You have your diaper bag. The car seat is properly installed. You have given your baby lots of snuggles, naturally. With all that said, one could say that you are crushing the role of parent already. The only thing left for you to do is tackle the responsibility of getting your diet under control. 

Diet is usually the last thing on new parents’ minds. Some people get very lucky and they have lots of friends and family make them meals that they can easily heat up. Are all of these meals healthy? It’s not often that they are, but those meals keep you fed and sane. While enjoying whatever food you can shovel in your mouth while you aren’t breastfeeding, sleeping, or cleaning, you may also be required to take vitamins. 

Some doctors also instruct new mothers to continue taking their prenatal vitamins. The birth of your baby should not stop you from doing that. Prenatal supplements work to support a healthy pregnancy, but a lot happens to the body during those nine months, the biggest of which is the birth of your baby. Your body was doing a lot during pregnancy, and it still requires nutrients postpartum. A nutritious diet is ideal, but not always easy with all the other baby responsibilities. That’s why postnatal vitamins may help fill in the remaining gaps. When shopping for those vitamins, make sure to look for the following ingredients. 

Vitamin D

Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, vitamin D proves to be an integral nutrient post-birth. According to health experts, there should be a minimum of 2,000 IU in your postnatal vitamin. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to postpartum depression. For that reason, doctors recommend vitamin D as one of the many supplements to help alleviate symptoms of depression, in addition to supporting immune function. 

DHA

Omega-3 fatty acids not only benefit your health, but also your baby’s health. These fatty acids work to support brain development in your baby if you are breastfeeding or chest feeding, according to researchers. Your DHA needs increase during pregnancy, and they don’t immediately decline postpartum. In fact, they remain about the same during lactation. If you enjoyed a particular omega-3 supplement during pregnancy, you can continue taking that. 

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral found in dairy products, fortified foods (breakfast cereals and juice), and some plant-based foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that the calcium found in breast milk is sourced from your own stores, primarily bones. That’s why health experts recommend breastfeeding mothers to get at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. That amount helps ensure that your bones will remain strong after you’ve weaned your baby off breast milk to other foods and beverages.

Iron

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that an iron supplement, taken by itself or with folic acid, helps to reduce the risk of anemia in the six- to 12-week period after giving birth. The body’s iron needs end up decreasing during the postnatal period, so most postnatal supplements do not have a large amount of iron. Researchers suggest that there is more iron in a prenatal vitamin than you will need in postnatal life, but it may be valuable immediately after giving birth. Most women lose a lot of iron during birth, so it becomes a valuable mineral for new moms. That is particularly true if you do not usually get enough iron in your diet. 

Folate

Your folate needs continue during the postpartum period, but the type of folate you take is not as important as it is in prenatal vitamins. Folate in the form of folic acid primarily serves to prevent neural tube defects in the developing infants during pregnancy. In the postnatal period, all types of folate are acceptable to keep your folate levels up. You might see folic acid, whole-food folate, or methylfolate as forms of folate in postnatal supplements.

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Pregnancy affects everyone differently, and the same applies to postpartum life. Just as both of these stages in life can be intense, emotional, or easy, so can breastfeeding, especially in the first few days after giving birth. Breastfeeding is worth it and being able to nourish your baby with your own body is nothing short of miraculous. Making sure the baby has a good latch from the beginning can help mitigate the pain. That said, breastfeeding is not a completely painless process, despite what you read. 

Go on any baby registry or talk to any mom or mom-to-be, and they will tell you that nipple cream is a must-have item. When you are in the trenches of learning to breastfeed, nipples can become irritated and sore. Some lactation experts recommend lanolin cream, but that doesn’t work if you are allergic to lanolin. 

What Is Lanolin?

Lanolin is the oil that is extracted from sheep’s wool. It undergoes a process to create finished lanolin, which is only problematic if you have a wool allergy. You also have to worry about potential pesticide residue found in wool. This can build up in fatty tissue or in breast milk if you apply it to your nipples. 

The reason for that is because a lot of sheep are sprayed with pesticides, which treat mites and various pests. Additionally, most sheep consume non-organic and GMO feed, traces of which are sometimes found in wool. Organic lanolin from healthy sheep exists, but it is hard to find. There are conflicting opinions and sources about the safety of lanolin, though. If you want to avoid the risk and be a little more careful with your little one’s first food, you may want a natural nipple cream.

