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Monday, September 22, 2008

Healthy Tips : Reduce Your Asthma With Vitamins

More than 10 million American 's throughout the United States suffer from asthma. Asthma is very common, with doctors considering it to be a new epidemic. Most Americans who suffer from asthma blame it on environmental pollution, along with the increasing exposure of toxic chemicals throughout the air. Deaths that result from asthma are on the rise, due to those who have it not recognizing the early warning signs.

The condition of asthma causes the airways in the lungs to swell, throw out thick mucus, and over time spasm. The swelling that takes place will make the airways smaller, making it difficult to breathe. The first attack from asthma that you experience may include congestion, pain, wheezing, a shortness of breath, dryness in the mouth, coughing, and a feeling as if you have a fever.

Contrary to what you may think, just about anything can result in asthma. The more common triggers of it include allergies, an upper respiratory infection, stress, over exertion in exercise, or even the lack of a proper diet. Out of all the triggers, allergies tends to be the most common.

In most cases, asthma attacks are the result of exposure to things such as smoke, pollen, gas odors, and even automotive exhaust. Foods can also trigger attacks as well, such as peanuts, corn, chocolate, and almost all dairy products. If you take any type of antibiotics, tranquilizers, or hormones, it may prompt asthma. Asthma is a serious and somewhat annoying condition, one that millions of us face on a daily basis.

There are several mineral, vitamin, and herbal supplements that you can take to treat asthma. Among all that you can take, vitamin B is among the most important. Vitamin B maintains a biochemical balance in the body and it can also reduce the severity of the attacks. If you take vitamin A and E together, they can work to protect your lungs against air pollution. You can also take large doses of vitamin C as well, as it is very effective in fighting asthma.

Gingko biloba is effective as well, as it will enhance your breathing and help with your bronchial reactions. Oder-less garlic is another great choice, as it contains an anti-inflammatory agent that will reduce your chances of an attack. Throughout the world of vitamins and supplements, there are many different things that you can take to fight back against asthma.

Anytime that you suspect you may have asthma, you shouldn't hesitate to go to your doctor and be tested for it as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have it, and how severe it may be. In the meantime, you should avoid known triggers and be sure that you are eating a high protein diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. You should also eat a few meals throughout the day, instead of sticking with the three most common meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As a whole, asthma can be very stressful. There are ways that you can fight back and help to eliminate asthma, which is always great news. If your doctor tells you that you indeed have asthma, you should ask him any questions that come to mind, as well as his advice on what you should and shouldn't do. Even though it may not seem like it at the time, asthma can be prevented, and it doesn't always have to stop you from doing things you love to do. Although it may slow you down - you can always stop it.



Source : www.content4reprint.com

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Healthy Tips : Choosing The Right Tea For You

* The verdict is in: Tea is good for you.


Now, researchers continue to study tea and its healthy constituents such as polyphenols, tannin, catechins and other antioxidants. The science is progressing on parallel tracks in research institutes and universities around the world, quantifying and qualifying the effects of tea on cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular health, microcirculation and even weight loss.


Beyond the health benefits, there are purely personal (and pleasurable) reasons to drink tea, and choosing the right one (or two, or three) for your particular life goals and wellness plan is something you should consider carefully. This is not because there is any risk involved with picking the “wrong” tea. The fact is, however, that choosing the right tea(s) will ensure that you are experiencing the maximum possible health benefits from the beverage and its ingredients.

* Reading the tea leaves for health


There are several different factors to consider when choosing the right tea for your life and health profile. Although most teas have some range and amount of various beneficial elements, particular teas contain certain substances that may not suit certain individuals. The primary one to watch out for, of course, is caffeine. Some people are surprised to discover that tea can be very high in caffeine, as if it were not itself a “natural” product. Caffeine is a natural product that occurs in many foods, including the renowned kola (cola) nut, from which a famous soft drink with about 100mg of caffeine is made.


Ordinary teas contain beneficial properties such as alkaloids and catechins that help refresh the mind, strengthen the heart, eliminate toxins in the system and relieve inflammation and its associated discomfort. Polyphenols can actually protect people from radioactive material, counter the ravages of arteriosclerosis and actively assist the blood flow through the capillaries (called microcirculation).


