Welcome to Part 9 of our Healthy Living series: M, referring to supplements and treatable conditions that begin with the letter M. We’ve already covered A through L as we work our way through the alphabet.
In this ongoing series, we are covering a lot of ground in a short amount of space for the knowledge-seeking supplement shopper. First, we review three ideal supplement products for a single “M” condition, morning sickness. Then, we jump to a worthwhile look at two “M” supplements with a multiplicity of benefits. In this format, we present a potpourri for shoppers. This is so you can be exposed to a variety of helpful hints in a jiffy.
“M”: Morning Sickness
Morning sickness refers to bouts of nausea and vomiting experienced by women during pregnancy, usually during their first and/or second trimester. This phenomenon is common during pregnancy. However, certain factors can predispose a woman to experience morning sickness. These include a history of nausea and vomiting due to other causes (e.g., motion sickness), morning sickness during a prior pregnancy, and being pregnant with twins or other types of multiples.
The precise causes of morning sickness have not been determined by scientific study, but it is believed that hormonal changes play a role. Mild nausea and vomiting from morning sickness is not cause for alarm, though. And, despite its name, the symptoms of morning sickness can occur any time of the day or night.
- Vitamin B6 is one of the most recommended vitamin supplements for morning sickness. It is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as a frontline over-the-counter supplement for mitigating nausea due to morning sickness. It has the potential to mitigate vomiting as well. Up to 75mg of vitamin B6 daily is helpful. Any woman who takes B6 should listen to her body’s responses to it in order to gauge proper amounts of continued dosage during pregnancy.
- Ginger root: Ginger, with its reputation for alleviating nausea, can be taken to reduce nausea from morning sickness. A single ginger root capsule is an easy way to take it in. This form could be most ideal for women who are averse to the taste of ginger and ginger ale.
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Doxylamine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be purposed as a sleep aid, but is frequently used for the off-label purpose of reducing nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness. The ACOG recommends doxylamine for this purpose. Doxylamine is effective because antihistamine substances can block nausea.
Two “M” Supplements
Here is a short but meaningful look at two “M” supplements, each of which can provide multiple benefits. Which of these products would work well for you?
Maca is a vegetable harvested and made into an oral supplement. In its history as a natural remedy, maca has been used to increase libido in men and women, support energy and endurance in athletic activities, and enhance mood. Modern studies have supported all three of these uses of maca. Aside from its stimulating benefits, maca could also work as an antioxidant, combatting the release of free radicals which could contribute to increased disease risk.
Manganese is a mineral that’s crucial for many purposes in the body. It’s necessary for healthy bones, healthy nerve function, and much more. Its benefits to bone health make it very useful for older women at risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, taking a manganese supplement could reduce bodily inflammation and oxidative damage. It does this by enabling the production of an antioxidant enzyme known as superoxide dismutase (SOD). These benefits mean that manganese could help prevent chronic disease such as Alzheimer’s and many other inflammatory diseases.
Much useful information is given here concerning remedies for morning sickness, and the multiple benefits of maca and manganese. If these sound potentially useful to you, consider using them. First, though, it is recommended that you always consult your healthcare provider first before taking a supplement.