Folic acid

Photo Courtesy: American Pregnancy Association

In 1988 folic acid was added to bread, pasta, cereal, cookies and crackers as required by federal law. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B, to be specific vitamin B9.

Folic acid can be easily found in natural foods such as – leafy vegetables, okra, beans, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tomato juice, orange juice, eggs, animal liver and kidney.

Folic acid deficiencies include – extreme tiredness, lack of energy, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness, heart problems, psychological problems such as depression, confusion and neural tube defects.

CDC implores women to consume 400 mcg of folic acid for those considering reproduction in order to prevent birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

A research study finds that folic acid reduces incidents of neural tube defects in infants.

Make wise choices and have a balanced diet! πŸ’š

Burnout – A quick guide

Photo Courtesy: Luis Villasmil

Burnout has started to become more recognized over the years. The term burnout was coined by Dr Herbert Freudenberger in his book Burnout in 1974. He defined it as β€” ” the extinction of motivation or incentive, especially where one’s devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce a desired result. “

Burnout is well recognized and has a medical diagnosis by ICD-11 and WHO. Occurs when our brain and body responds to prolonged stress and feel discouraged and exhausted. It impacts our ability to perform, become highly – critical of oneself and overwhelmed/ irritable.

Here are 5 signs that can help you identify burnout:

1. Inability to sleep adequately/ insomnia/ trouble sleeping

2. Exhaustion

3. Feelings of negativism, or cynicism relating to job

4. Lack of accomplishment and sense of ineffectiveness

5. Brain fog

If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, I would suggest to take time and seek for early identification and eliminate those stressors. Early intervention is always a good idea.

Stay healthy and happy!

Music Can Improve Mental Health

Photo Courtesy: Avi Naim

Music can make anyone feel better. Whether it is playing a music in the background while working or while taking a tea break. There is a personal preference for the choice of music. Sometimes you may like hip hop, rock, jazz, country or indie.

The good part is that music acts positively on your mental health. Research shows that music can improve mental conditions such as depression, trauma, anxiety and more. It helps individuals process his/her emotions. Besides, acts as calming agents and improve in management of symptoms.

Weekends are a good way to utilize time and listening to your favorites. Here are some of my favorites from YouTube:

1. April 2022 Indie Folk

2. Zariya

3. Landslide

4. Chaand baaliyan

5. Blue jeans

Hoping that you all have a musical weekend! 🎢

Why Are Probiotics Beneficial?

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Probiotics have become so popular these days. The word probiotic comes from a Greek language which means “for life”. It was coined by Gibson and Roberfroid in 1995.


Probiotics can be defined as live microbial feed supplements which have a beneficial impact on the host animal by improving it’s microbial balance.

Here are some scientific reasons about benefits of probiotics:

1. Prevents bowel diseases, improves immune system and improves intestinal microbial balance.

2. Reduces traveller’s diarrhoea.

3. Improves dermal and oral health.

4. May perform as anti-anxiety and anti-depressive agents.

5. May improve lactose metabolism.

Eat healthy! Stay healthy!

😊

Fruits & Veggies for Mental Health

Photo Courtesy: Ja Ma

The role of having a balanced diet is much more than what you think and natural supplements like vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients that helps in making you mentally healthy.

Here are 3 scientifically proven fruits and veggies facts:

1. Consuming berries might be associated with high level of optimism.

2. Citrus and green leafy vegetables reduces psychological distress, ambiguity and cancer.

3. Carrots, bananas, apples, spinach, grapefruit, lettuce, cucumber, and kiwifruit reduces depressive symptoms and promotes positive mood.

Vegetables and fruits contains important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Eat healthy! Stay healthy!

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