In fact, the anecdotal evidence that tea is a good hangover cure has been backed by scientific studies showing how improved blood flow and other effects of tea’s ingredients are important in restoring normal functioning following the ingestion of alcohol. Any tea is good for these tasks, and you can choose from among a great variety of simple or complex teas, both herbal and standard types.


Studies on the antibacterial properties of tea have shown conclusively that it disrupts a key step in the replication of the bacterium’s DNA chain. Therefore it can be considered a safe and effective antibiotic that can fight infections and tooth decay. That it also contains vitamins and fluoride makes tea an even better bet for an addition to your program of dental hygiene and general health. A good, strong green tea would be an excellent choice for general antibiotic and hygienic purposes.

* Choosing teas for taste


Choosing the right tea for you may be as simple as the change of seasons. Spring is considered the season for flower teas, summer is for green teas and autumn is a season of changes, perfect for a Oolong tea (between black and green). Cold winters are perfect for any of them!


You can also choose to drink certain teas according to the time of day. Morning time can be great for green tea because it does contain an average amount (60-70mg per cup) of caffeine. Chrysanthemum tea can be a good tea for the afternoon because it helps relieve and counter depression, stress and anxiety. In the evening it’s nice to relax with a tasty Medlar tea, as it is rich in B-1, vitamin C, calcium and iron and can also help relax the body after a long day.


There are so many types of teas too choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. Although not based on any scientific findings, anecdotal evidence over centuries has helped some health practitioners to develop a list of teas associated with different people. At the very least, it is an interesting exercise, trying to match people and their unique needs to the vast range of teas in the world, and the vast number of properties and effects that have been observed in their use.


Just for fun, try picking a tea from the following list and trying it out. In fact, try a variety of teas, at different times of day and in different settings. Chances are you will quickly discover which are best for your needs.

Office workers: Chrysanthemum tea and green tea
Sports lovers: Oolong tea and black tea
Those averse to sports: Green tea and flower teas
Those exposed to heavy air pollution: Green tea
Smokers and drinkers: Green tea
Meat lovers: Oolong tea
Those suffering constipation: Honey tea
Those wanting to lose fat: Oolong tea, Pu'er tea and green tea
Those with a weak spleen and stomach: Oolong tea and flower teas
Those hoping for longevity: Oolong tea and black tea


Remember, this is not medical advice of any kind. However, you are ultimately responsible for your own health and wellbeing, so stay educated on the subjects that impact your life and diet, and remember the importance of getting a good balance of scientific facts, anecdotal evidence and educated opinions (the last from your primary healthcare provider). There is a place for tea in your wellness plan, without a doubt, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find the one that tastes the best to you, and gives you the effects, both pleasurable and medical, that you want.


Source : www.articlesnatch.com



Friday, September 12, 2008

Breakfast Gets Your Body Systems on Track

The meal a lot of people skip is breakfast but if you want to keep your body healthy and help you in your efforts to keep your weight in check then taking a few minutes in the morning to eat a healthy breakfast is a necessity.

When we awake each morning our body has not had food from 6 to 10 hr and has depleted nutrients it is unable to store, like protein. The body needs to be replenished and so the name break fast is a correct name for our first and most important meal. Breakfast is a very good source of energy we need to get started and function correctly through the day. Eating breakfast aids in disease prevention such as diabetes by helping maintain a balanced sugar level. It places some thing in our stomach so we are not as hungry at lunch and overeating helping prevent obesity which leads to heart disease and many other problems.

Healthy foods for breakfast like eggs, fruit, and whole grains provide important vitamins and minerals your body needs through the day. If you do not get these in the morning it will be hard to make up their loss later. Remember a body with the proper nutrients functions properly. When you eat a healthy breakfast it will help you choose healthier foods through the day continuing to provide proper nutrition.

Taking 20 minutes in the morning to eat a healthy breakfast each day can really make a hugh difference in your diet, aid in weight control and help provide nutrients you need to maintain a healthy body and function properly through the day, The best breakfast will include at least 3 food groups bread (like whole grain toast) protein (peanut butter) fruit (banana). Milk to drink will add a fourth group to your meal. Breakfast does not have to be a heavy meal every day to be healthy even a piece of fruit or a muffin is better than completely skipping our most important meal.



