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Candidiasis is caused by a fungal microorganism called Candida Albicans. It is a yeast organism which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina, bowel and mouth, all the time. All women have it.
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
Monday, August 30, 2010
CANCER OF THE CERVIX
Cancer of the cervix is a preventable type of cancer. It is approximately 90% caused by human papilloma virus. The other 10% is by ademocaramonia.
A sure way of finding if infected is by doing a pap smear. Pap smear is recommended to all reproductive and sexually active women and should be done thrice a year for three consecutive years.
If negative for these three years, then the Pap smear should be done once after every five years.
There is a vaccine for the human papilloma virus that is Cervarix which is given in three doses.
At zero (start dose) at one month then after six months (0 – 1 – 6). It can be given to women as early as 12 years to 55 years. The vaccine should be administered after a thorough investigation to rule out any chance of cancer cells, after which regular screenings should follow.
A sure way of finding if infected is by doing a pap smear. Pap smear is recommended to all reproductive and sexually active women and should be done thrice a year for three consecutive years.
If negative for these three years, then the Pap smear should be done once after every five years.
There is a vaccine for the human papilloma virus that is Cervarix which is given in three doses.
At zero (start dose) at one month then after six months (0 – 1 – 6). It can be given to women as early as 12 years to 55 years. The vaccine should be administered after a thorough investigation to rule out any chance of cancer cells, after which regular screenings should follow.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION (CANDIDIASIS)
Candidiasis is caused by a fungal microorganism called Candida Albicans. It is a yeast organism which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina, bowel and mouth, all the time. All women have it.
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
RADIO SURGERY
is a medical procedure that allows non-invasive treatment of benign and malignant tumors. It is also known as stereo tactic radiotherapy, (SRT) when used to target lesions in the brain, and stereo tactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) when used to target lesions in the body. In addition to cancer, it has also been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of some non-cancerous conditions, including functional disorders such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) and trigeminal neuralgia.
It operates by directing highly focused beams of ionizing radiation with high precision. It is a relatively recent technique (1951), which is used to ablate, by means of a precise dosage of radiation, intracranial and extracranial tumors and other lesions that could be otherwise inaccessible or inadequate for open surgery. There are many nervous diseases for which conventional surgical treatment is difficult or inadvisable due to deleterious consequences for the patient, such as damage to nearby arteries, nerves, and other vital structures.
It operates by directing highly focused beams of ionizing radiation with high precision. It is a relatively recent technique (1951), which is used to ablate, by means of a precise dosage of radiation, intracranial and extracranial tumors and other lesions that could be otherwise inaccessible or inadequate for open surgery. There are many nervous diseases for which conventional surgical treatment is difficult or inadvisable due to deleterious consequences for the patient, such as damage to nearby arteries, nerves, and other vital structures.
GENITAL WARTS
OVERVIEW
Genital Warts are one or more painless, soft and gray fleshy growths (cauliflower-like bumps) found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner and is very contagious. Genital warts are a common viral disease caused by the by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, it can take period of months to years to incubate. The human papilloma virus is associated with up to 90 percent of all cervical malignancies and may play a role in cancers of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people carry HPV, but do not have any warts. Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before the warts become visible; they do not hurt, but can be itchy. A man may not know that he has a wart, because it can be hidden inside the urethral opening. Similarly, a woman can have a wart on the cervix that she does not know about.
In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum while in women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or around the anus. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions invisible in their early stages. HPV infection is one of the most common causes of abnormal Pap smear tests.
Diagnosis of Genital Warts
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by direct clinical (visual) examination of the genital area.
In some cases, it is necessary to do a biopsy of cervical tissue. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix and examining it under the microscope. Sampling cells with a biopsy and testing for HPV genetic material may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment of Genital Warts
There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity although at times Genital warts may disappear without treatment. Depending on factors, such as their size and location, genital warts can be treated and it is important that both partners are treated by a doctor. Do not try to treat the warts yourself.
Preventing warts
Just because you can't see warts on your partner doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is dormant and demonstrates no outward symptoms still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected.
Using condoms may prevent you from catching HPV from someone who has it. However, condoms can't always cover all of the affected skin.
Risk factors of becoming infected with HPV include:
• No practicing safe sex
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Having had another sexually transmitted disease
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know
• Becoming sexually active at a young age.