Natural Nipple Cream

If you want to have an easier time with those first few days or weeks of nursing, you are going to need a soothing nipple cream. Because there are various natural nipple creams on the market, there is no need to make a DIY version. If you want to make your own because you want the assurance of knowing exactly what goes into the cream, this article provides an excellent DIY version. 

The baby may ingest some of the cream while nursing, so the goal is to use all-natural, safe ingredients for newborns. The ingredients in this cream have a low chance of allergic reaction. You’ll notice that it doesn’t contain almond oil, beeswax, or coconut oil, despite how beneficial those ingredients are to the skin. This is because they have a small chance of allergic reaction. This recipe is also free of essential oils for similar reasons, and because of their intensity. 

The Consistency

This nipple cream has a consistency that is more akin to a soft salve, but it is incredibly easy to apply. Should you desire a firmer cream, increase the amount of cocoa butter to one-third cup or more. You can also add some beeswax to thicken it, but there is a small chance that the baby could have an allergic reaction. Some evidence indicates that pesticides in inorganic beeswax may cause beeswax allergies. 

DIY Nipple Cream

Ingredients For Infused Oil:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1/4 cup calendula flowers
• 2 tablespoons marshmallow root
• Ingredients For Nipple Cream:
• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter

Instructions:

• You can make the infused oil one of three ways. The easiest way (provided you have time) is the solar method. 
• Add all of the ingredients to a pint-size mason jar, place in the sun, and shake daily for two to four weeks. Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with a cheesecloth to strain the herbs. 
• The quicker method is to fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water and place it over low heat. Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and place the jar in the saucepan.
• Allow the ingredients to melt and stir every so often once melted. Make sure to replenish the water if it evaporates too much. 
• Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain out the herbs. 
• Once you have the infused oil, you can make the nipple cream. Add 1/4 cup of the infused oil and cocoa butter to a heat-safe glass jar and fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water. Place the saucepan over low heat and place the glass jar in the saucepan. 
• Stir the oil and cocoa butter until melted. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a heat-safe glass jar or tin. Allow to cool at room temperature and then use when needed. 
• Keep the balm in a cool, dry place.

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As if childhood, puberty, and adolescence weren’t enough, the vagina, and the surrounding area, change as you age. Sadly, these changes aren’t the most-discussed topics, meaning that women may be unprepared for the realities of aging lady flowers. We want you to be prepared for the effects Father Time has on the body, even the vulva and vagina.

During your late 20s and 30s, progesterone and estrogen course through your system. Higher estrogen levels can cause vaginal changes like more discharge. It’s also more common for the first pregnancy to take place between the 20s and 30s, which can affect how the vagina looks and feels. Estrogen levels can fluctuate after pregnancy and during breastfeeding, leading to uncomfortable vaginal dryness. These estrogen changes are typically temporary, but they can cause unfamiliar changes to the vagina. Read on to learn about the other ways the vagina can change as you age. 

The Vulva Changes

It’s important to note that, while closely connected, the vagina and vulva are two different things. The vulva is the outside, and the vagina is the canal. The reason for this clarification is because women often talk about their vagina, when in reality they mean their vulva, the lips, labia majora, labia minora, urethra, or clitoris. The vulva doesn’t really change from your late teens to your 40s, and even into your 50s. At some point, women can experience vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) that results from the gradual loss of estrogen that comes with perimenopause and menopause. The tissue can become paler and smoother, while the labia can become less distinct. This natural process is nothing to freak out about, though. 

You May Experience Vaginal Dryness

A healthy vagina is well-lubricated, but you may develop vaginal dryness as you age. As estrogen levels decline, the vagina can become dryer because estrogen helps maintain moisture in the vaginal lining. When levels are low, the vagina walls become thinner and dryer, according to health professionals. During your lifetime, there are three main hormonal assaults on the body that cause estrogen levels to fall: breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause. In those periods when vaginal tissues lack lubrication, it’s possible to experience discomfort in the vagina, soreness in the vulva, burning or itching, bleeding after sex due to tears in vaginal walls, needing to pee more often, and not wanting to have sex.