Source : Wesley Beck / www.ezinearticles.com




Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Healthy Tips : How to Effectively Treat Acne

In order to effectively treat acne, you need to be aware of what factors can cause or aggravate your condition. You've no doubt heard the common myths that eating chocolate or oily foods causes acne.

While a healthy diet is recommended, there is no one specific food that causes acne outbreaks. Learning to recognize the facts from the myths is essential when dealing with acne.

Age Factor

Although acne can affect people of all ages, it's most predominant in teens and young adults in their early twenties. Once a person reaches the age of 25, their chances of developing acne or suffering from additional outbreaks will drop dramatically. For adults in their mid-thirties or older, the risk of acne is even less. Many cases of adult acne are the result of a hormone imbalance.

Diet

While it's true that indulging in chocolate, sweets, or oily foods does not cause acne, a well-balanced healthy diet can be beneficial in treating this condition. In order to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best, try to eat several servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. A sufficient water intake is also important. In addition to helping your acne, drinking lots of water will improve your overall health.

Stress

The relationship between stress and acne has been a hot topic for many years. Although stress may not be the culprit in an initial acne outbreak, unnecessary emotional turmoil can worsen an acne condition or cause frequent reoccurrences. By exercising or practicing some type of relaxation techniques, you can greatly reduce your stress to a more manageable level.

Skin Care

Many people mistakenly think their acne is the result of poor hygiene. In order to treat the condition, they may resort to an extreme cleaning regimen. Scrubbing or exfoliating your skin will not cure acne.

In fact, harsh cleaning is more likely to aggravate or cause the acne to spread. A mild cleanser or toner used daily is your best bet. Avoid facial creams and cleansers that contain harsh ingredients, which can irritate or dry out the skin cells. Ask you doctor to recommend an acne cleanser that is appropriate for your type of skin.

Vitamin Supplements

Studies have shown that many acne cases may be related to a vitamin deficiency in the body. If you've tried improving your eating habits but still experience frequent outbreaks, you may wish to try adding vitamin supplements to your diet. Vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E are all beneficial in promoting healthy skin. Your doctor can further assist you in deciding what type of vitamin supplement is necessary.

Sunlight Exposure

Another common acne myth is that sunlight exposure will heal or dry up your blemishes. While a tanned face may help to conceal red blotchy patches on your skin, a day in the sun will not heal or improve acne. In fact, if you're currently taking any type of acne medication or applying topical ointments, sunlight exposure can even aggravate your acne further.

Coping with acne is similar to treating other conditions and illnesses. It's important to realize in most cases there is no quick fix or miracle drug to cure your problem. Treating acne often involves a variety of methods including medication, dietary changes, proper skin care, and relaxation techniques.



Source : James Clark / www.goarticles.com



Sunday, September 7, 2008

Healthy Tips : The Benefits of Coffee

Not many of us know that the coffee benefits for one's health, if you are having a cup of coffee everyday. It doesn't matter if it is served hot or cold since it contains the same amount of caffeine when made at the cafe or produced at home.

Here are some of the coffee benefits for health

America as we know and can witness by ourselves is troubled with too many people who are overweight. This is further backed up with studies which have pointed this out too. Those who are having this problem will be at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes. Consuming more than 6 cups a day according to a study by researchers at Harvard shows that coffee benefits can actually reduced the chances by more than 54%, so diabetes can be reduced. The problem can be further improved if you combine it with an exercise and a weight loss program.

Another study done by Vanderbilt University has proven another coffee benefits where regular coffee drinkers especially men can prevent people from developing Parkinson's disease by 80%. A such study made by the same school showed that consuming it can also reduce the chances of developing gallstones and liver problems.

Coffee can help people who are upset by sending signals to the brain that will make them feel great, just like eating a bar of chocolate, gum or ice cream. Research has also proven that coffee consists of certain types of antioxidants that may be beneficial for the body.

How many coffee benefits do you know? One of them that most of us know is that coffee is capable of making the drinker mentally alert, and if it is taken moderately, it is possible to stop a headache, make you feel good and even avoid cavities. It shows that in taking care our teeth, it's not just brushing and flossing but we have to do more.