Conclusion
Genital warts can grow if you do not get them treated. If you are sexually active, you also risk infecting your partner. Certain kinds of HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Sometimes, these cells can become cancerous if left untreated. Other kinds of HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or penis.
If you notice warts in your genital area, see your doctor who will be able to diagnose the warts just by examining you.
For women, a Pap smear test can help detect changes in the cervix.
Genital Warts are one or more painless, soft and gray fleshy growths (cauliflower-like bumps) found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner and is very contagious. Genital warts are a common viral disease caused by the by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, it can take period of months to years to incubate. The human papilloma virus is associated with up to 90 percent of all cervical malignancies and may play a role in cancers of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people carry HPV, but do not have any warts. Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before the warts become visible; they do not hurt, but can be itchy. A man may not know that he has a wart, because it can be hidden inside the urethral opening. Similarly, a woman can have a wart on the cervix that she does not know about.
In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum while in women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or around the anus. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions invisible in their early stages. HPV infection is one of the most common causes of abnormal Pap smear tests.
Diagnosis of Genital Warts
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by direct clinical (visual) examination of the genital area.
In some cases, it is necessary to do a biopsy of cervical tissue. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix and examining it under the microscope. Sampling cells with a biopsy and testing for HPV genetic material may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment of Genital Warts
There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity although at times Genital warts may disappear without treatment. Depending on factors, such as their size and location, genital warts can be treated and it is important that both partners are treated by a doctor. Do not try to treat the warts yourself.
Preventing warts
Just because you can't see warts on your partner doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is dormant and demonstrates no outward symptoms still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected.
Using condoms may prevent you from catching HPV from someone who has it. However, condoms can't always cover all of the affected skin.
Risk factors of becoming infected with HPV include:
• No practicing safe sex
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Having had another sexually transmitted disease
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know
• Becoming sexually active at a young age.
Conclusion
Genital warts can grow if you do not get them treated. If you are sexually active, you also risk infecting your partner. Certain kinds of HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Sometimes, these cells can become cancerous if left untreated. Other kinds of HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or penis.
If you notice warts in your genital area, see your doctor who will be able to diagnose the warts just by examining you.
For women, a Pap smear test can help detect changes in the cervix.
INFERTILITY IN MEN
Infertility is the inability of the female partner to conceive after one year of regular intercourse. There is Primary infertility where the couples have never been able to become pregnant and secondary infertility where couples have been pregnant at least once, but have not been able to become pregnant again
Although infertility itself does not cause physical illness, it can have a major emotional impact on the couples creating problems with their marriage and individuals may experience depression and anxiety.
The male reproductive system creates sperm that is manufactured in the seminiferous tubules within each testicle. The head of the sperm contains the DNA, which when combined with the egg's DNA, will create a new individual. The tip of the sperm head is the portion called the acrosome, which enables the sperm to penetrate the egg. The mid piece contains the mitochondria which supplies the energy the tail needs to move. The tail moves with whip-like movements back and forth to propel the sperm towards the egg. The sperm have to reach the uterus and the fallopian tube in order to fertilize a woman's egg.
CAUSES
Infertility in men can be caused by a wide range of both physical and emotional factors due to:
• Low Sperm Count: Men are most likely to be fertile with a sperm count over 48 million per milliliter of semen.
• Sperm Motility: is the sperm's ability to move. If movement is slow, not in a straight line, or both, the sperm have difficulty invading the cervical mucous or penetrating the hard outer shell of the egg.
• Sperm Morphology: Abnormally shaped sperm cannot fertilize an egg. About 60% of the sperm should be normal in size and shape for adequate fertility.
• No sperm: Complete absence of sperm which may be due to obstruction or a failure to produce sperm in the testes.
• Low-quality sperm: Quality of sperm is determined by its ability to move or its shape and structure. The quality of the sperm is often more significant than the count
The above mentioned factors may be the end result of one or a combination of factors that include chronic illness, infections of the testes or epididymis, mumps, scarring due to infection including sexually transmitted diseases, genetic disorders, radiation exposure / chemotherapy or exposure to chemicals, malnutrition/older age, genetic defects, structural abnormalities and environmental factors such as exposure to high heat for prolonged periods.