The Hair May Change Down There

The graying and thinning of hair down in the vaginal region is quite common as you age. What you may not know is that it’s common to lose hair. According to experts, just like any other hair on the body, pubic hair starts to thin out and disappear during and after different hormonal stages in life. During menopause, the hair may grow slower and will be less thick. Medical conditions and the use of certain medications, both of which come with age, can thin out pubic hair. The new appearance may take some time to get used to, but you may find that it’s more convenient to have fewer hairs down there. 

The Vagina Itself Can Change

While VVA affects the vulva, it can also affect the vagina. The loss of estrogen can dramatically change the appearance and function of the vagina. It’s very possible for the vaginal opening to shrink, and so can the length of the vaginal canal. Additionally, you may also experience frequent irritation, which results from the thinning of vaginal walls. According to surveys, about 20-50% of women start to notice changes, especially during sex because it can be more painful. Sex itself isn’t the main culprit of itchiness, though. Some women experience itchiness when walking or doing exercise. Fortunately, there are many moisturizers and lubricants that can provide temporary relief for that discomfort. 

You May Develop Varicose Veins

Those bigger, bluish veins that tend to crop up in the legs as you age can also occur near the vulvar region. Although varicose veins mainly occur in the feet and legs, they can also surface near the vulva. Prominent veins can pop up during pregnancy because of the boost in blood flow to the pelvic area. That causes the veins to bulge, according to health experts. Other risk factors for vulvar varicosities include standing for long periods of time and obesity, both of which increase pressure on the veins in the lower body. 

You May Be More Prone To Vaginal Infections

The vagina is normally acidic, which is the right pH balance for the protective organisms that live in harmony down there. Anything that disrupts that delicate balance can increase the risk of vaginal infection. As we’ve covered in this article, change is inevitable with age. That means that the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause can disturb the vagina’s microbiome. This disturbance can lead to vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.

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Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential vitamin, meaning that the body needs it to function properly. The body cannot make B12 on its own, so it is your responsibility to obtain it via dietary sources or supplements. This vitamin plays a critical role in the formation of red blood cells, cell metabolism, and the production of DNA. It also aids with healthy nerve function and even though it is essential for optimal health, it’s estimated that 6% of the U.S. population younger than 60 years is B12 deficient. 

How Much Vitamin B12 Do You Need? 

Your B12 needs change depending on your age range. Like most other nutrients, babies and children require less B12 on a daily basis than older adults. Below, you’ll find a breakdown for the recommended daily intake (RDI) of B12 in micrograms (mcg):

• Birth to 6 months: 0.4 mcg
• 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• 14-18 years: 2.4 mcg
• 19 years or older: 2.4 mcg

Keep in mind that these recommendations are based on amounts that you need to avoid deficiency. The average adult may need more or less B12 to maintain optimal levels. For example, to achieve healthy blood levels of B12, research suggests that daily intake levels of B12 should reach 5.94 mcg for men and 3.78 mcg for women over the age of 20. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, needs for vitamin B12, and most other nutrients, increase. Vitamin B12 is vital for proper fetal growth, so pregnant women require 2.8 mcg per day.

What Causes B12 Deficiency?

There are several factors, some of which are out of a person’s control, that contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency. According to research, the three primary causes of B12 deficiency are: 

• Autoimmune issues: Pernicious anemia is a type of autoimmune condition that makes it hard for the small intestine to properly absorb B12, leading to low levels. 
• Low dietary Intake: Vitamin B12 is primarily in animal-based foods, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and poultry. For this reason, people who follow strict vegan and vegetarian diets are more at risk for deficiency. It tends to take a couple years of following these diets to become deficient, which is why experts encourage supplementation. 
• Malabsorption: Some people aren’t able to properly absorb B12 because of intestinal damage or surgery. People who have had gastric bypass surgery or part of their bowel removed may be at risk for B12 deficiency. 
• Long-term use of certain medications: Certain medications, especially ones that lower blood sugar or treat acid reflux, can interfere with B12 absorption and ultimately cause B12 deficiency. 

What Are Symptoms Of B12 Deficiency?