Though coffee has been found to be able to assist an athlete perform well in a certain sport, anyone who uses it since it believed to have the same qualities like those found in steroids, and if it has been proven through a urine test, the Olympic committee and other governing bodies will drop them.

I am one of those who used to drink decaffeinated coffee. However, why there is a word of warning for those who take in decaffeinated coffee? Studies have shown that it can increase the LDL, which is better known as bad cholesterol in the body. Why risk it? By sticking with the caffeinated version it is much safer for us who want to drink a cup because it means we can enjoy the coffee benefits with the original version of coffee.

There may come a time that the plant itself can be beneficial in curing other diseases instead of getting it in its final product, which is either in brewed or bean form. This is because many other studies are continuously being done to discover if coffee has other health benefits. Who knows?

At least you know now there are coffee benefits for health. Therefore you don't have to cut on your coffee or change to decaffeinated coffee.


Source :Susheel Kumar / www.blisspublisher.com

Friday, September 5, 2008

Ebook for Free Download : 177 Ways to Reduce and Burn Calories

“The Last Diet Plan You’ll Ever Need”


The Mediterranean Diet, The Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Zone Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, Negative Calorie Diet!Geesh, it’s enough to drive you straight to the grocery store for a pint of Ben and Jerry’s finest!


Have you tried some or all of those diets?Are you sick and tired of being pushed, shoved and pulled in 10 different directions when it comes to finding a diet that works?

Your Search Is Over!


Listen, every diet guru out there has a plan just for you and you’re guaranteed a slim down.They’re goona tell ya that they have “discovered” the miracle of the ages.


You’ll be guaranteed a slim down alright. . .your wallet will get much slimmer by the time you’ve bought their material, supplements, food and other so-called “dietary aids.


”I’m going to let you in on a secret.It’s the absolute magical solution to your weight loss program.Shhh, don’t tell anybody else, we wouldn’t want to let the secret out.


Here’s the scoop. . .it doesn’t matter which of the latest fad diets you try there’s only one way to lose weight.You gotta burn more calories than you eat.Duh!What’s so difficult to understand?


That’s just the point.It isn’t difficult to understand.Putting it to work, well that’s a different story.

You Need A Checkup From The Neck Up!


Before you start stepping on the scale 100 times a day, or defrosting your next frozen “gourmet weight loss” TV dinner you need to stop for a minute already.


If you tried all these diets and cleaned out your piggy bank over and over again and you feel like you’re losing the war, do you think that maybe you need to rethink your strategy?


I’m going to let you in on a secret.This is the golden key and ultimate Nirvana of the diet world.If your head isn’t in the right place a diet isn’t going to work. . .period.


Your diet needs to start in the six inches between your ears!I’m not talking about that old “you are what you eat,” although it does have a ring of truth to it.


You talked yourself into all those extra pounds, didn’t you?How would you like to talk yourself right out of them?Well, that’s what you’ll learn in “177 Ways To Reduce and Burn Calories.


”But, before you begin to put the 177 tips to work, you’re going to learn why none of your other diet plans have produced the results that you desire so desperately.


Have you ever wondered why it is that you starve yourself, exercise to the point of exhaustion and the doggone scale never budges an inch?


Well, we’re going to tell you.It’s not your fault.No one has ever told you why you keep repeating the same self destructive behavior over and over again.


Once you understand why, you can begin to set the proper behavior in motion.When you do, we’ve got the tips for you.Great stuff like:
- A great substitute for butter or margarine
- How to remove the fat from cheese
- What you can do with water to suppress your appetite
- How to eat fast food and still lose weight
- The truth about reduced fat claims
- How to order when eating out
- How to spice up and burn calories
- Why a veggie sandwich may not be the best choice


What if I told you that you have talked yourself into and right out of losing all the weight you want?It’s the truth.No one has done it to you.You’ve done it to yourself, but don’t feel guilty about it.If you had known better, you would have done better.And, now you can!

Details the ebook can be downloaded here :177waystoburncalories.pdf


Source : www.Floodle.net


Thursday, September 4, 2008

Healthy Tips : Vitamins That Help Reducing Weight

Weight loss has become a major concern for millions of people across the globe, these days. People are looking out for different ways that can help them in losing weights in a short period of time.