Partial obstruction anywhere in the long passages through which sperm pass can reduce sperm counts. Personal lifestyle such as smoking, heavy use of alcohol, marijuana or cocaine also contribute to risk factors of infertility
DIAGNOSIS
A complete medical history and physical examination of both partners is essential. A physical examination of the scrotum and sperm analysis is essential for any male fertility work-up.
Checking the size of the testicles is helpful and can detect: large enough testicles that possibly interfere with fertility (varicocoeles), smaller-sized and softer testicles that can give clues to hormone problems which are strongly associated with problems in sperm formation. The penis is also checked for warts, discharge from the urinary tract, and incorrect location of the urethra opening (hypospadias).
Semen analysis is done in evaluating male infertility. The man will need to provide a sample which should be taken within the hospital premises or at least someplace nearby, since it's important that the analysis take place quickly. A trained expert assesses the man's sperm count, their shape, movement and other variables. Generally, a higher number of normal-shaped sperm means higher fertility
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:
• Education and counseling
• Medical procedures such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where the harvested sperms are used to fertilise the egg and implanted into the uterus.
• Medicines to treat infections and promote ovulation
PREVENTION
The number and quality of a man's sperm can be affected by his overall health and lifestyle. Some factors that may reduce sperm number and/or quality include:
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Environmental toxins
• Smoking cigarettes
• Health problems
• Medicines
• Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer
• Age
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause infertility, practicing safer sex behaviours may minimise the risk
• Maintain a healthy diet, weight and lifestyle to optimise your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy
Although infertility itself does not cause physical illness, it can have a major emotional impact on the couples creating problems with their marriage and individuals may experience depression and anxiety.
The male reproductive system creates sperm that is manufactured in the seminiferous tubules within each testicle. The head of the sperm contains the DNA, which when combined with the egg's DNA, will create a new individual. The tip of the sperm head is the portion called the acrosome, which enables the sperm to penetrate the egg. The mid piece contains the mitochondria which supplies the energy the tail needs to move. The tail moves with whip-like movements back and forth to propel the sperm towards the egg. The sperm have to reach the uterus and the fallopian tube in order to fertilize a woman's egg.
CAUSES
Infertility in men can be caused by a wide range of both physical and emotional factors due to:
• Low Sperm Count: Men are most likely to be fertile with a sperm count over 48 million per milliliter of semen.
• Sperm Motility: is the sperm's ability to move. If movement is slow, not in a straight line, or both, the sperm have difficulty invading the cervical mucous or penetrating the hard outer shell of the egg.
• Sperm Morphology: Abnormally shaped sperm cannot fertilize an egg. About 60% of the sperm should be normal in size and shape for adequate fertility.
• No sperm: Complete absence of sperm which may be due to obstruction or a failure to produce sperm in the testes.
• Low-quality sperm: Quality of sperm is determined by its ability to move or its shape and structure. The quality of the sperm is often more significant than the count
The above mentioned factors may be the end result of one or a combination of factors that include chronic illness, infections of the testes or epididymis, mumps, scarring due to infection including sexually transmitted diseases, genetic disorders, radiation exposure / chemotherapy or exposure to chemicals, malnutrition/older age, genetic defects, structural abnormalities and environmental factors such as exposure to high heat for prolonged periods.
Partial obstruction anywhere in the long passages through which sperm pass can reduce sperm counts. Personal lifestyle such as smoking, heavy use of alcohol, marijuana or cocaine also contribute to risk factors of infertility
DIAGNOSIS
A complete medical history and physical examination of both partners is essential. A physical examination of the scrotum and sperm analysis is essential for any male fertility work-up.
Checking the size of the testicles is helpful and can detect: large enough testicles that possibly interfere with fertility (varicocoeles), smaller-sized and softer testicles that can give clues to hormone problems which are strongly associated with problems in sperm formation. The penis is also checked for warts, discharge from the urinary tract, and incorrect location of the urethra opening (hypospadias).
Semen analysis is done in evaluating male infertility. The man will need to provide a sample which should be taken within the hospital premises or at least someplace nearby, since it's important that the analysis take place quickly. A trained expert assesses the man's sperm count, their shape, movement and other variables. Generally, a higher number of normal-shaped sperm means higher fertility
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:
• Education and counseling
• Medical procedures such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where the harvested sperms are used to fertilise the egg and implanted into the uterus.