It should be noted that B12 deficiency is not very common in the U.S., but it is more common in the Indian subcontinent, Mexico, and Central and South America. Selected areas of Africa also have an increased risk of B12 deficiency. Deficiency can go undetected in many people, which is why bloodwork is necessary to determine your levels. The most common symptoms of this B12 deficiency include: 

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Dry lips
• Breathlessness when engaging in activity
• Pale conjunctiva (tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids)
• B12 deficiency can also lead to neurological symptoms like:
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty walking
• Memory problems
• Tingling in the extremities

Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk than others of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Different factors like underlying medical conditions and age can influence susceptibility. Other factors, like long-term use of certain medications, can increase the risk of B12 deficiency. Being pregnant or breastfeeding can also put people at a higher risk for deficiency. The reason for this is because needs for B12 increase during these times. Abusing alcohol and drugs like methamphetamine can increase the risk for B12 deficiency. More often than not, poor dietary intake leads to B12 deficiency, but alcohol and other drugs can lead to decreased B12 absorption.

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Cancer occurs when some of the body’s cells behave abnormally, changing, growing, and reproducing more than usual. In the case of breast cancer, abnormal cell growth occurs in breast tissue cells. Identifying what you may deem a breast cancer symptom can send you into a negative spiral of anxiety. The fear is justifiable, but confirm the diagnosis instead of thinking that the problem will resolve itself. 

What Is Breast Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute suggests that 12.8% of women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point over the course of their lives. The risk increases with age, but a person is never “too young” to develop breast cancer, according to doctors. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, and the cells that turn cancerous will determine the type of breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur in the lobules, ducts, and connective tissues in the breasts, but most cancers tend to occur in the ducts or lobules. 

It’s possible for breast cancer to spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the cancer is said to have metastasized. Fortunately, oncologists say that the five-year survival rate at the earliest stage of breast cancer is 98.5%. That’s why it’s integral to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which you can learn about below. 

A Hard Painless Lump

The most well-known, and common, sign of breast cancer is a lump; however, having a lump is not always indicative of cancer. Some lumps are often benign cysts, while other lumps are harmless and occur during pregnancy. If you detect or feel a lump that sticks around for more than one period cycle, visit your doctor. 

One Or Both Nipples Are Inverted

All breasts are different and the same can be said for nipples. Some nipples point out, others are perfectly flat, and some point inward, a.k.a inverted. Some women have naturally inverted nipples, and this is not a sign of breast cancer. If you notice that one or both of your nipples are no longer erect and now inverted, you should call your doctor to check it out. 

Discoloration Of Breast Skin

Age and health history are key factors in regards to this symptom of breast cancer. If you are in your 30s and breastfeeding, discolored breast skin may indicate mastitis, an infection of breast tissue that results from a blocked milk duct. If you are in your 50s or 60s and/or postmenopausal and you notice skin discoloration on one or both of your breasts, that is cause for concern. Unless you recall a bug bite or injury affecting the breast, contact your doctor for an exam to determine the cause. During the examination, the doctor should determine whether inflammatory breast cancer is the cause. Discoloration may include red and inflamed breasts that feel heavy. 

Your Breast Has Similar Texture To A Golf Ball

Dotted craters, or dimpling, on an area of one or both breasts may indicate breast cancer. Consistent with breast shrinkage, the tumor may pull on the skin and cause irregular divots. As a result, the breast may appear textured and resemble an orange peel or golf ball. Peau d’orange, or “skin of the orange” in French, is when the breast looks like an orange peel, and this may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. 

One Breast Shrinks

If both breasts used to be full and then you notice one is visibly smaller, a tumor may exist in that smaller breast. When a tumor is in one breast, it will pull the skin and ligaments and cause the breast to shrink. A large percentage of breast tissue is fat, which cancer eats up and causes the breast to appear smaller. 

Unusual Nipple Discharge

Any expert will tell you that the only fluid that should exit the nipple is breast milk, provided you are breastfeeding. If you notice other fluid or nipple discharge, including blood discharge, that warrants a call to your doctor. It is possible that breast cancer isn’t the cause of nipple discharge, though. Sometimes, it may occur because of a benign growth, but you should not neglect it, especially if the discharge is unexplained.

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There is a lot of emphasis on nutrition during pregnancy, and the postpartum diet doesn’t seem to be an area of focus. What you eat postpartum works to support your recovery and provide the body with energy you need to care for your baby. There are certain nutrients that are especially important if you are breastfeeding, as they contribute to more nutritious breast milk. Having a healthy postpartum diet not only enhances your overall health, but also your newborn’s health.

