Calcium Intake To Reduce Hypertension
A report looking at preliminary research on the effects of calcium intake in pregnant women has shown a potential link between maternal calcium levels and a reduced incidence of hypertension and high blood pressure in children. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy has previously been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension in the mother. Recent studies have suggested that blood pressure levels in childhood and early adulthood can be influenced by factors during fetal life, including dietary calcium intake from supplements and food sources. Reviewing blood pressure levels in children whose mothers had regular calcium intake during pregnancy found a reduction in systolic blood pressure and a reduced incidence of hypertension. Further research is required to confirm these results, which could have important public health implications and lower the risk of hypertension in generations to follow.
Source: BMC Pediatrics
March 27, 2007
Bedridden Women Can Exercise During Pregnancy
Several high-risk pregnancy specialists have recommended that women advised to remain under bed rest to prevent pregnancy complications such as preterm births should consult a physical therapist for exercise options that can minimize the effects of bed rest on the body. The advice follows recent studies conducted by NASA researchers who used bed rest to simulate weightlessness in space for prolonged periods of time. The studies found that degeneration of the individual’s entire musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system begins within 48 hours of bed rest, a condition that bedridden pregnant women have been forced to recover from after delivery. Approximately 700,000 pregnant women in the United States are put on bed rest each year, making the recommendation part of a standard procedure for women experiencing early contractions, bloody spotting or high blood pressure. Consulting a physiotherapist specializing in high-risk pregnancies prior to starting a light exercise routine while under bed rest will ensure safety and caution for a mother-to-be. Working core muscles in not advised, but light upper and lower body specifically designed for each case can help minimize the side effects of bed rest and ward off serious risks such as developing blood clots. Source: Detnews.com
March 28, 2007
Beef Consumption Linked To Infertility
A new study of 400 women in five U.S. cities between 1999 and 2005 suggests that women eating beef during pregnancy may put their unborn sons at an increased risk of developing infertility. The study found that men whose mothers ate seven or more meals containing beef per week while pregnant had a 24% decrease in sperm concentration as compared to men whose mothers ate less beef. Researchers believe that these sub-fertile sperm levels may be caused by residual hormones, pesticides, and other contaminants of animal feed that may alter testicular development in utero. Currently, the FDA allows for minimal hormonal residues of stradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and synthetic hormones such as zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melengestrol to remain in beef. The use of these hormones to promote growth in cattle has been banned in Europe since 1988.
Source: TorontoDailyNews.com