It is surprising but true that the body’s weight control functions can be easily and efficiently maintained by taking vitamins. Almost all the vitamins are vital in maintaining good health and weight. However, you need to depend on certain vitamins if your sole aim is to lose weight.

Now, the question is how vitamins can contribute in weight loss.

First, you need to stop your food cravings if you are serious about weight loss. You may not realize, but it is true that if you crave for a chocolate bar or fried food, you may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency. Yes, there is a relation between nutritional deficiency and food cravings.

Some children crave for mud, chalks or other certain items because they suffer from calcium deficiency. If you are craving for chocolate, you may be suffering from a mineral deficiency. So, to stop food cravings and reach out to food items that are rich in calories, you need to fight the deficiency you suffer from.

A healthy weight loss plan usually involves eating several small meals in the morning and mid-day rather then having three large meals. It would be a good idea to spread your daily dosage through out the day for about three to four times. This is the best way to get nutrition and helps you to curb your food cravings.

You should focus on having additional doses of minerals. Have a lot of filtered water when you feel hungry. Here are some of the best vitamins to make you lose weight:

a) Vitamin B2

Also known as Riboflavin, this vitamin is essential for normal thyroid function as well as metabolism. The best sources of this vitamin are liver, milk, kidney, hard cheese eggs, almonds, wheat germ, marmite and leafy green vegetables.

b) Vitamin B3

This vitamin plays an important role in normal thyroid production. The vitamin is an integral part of the glucose tolerance factor that’s released each time blood sugar rises. The vitamin can be found in abundance in wheat bran, liver, tuna, turkey chicken, eggs, meat, mackerel, oats, salmon, wheat flakes, barley, dried fruit, cheese and brown rice.

c) Vitamin B5

Deficiency of this vitamin in body will interfere with the body’s capacity to burn fat. The vitamin B5 plays good role in energy production. It also helps in normal adrenal function.

d) Vitamin B6

Also known as pyridoxine, this vitamin helps in regulating the production of thyroid hormone. It also helps in body’s metabolism. Best sources of this vitamin is oats, mackerel, beef, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, poultry, sardines, dried fruits, eggs, cabbage, bananas, avocado and brown rice.

e) Choline

This is a part of vitamin B family and produced inside the liver. The vitamin is required for good fat metabolism. Fats can get trapped inside the liver due to deficiency in choline. You can get choline from lecithin, beet liver, beef heart, wheat germ, cucumber, and cauliflower and egg yolks.

f) Vitamin C

It is essential for proper glucose to energy conversion inside the cells. You can get vitamin C from black currants, green peepers, broccoli, kiwi fruits, Brussels sprouts, oranges, lemons, cabbage and strawberries.


Source : Bertil Hjret / www.blisspublisher.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

5 Tips for Pre-natal Pregnancy Yoga Practise

Master your mind!
Gain control over your body!
Be relieved of your stress through the practice of gentle art of Yoga!

Pregnancy is a physical as well as mental experience. Women often becomes hyper aware of all the changes their bodies are going through. Yoga allows pregnant women to adapt to these changes more gracefully and to feel proud and a sense of appreciation for their bodies. Yoga exercises can increase flexibility, strength, circulation and balance. Many pregnant women find that regular yoga exercises help to reduce swelling, back and leg pain, and insomnia.

However, Yoga must be practised very carefully among pregnant women, as improper exercises will bring negative effect on both moms and babies. Here are some tips for pre-natal pregnancy Yoga practise:

1. The general yoga exercises are recommended for the first 2 months. You must consult your doctor and find very experienced Yoga teachers. With proper guidance, you can practice some yoga right into labor. If you new to yoga then you should start slowly.

2. Breathing exercises are beneficial if done twice a day. The breathing exercises provide more oxygen and energy both to the mother and the child.

3. Some yoga poses that can help a pregnant women dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy, ensuring smoother and easier delivery, and faster recovery after childbirth. Pregnant women should pay attention not to overstretch the body - the ligaments around the joints become loose and soft during pregnancy. The abdomen should stay relaxed at all times. Difficult and poses that put pressure on the abdomen and other should NOT be done during advance stages of Pregnancy. No any kind of pain or nausea should be felt during and/or after yoga. If this happens, you should stop yoga practise and contact your GP.