According to registered dietitians, it’s better to focus on sustainable ways of meeting nutritional goals than adhering to fad diets. Breastfeeding moms tend to burn an additional 500 calories per day, but you don’t have to consume 500 extra calories to compensate. Rather than eating to rack up calories, nutritionists advise focusing on foods that provide optimal postpartum nutrients. Experts suggest that new moms consult a nutritional professional to ensure they give the body exactly what it needs.

It should be noted that it’s always best to get nutrients from real food. Supplements are necessary for certain vitamins or minerals, especially if there are dietary restrictions or allergies. Focus on the following nutrients for optimal postpartum nutrition.

Choline

Choline is a fat that’s necessary for optimal brain development. Nutritionists say that the need for choline increases during pregnancy, but breastfeeding moms need a minimum of 550 milligrams per day. Several surveys indicate that 90% of the general U.S. population doesn’t meet the recommended daily intake of this nutrient. Choline aids with memory and brain development, which is crucial for your newborn. The best sources of choline are eggs and organ meat, but you can also find it in shiitake mushrooms, wheat germ, soybeans, cruciferous vegetables, almonds, red potatoes, and lima beans. 

DHA

The body cannot make omega-3 essential fatty acids like DHA from scratch, which means you have to obtain them via diet. According to several studies, infants of mothers with higher DHA levels in their breast milk have better brain and visual development. Even if you decide not to breastfeed, there are many benefits of consuming DHA-rich foods. It helps to reduce inflammation, improve mental focus, encourage heart function, and reduces the risk of postpartum depression. The best DHA sources include wild tuna, sardines, and wild sockeye salmon. Although flaxseed and chia seeds offer omega-3s, they contain EPA, which the body doesn’t absorb easily. 

Vitamin B12

Often times, nutritionists recommend pregnant women to consider a vitamin B12 supplement, especially if they don’t consume a lot of animal foods. Vegan women, for example, tend to have very low levels of B12 in breast milk. Babies with inadequate B12 levels tend to be more irritable and have an increased risk of poor brain growth or developmental delays. Symptoms of B12 deficiency tend to surface between four to seven months after birth. Sometimes, these symptoms are irreversible, so a B12 supplement may be necessary if you don’t eat foods like wild caught tuna, salmon, grass-fed beef, and similar foods. 

Iron

Mothers lose iron during childbirth, so it’s important to replenish this nutrient during your postpartum period. If you are breastfeeding, iron stores supply your baby with the iron it needs for proper thyroid function and development. Animal sources of iron tend to be the preferred because they contain “heme” iron, which the body can easily absorb. Although vegetables and fruits contain iron, it is the “non-heme” form that the body doesn’t absorb as easily. It also takes a large amount of plant-based iron foods to meet daily iron needs. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, an iron supplement may help you meet your daily iron requirement. 

Collagen

Collagen isn’t just a nutrient for people who want to improve skin and hair health. It’s a necessary protein that helps rebuild tissues, and many mothers swear that it helps prevent postpartum hair loss. Additionally, collagen and gelatin help the uterus return to its original size and may help belly skin regain elasticity. For women who underwent a C-section, collagen may help to accelerate the healing of the wound. Collagen exists in many foods and supplements, so find the best source for your specific diet. 

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Dherbs.com Moringa is the perfect nutritional supplement for a young child. A very nutritionally rich source of everything a child’s developing body needs from so-called vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin E) , B-vitamins, minerals, B-Complex, Protein (amino acids), Essential Fatty Acids. This nutritional extract also makes a great galactagogue for nursing mothers. It (1/3 of bottle) can also be added to an alternative milk source of baby formula (a whole box) so that a developing child gets what he/she would have gotten from mommy’s breasts.

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The rollouts for the COVID-19 vaccines have begun, and this means that pregnant women need to decide how they should proceed. Based on their own medical history and risk factors, pregnant women have to determine whether or not they should get the COVID-19 vaccine. Many people who receive the initial doses of the vaccine will be healthcare workers, but vaccine eligibility is currently expanding. 

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women who contract COVID-19 have a greater chance of being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Pregnant women also face a higher risk of receiving mechanical ventilation, but it’s not guaranteed that this will happen. Ultimately, the risk of severe COVID-19 illness will depend on personal health. 

