that are breastfed and do not get enough sun exposure may suffer a deficiency, which in extreme cases may cause rickets.
* Older people may need more supplementation, as older skin is less efficient.
* A darker skin is less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D.
* Some diseases, e.g. cystic fibrosis, some forms of liver disease, and Crohn’s disease may affect the body’s ability to synthesize and use vitamin D negatively.
In view of these facts, you will agree that it is extremely beneficial to your health to ensure that you have sufficient amounts of this vitamin in your system. As with any supplementation program, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before taking additional vitamins, as although side effects are extremely rare, they may occur.
Learn more about Vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Stop by www.vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms.com where you can find out all about Vitamin D deficiency and what it can do for you.
5 Weeks Pregnant With Mild Cramping
July 2, 2010 by Monica Desjardins
Filed under pregnancy
When the woman is 5 weeks pregnant, she will begin to feel some symptoms of being pregnant. The mother to be might not look like pregnant lady, but there is a lot going on inside her body. The more significant part would be the baby as it undergoes a huge change as it is being developed in the mother’s womb.
The Growth of the Embryo
Being 5 weeks pregnant, the baby will now be named as an embryo. Although not much development has occurred, the embryo starts to have heart beats. The embryo from 5 weeks pregnant mothers will have its heart and kidneys beginning to undergo growth. The connection made by the neural tube between the spinal cord and the brain is then shut off. By doing ultrasound, it can be seen that the upper and lower limb buds of the embryo shows initiation of growth. This is the arms and legs of the baby in the future. The embryo will also begin to develop some features in its face. The nose and the retina of the eyes can be distinguished easily.
The Woman feels different
Many 5 weeks pregnant women will experience the initial stage of pregnancy induced symptoms. One of the example would be their first experience of morning sickness. 5 weeks pregnant women will also experience nausea when sniffing strong odours.
Soreness and heightened sensitivity of the breast is also common among women who are 5 weeks pregnant. Increased levels of hormones within the body is the cause of higher sensitivity. This sensation will be eased along with the stabilization of the hormones.
With increased levels of hormone, the breasts of women who are 5 weeks pregnant will also increase in its size. More lactative glands as well as blood will be formed within the breasts. All these processes lead the breasts to be able to feed the incoming baby.
5 weeks pregnant mothers to be will also have frequent toilet visits. This is very normal during the beginning and the end of the trimester of pregnancy. Changes of the hormones occur in the beginning of the trimester. As the pregnant reaches the final part of the trimester, the growth of the uterus causes shrinkage in the bladder, thus the ability of the bladder to empty itself will be impaired. Above all, the quantity of urine passed by the woman will increase as she reaches the final trimester and results in frequent toilet visits.
In the beginning of the trimester, the pregnant lady will begin to feel tired easily and lack of energy for the whole day. This is not a matter to be worried about, as it is only your body signaling you to rest more. Resting is vital for pregnant women as it will improve the growth of the healthy embryo.
Other symptoms often experienced by 5 weeks pregnant ladies are huge appetite, increased basal body temperature and feeling metallic on the tongue of the mouth. It is important to know these symptoms. Not only that, to be able to recognize the warning symptoms and signs of pregnancy is equally important.
List of Warning Signs
Examples of early pregnancy warning signs are like:
-You have a feeling that something is wrong
-Abnormal increase in body temperature
-Serious headache
-Feeling very thirsty yet not much or zero urination
-Serious vomiting
-The eyes, face and hands experience puffiness or swelling
You should be concerned if you are experiencing these symptoms. With these cases, you should get yourself medically checked as soon as possible. By knowing the signs earlier you can receive medical aid in time.
Looking after yourself with care will be the last and most vital thing to do. Women who are 5 weeks pregnant should practise good diet so that their baby can obtain adequate amount of the nutrients needed for growth. Healthy eating and low intensity exercise would be the key in ensure success for pregnancy. You can have yourself assured on your baby’s well being by visiting your doctor regularly.
Want to find out more about 5 Weeks pregnant symptoms and 5 Weeks pregnant ultrasound, then visit www.5weekspregnantsymptoms.com for your needs.
categories: pregnant,pregnancy,kid,baby,women,home,family,nutrition,vitamin,sickness,hospital,milk,parents,health
Using Your Estimated Due Date Calculator
June 19, 2010 by Jade Scott
Filed under pregnancy
You just found out you are having a baby, what exciting news! Finding out you will have a baby growing inside you for 9 months is probably the most astonishing thing for any woman in this world. The next step it to find out when your bundle of joy is going to come in to this world by using an estimated due date calculator. The estimated due date calculator calculates the probable date of the birth of your child. This date is called the Expected Delivery Date (EDD). Your EDD is a probable day and most of the children are born around this date.
There can be lots of confusion around due dates. I have heard some women say they have been given one date by their pediatrician and given a completely different date by the estimated due date calculator. The methods used to estimate when you’ll give birth vary, so the results they give can vary. Some mothers worry that if their due date has been estimated incorrectly; they may be induced before their baby is actually prepared to be born! We will look at the method to find your due date with the estimated due date calculator.
Most times, your estimated due date calculator will figure 9 months and 1 week (40 weeks) after the first day of your last menstrual period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long; you are most likely to have conceived around 2 weeks after your period begins, when you are at your most fertile; and the average pregnancy is 38 weeks from conception – altogether, it adds up to roughly 40 weeks.
The issue with using this generic formula is that every woman’s menstrual cycle can differ in length. Some women are very irregular; others are as regular as a clock, every 28 days. If is also very difficult to pinpoint the exact day you conceived for some people and that will change the estimated due date calculator as well.
Unless you are definite of the exact date on which you conceived, you will just have to wait it out until your baby is ready. Some children come earlier than the estimated due date calculator predicted. Some children come later than the estimated due date calculator predicted. As long as your doctor and/or pediatrician is happy with both you and your baby’s development, you have no worries and should just enjoy this very special time in your life.
I really hope this article has helped you understand how to get your estimated due date calculator.
Please visit www.estimatedduedatecalculator.com to find the best advice on due date calculator for you.