4. When carrying out standing poses with your heels to the wall or use a chair for support to avoid losing your balance and risking injury to both you and your baby.

5. Deep relaxation is crucial to give rest to body and mind, and you will benefit more from a good sleep. Deep relaxation helps the nerve system change from sympathetic to parasympathetic activity. Parasympathetic activity is associated with the restorative processes of the body, which is needed both by the pregnant woman and the child.

We also strongly recommend regular morning and evening walks. Yoga is very individual. For more great Yoga advice, and other pregnant women support services, e.g. domestic cleaning services, babysitter services, personal trainer, chef and many more great services just visit us at http://www.londonrate.com


Source : Amie Porter / Article Emporium

Monday, September 1, 2008

Pregnancy nutrition Tips : 6 Foods to avoid

You want what's best for your baby. That's why you add sliced fruit to your fortified breakfast cereal, sneak extra veggies into your favorite recipes and eat yogurt for dessert. But when it comes to pregnancy nutrition, did you know that what you don't eat and drink may be just as important as what you do?

Start with the basics. Knowing what to avoid can help you make the healthiest choices for you and your baby.

1. Seafood

Seafood can be a great source of protein and iron, and the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can help promote your baby's brain development. In fact, a British study suggests that skimping on seafood during pregnancy may contribute to poor verbal skills, behavioral problems and other developmental issues during childhood. However, some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury. Too much mercury may damage your baby's developing nervous system.

The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it may contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages pregnant women to avoid:
a. Swordfish
b. Shark
c. King mackerel
d. Tilefish


So what's safe? Some types of seafood contain little mercury. Although concerns have been raised about the level of mercury in any type of canned tuna, the FDA says you can safely eat up to 12 ounces a week (two average meals) of:

a. Shrimp
b. Canned light tuna (Max albacore tuna and tuna steak no more than 6 ounces a week)
c. Salmon
d. Pollock
e. Catfish

To avoid ingesting harmful bacteria or viruses, avoid raw fish and shellfish — especially oysters and clams — and anything caught in polluted water. Refrigerated smoked seafood is also off-limits, unless it's an ingredient in a casserole or other cooked dish.

Most fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F. The fish is done when it separates into flakes and appears opaque throughout. Cook shrimp, lobster and scallops until they're milky white. Cook clams, mussels and oysters until their shells open. Discard any that don't open.

2. Meat and poultry

During pregnancy, changes in your metabolism and circulation may increase the risk of bacterial food poisoning. Your reaction may be more severe than if you weren't pregnant. Rarely, your baby may get sick, too.

To prevent food-borne illness, fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Look for the juices to run clear, but use a meat thermometer to make sure. Skip medium or rare burgers and sausages. Be careful with hot dogs and deli meats, too. These are sources of a rare but potentially serious food-borne illness known as listeriosis. Cook hot dogs and heat deli meats until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can be a healthy part of your diet. But anything containing unpasteurized milk is a no-no. These products may lead to food-borne illness.

Unless these soft cheeses are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk, don't eat:

a. Brie
b. Feta
c. Camembert
d. Blue cheese
e. Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso blanco, queso fresco, queso de hoja, queso de crema and queso asadero

4. Caffeine

Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your baby's heart rate and breathing. Some studies suggest that drinking too much caffeine may be associated with a small decrease in birth weight or an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Other studies haven't reported the same risks.

Because of the unknowns, your health care provider may recommend avoiding caffeine during the first trimester and limiting the amount of caffeine you drink to less than 300 milligrams a day during the second and third trimesters.

5. Herbal Tea

Although herbal tea may be soothing, avoid it unless your health care provider says it's OK — even the types of herbal tea marketed specifically to pregnant women. There's little data on the effects of specific herbs on developing babies. And large amounts of some herbal teas, such as red raspberry leaf, may cause contractions.

6. Alcohol

One drink isn't likely to hurt your baby, but no level of alcohol has been proved safe during pregnancy. The safest bet is to avoid alcohol entirely.
Consider the risks. Mothers who drink alcohol have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Excessive alcohol consumption may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities, heart problems, low birth weight and mental retardation. Even moderate drinking can impact your baby's brain development.
If you're concerned because you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant or you think you need help to stop drinking, talk with your health care provider.


Source : www.MayoClinic.com