COVID-19 And Pregnant Women

At the moment, we understand that COVID-19 is potentially dangerous for everyone. The risk of severe illness or death among pregnant women is actually very low, but it is higher when compared to people who are not pregnant and in the same age groups. If you contract COVID-19 as a pregnant women, it’s natural to worry about how the virus will affect the fetus or birth. According to research, having COVID-19 may increase the risk of premature birth, especially if the illness is severe. As of now, studies haven’t identified birth defects as a result of COVID-19. Transmission from infected mother to fetus is also possible, but it is a rare event. 

Can Pregnant Women Get The COVID-19 Vaccine?

Clinical trials of both the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines excluded pregnant and lactating women. This is normal because vaccine trials don’t typically enroll pregnant or breastfeeding participants. Because of this lack of data, there is no way to firmly confirm the safety of the vaccine for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That being said, the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) say that the mRNA vaccines are thought to be safe for pregnant women. 

Interestingly enough, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend that pregnant women receive the vaccine at this time. The reasoning is simply because the data is insufficient. It does, however, say that it may be wise for pregnant to receive the vaccine if the benefits outweigh the risk of high risk exposures. For instance, if a pregnant woman is a healthcare worker and she is at constant risk of exposure to severe COVID-19. Nonetheless, it’s still wise for pregnant healthcare workers to talk to practitioners prior to receiving the vaccine, should they have any concerns. 

In the animal tests, the mRNA vaccines didn’t affect fertility or cause pregnancy issues. Obviously, this does not automatically translate to humans, but health experts do know that other types of vaccines are safe for use during pregnancy. If you are considering the vaccine, please note the following information:

• The mRNA vaccines do not contain particles of the virus. 
• The body eliminates mRNA particles in the vaccine within hours or days after the initial dose. These particles, then, are unlikely to reach or cross the placenta. 
• If a pregnant woman generates immunity from the vaccine, this can cross the placenta to help keep the baby safe after birth. 

The Decision Is Yours To Make

Ultimately, pregnant women have to decide whether or not getting the vaccine is right for them. It’s also important to understand that underlying health conditions, in addition to pregnancy, can increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. If pregnant women have any questions or concerns, they should contact their OB-GYN for a recommendation. There will be a risk, regardless of whether you receive the vaccine or not. On the one hand, there is the risk of COVID-19, and on the other hand there are uncertain outcomes of the vaccination. No matter what the decision is, please make your own choice and do research. 

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Oxytocin has been heavily studied within the past 40 years because of the way it influences psychological behavior and physical responses. It is a hormone that humans and other mammals produce, and it has been nicknamed “the love hormone.” It assists with building relationships, childbirth, social bonding, and breastfeeding.

What Is Oxytocin?

The American Psychological Association released information that oxytocin is dependent on social changes. The influence originates in the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus, and transfers to the pituitary gland, where it gets released into the bloodstream. Think of oxytocin receptors like antennas that pick up signals of positive social interactions or stressful experiences. One psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco said that it helps create feelings of calm or closeness.

It’s Not Just For Women!

Despite the theory that it was a feminine hormone, research has shown that men also produce oxytocin. This theory was based on the relationship between oxytocin and breastfeeding and labor. While it assists with male and female reproduction, men benefit from the fact that oxytocin supports motility of sperm and testosterone in the testicles.

Why Is It Called The Love Hormone?

Funny you should ask…Well, it’s not really funny; rather, oxytocin is responsible for certain aspects of sexual pleasure and social bonding. Oxytocin is released during situations that make us feel connected, safe, or happy, and it gets released with similar hormones known as dopamine and serotonin. New research has also indicated that higher levels of oxytocin bring about feelings of security and calm, assisting with keeping people monogamous in relationships. These findings came from studies that revealed oxytocin’s ability to increase feelings of trustworthiness and joy.

Benefits Of Oxytocin

Reduces Stress

Recent studies have found that people in negative or unhealthy relationships have higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and oxytocin. A controlled study administered oxytocin supplements to see if they would reduce stress-induced reactions. The findings revealed that oxytocin works to protect the nervous system from shutting down in stressful situations. It also acts as a natural buffer to help people make rational decisions when they are stressed.