• Medicines to treat infections and promote ovulation
PREVENTION
The number and quality of a man's sperm can be affected by his overall health and lifestyle. Some factors that may reduce sperm number and/or quality include:
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Environmental toxins
• Smoking cigarettes
• Health problems
• Medicines
• Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer
• Age
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause infertility, practicing safer sex behaviours may minimise the risk
• Maintain a healthy diet, weight and lifestyle to optimise your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy
BREAST FEEDING
Breastfeeding also called Lactation or Nursing is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from female human breast. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk.
Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for human babies. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent diseases and reduces health care and feeding costs.
World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises the value of breastfeeding for both mothers and children and recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more.
The advantages
The nutritional advantages of breast milk to your baby are certainly numerous.
Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler.
Breast milk contains amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), sugars (primarily lactose) and fats.
The baby's intestinal tract is best aided in its digestion by the vitamins, enzymes and minerals found in breast milk.
Breast milk also contains infection-fighting antibodies from the mother which help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. Breast-fed babies are believed to be at a reduced risk from many acute and chronic infections early in life.
The cholesterol content is also high in human milk and very low in formulas. Cholesterol promotes brain growth and provides the building blocks of hormones, vitamin D and intestinal bile.
Exclusively breastfed babies are less likely to have food allergies and related problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, eczema, gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections.
Food allergies are thought to begin when foreign proteins enter the bloodstream through the walls of the baby's intestines, causing sometimes mild and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Breast milk has several different immunoglobulins that help to protect against allergies.
There is a well-accepted extra closeness that breastfeeding mothers experience that is both hormonal and emotional in nature. It may also help their health. Otherwise referred to as bonding.
Certain types of cancer may occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.
The only inconvenience for the baby in breastfeeding occurs if there's an inadequate supply of breast milk or an inefficient suck reflex in the baby. However, it is unusual for a mother not to produce enough milk for her baby unless she is not breastfeeding correctly or frequently enough.
Breast-fed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies since breast milk is more quickly digested and leaves the stomach empty more frequently. This puts a little more stress on the mother because of the potential necessity for more frequent feedings.
Women who don't have health problems should try to give their babies’ breast milk till advised by the doctor.
There are some cases when it's better not to breast feed.
If you have HIV or active tuberculosis, you should not breast feed because you could give the infection to your baby.
Certain medicines, illegal drugs, and alcohol can also pass through the breast milk and cause harm to your baby.
As a mother, one of the best things you can do for your baby is to breastfeed.
Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for human babies. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent diseases and reduces health care and feeding costs.
World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises the value of breastfeeding for both mothers and children and recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more.
The advantages
The nutritional advantages of breast milk to your baby are certainly numerous.
Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler.
Breast milk contains amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), sugars (primarily lactose) and fats.
The baby's intestinal tract is best aided in its digestion by the vitamins, enzymes and minerals found in breast milk.
Breast milk also contains infection-fighting antibodies from the mother which help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. Breast-fed babies are believed to be at a reduced risk from many acute and chronic infections early in life.
The cholesterol content is also high in human milk and very low in formulas. Cholesterol promotes brain growth and provides the building blocks of hormones, vitamin D and intestinal bile.
Exclusively breastfed babies are less likely to have food allergies and related problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, eczema, gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections.
Food allergies are thought to begin when foreign proteins enter the bloodstream through the walls of the baby's intestines, causing sometimes mild and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Breast milk has several different immunoglobulins that help to protect against allergies.
There is a well-accepted extra closeness that breastfeeding mothers experience that is both hormonal and emotional in nature. It may also help their health. Otherwise referred to as bonding.
Certain types of cancer may occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.
The only inconvenience for the baby in breastfeeding occurs if there's an inadequate supply of breast milk or an inefficient suck reflex in the baby. However, it is unusual for a mother not to produce enough milk for her baby unless she is not breastfeeding correctly or frequently enough.
Breast-fed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies since breast milk is more quickly digested and leaves the stomach empty more frequently. This puts a little more stress on the mother because of the potential necessity for more frequent feedings.
Women who don't have health problems should try to give their babies’ breast milk till advised by the doctor.
There are some cases when it's better not to breast feed.
If you have HIV or active tuberculosis, you should not breast feed because you could give the infection to your baby.
Certain medicines, illegal drugs, and alcohol can also pass through the breast milk and cause harm to your baby.
As a mother, one of the best things you can do for your baby is to breastfeed.
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