Facilitates Childbirth & Breastfeeding

Oxytocin is most understood in this role, because the body releases large amounts of oxytocin during labor. This intensifies uterine contractions and allows the baby to pass through the birth canal. Doctors have been administering synthetic oxytocin to women in labor to encourage labor since the early 1900s. The body continues to stimulate uterine contractions after birth to reduce hemorrhaging. Oxytocin is also released during breastfeeding because nerves in the nipples send signals to the pituitary gland to produce more of the hormone, facilitating with the release of breast milk.

Improves Social Skills

A 2013 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that higher oxytocin levels improved interactive and social abilities of people with autism. This study examined that people with developmental disorders or autism had reduced oxytocin levels. The difficulty to communicate effectively may be attributed to lower levels of oxytocin, which is why supplementation via an inhaler has been encouraged.

Helps Build Relationships

Higher levels of oxytocin have been proven to promote calm, positive feelings, which in turn assists with positive social behavior. Oxytocin levels also seem to rise during social contact, or even in anticipation of social contact or interaction, for example, throwing a party or getting ready for a date. This hormone makes you want to socialize and seek out positive relationships, and the benefit is that these interactions increase oxytocin production.

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The use of fresh herbs when cooking is somewhat of a lost practice in certain areas around the country. Herbs like mint add fresh aromatic flavor to your dishes, and can help reduce sodium intake as a result. Mint is a common name for over a dozen plant species, some of the most popular of which include peppermint and spearmint. Providing a cooling sensation, mint is commonly added to foods, beverages, sauces, salads, and even desserts.

What Is Mint?

While mint is a common herb that has been used for its medicinal properties, many cultures have used it as a natural breath freshener for hundreds of years. This has led to the creation of many products available in minty flavors, including toothpaste, gum, candy, shaving gel, body wash, inhalers, balms, and oils. While people can reap the benefits of mint by consuming it, new studies have found that inhaling the aroma and applying it topically on the skin is also beneficial.

Benefits Of Mint

Let’s take an in depth look at six of mint’s science-backed health benefits.

Indigestion And Gas

Mint’s aroma works to activate the salivary glands in the mouth, in addition to the glands that secrete digestive enzymes to promote healthy digestion. Many studies have found that mint helps to soothe stomach pain, inflammation, or nausea, and it is a recommended remedy for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For people who experience gas or bloating, sipping mint tea can relieve the discomfort and decrease gas.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Let’s stay under the same digestive umbrella and tell you that peppermint oil is a useful home remedy for people with IBS. Containing the compound known as menthol, peppermint oil relaxes the muscles in the digestive track to alleviate IBS symptoms. A review of nine studies found that IBS patients who took peppermint oil capsules experienced reduced symptoms and pain, when compared to IBS patients who took placebo pills.

Skin Care

When it comes to topical application on the skin, mint oil works to reduce itchiness and can remedy infections. The antipruritic and antiseptic properties help to cleanse the skin, reducing symptoms of acne and pimples on occasion. Mint oil can also be applied to bug bites from gnats, mosquitos, bees, and wasps because the antipruritic properties provide a cooling sensation that reduces irritation. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to bring down the swelling.

Respiratory Health

The menthol in mint has proven to be effective at relieving nasal congestion, according to research at University of Wales, UK. This research has also indicated that mint can help clear up congestion in the lungs, throat, and bronchi, which provides relief from respiratory disorders like asthma or the common cold. The cooling properties help to soothe the airways and reduce coughing. If you have peppermint essential oil, add it to a warm bath when you’re sick to promote easier breathing.

Breastfeeding Pain

It is common for breastfeeding mothers to experience sore or cracked nipples, which can lead to painful breastfeeding. Research has shown that applying peppermint essential oil, along with a carrier oil like coconut oil, on the nipple area can promote healing and reduce the pain. One study found that applying mint tea to the nipple post breastfeeding was effective at reducing areola or nipple cracks.

Note: There is currently no way to predict whether or not peppermint oil affects a woman’s milk supply. Because of this, take caution with peppermint oil, peppermint tea, and peppermint-flavored confections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Nutrients Galore

Mint is not consumed in large quantities because it has such an assertive flavor. It is uncommon to use more than one-third cup of mint in a single recipe, with the exception of certain salad recipes. A one-third cup serving of mint contains the recommended daily intake (RDI) of the following nutrients:

• Vitamin A – 12%
• Calories – 6
• Manganese – 8%
• Fiber – 1 gram
• Iron – 9%
• Folate – 4%

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