The brain is an extremely complex organ that continues to amaze researchers in neuroscience. It houses several important glands and is responsible for controlling movements, recalling memories, and a multitude of other tasks in the human body. It is no surprise that there is tremendous interest in keeping the brain healthy. Previously separate schools of research that focused on psychological or biological functions of the brain have now merged into more complex areas of research that combine multiple disciplines of science, such as psychoneurobiology and psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology. It is clear from these multidisciplinary approaches that the brain (and spinal cord) are plastic systems capable of being “rewired.” The ability of the brain and connecting nervous systems to communicate with each other and the rest of the body and make alterations as needed are directly influenced by components of the diet. There is a fair amount of scientific literature detailing the effects of specific dietary components on the brain during development, aging, and various pathological conditions. There is much less information available on their role for normal, healthy, adult brain function. This article overviews the roles and limitations of a variety of nutrients promoted.

Assessing cognitive function

Research studies use various methods to determine cognitive performance. These methods range from answering questions that measure short-term memory to making decisions that affect reaction time. Changes in cognitive performance are assumed to de due to cerebral changes. Another assumption is that all of the subjects decline or improve at the same rate. It is also assumed that snapshots of cognition (that are called tests) within a clinical trial can document such effects. These assumptions may be flawed in several areas. There are multiple biological and social-psychological factors that influence cognitive changes during the life cycle (particularly during development). Individual responses to nutrient deficiencies may vary so that a given test may overlook significant changes in status, especially if it is outside the scope of the test, for example if only learning was assessed, improvements in memory may be missed. One way to deal with this is a battery of tests administered periodically over a fairly long time period so that changes are more likely to be measured.

When To Start A Dietary Intervention

A problem with research examining the effects of a particular supplement on cognitive development or decline is timing of the intervention. Subjects can’t be forced to develop a disease, so research is left at the mercy of studying people after a diagnosis occurs. This means most research interventions do not occur until after the disease has reached a point that warrants a clinical diagnosis. The logical argument is to start the nutritional intervention earlier, when the people are “healthy.” The dilemma is that until earlier interventions are actually studied, the outcome is not really known. However, people at risk for a given condition may not want to wait until the research is done. Calcium and osteoporosis is an example where intervention early in life can make significant differences later in life. It seems logical to assume that other nutrients will have a similar effect on long-term health, but we often don’t know for sure. From a practical point of view, if a supplement has safety data behind it, risks can be minimized as long as it is not abused, contraindications are considered, and the condition is monitored by a competent healthcare practitioner.

The Developing Brain and Cognitive Functions

Malnutrition is known to cause morphological and functional alterations in the cortical neurons of infants, which may partially explain the neuropsychological deficits in these children (1). Depending on the marker for brain function that is used, an argument could be made that any essential nutrient is also essential for brain development due to either direct or indirect effects. Therefore, only iron, a-linolenic acid, and folate/folic acid will be briefly discussed. Insufficient maternal intake of the essential mineral iron has detrimental effects on the infant, including impaired psychomotor development, immune responses, and muscular strength (2). Deficits in psychological function and alterations in electroencephalograph (EEG) readings are also found in children with iron deficiency anemia (3). This has led some groups to propose that high-risk iron deficiency anemia populations consume supplemental iron, however there is very little data on pregnancy outcomes for either mother or baby after supplementation (4). A prudent recommendation would be for monitoring of maternal iron stores to determine if iron supplementation is warranted.

The fatty acids a-linolenic acid (aLA) and linoleic acid (LA) are essential fatty acids in humans that play a structural role in cellular membranes (which influence the activities of membrane-linked molecules) and serve as precursors to second messengers. aLA serves as a precursor to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) present in high concentrations in the brain. Deficiencies in aLA lead to decreased levels of DHA in the brain (5). Since fetal plasma concentrations of fatty acids are highly correlated with maternal plasma concentrations (6), the implications are that maternal dietary intake influences fetal DHA levels. Also DHA concentrations decrease in formula-fed infants vs. breast-fed infants (7), implying that infant dietary intake also influences DHA levels. The provision of DHA in breast milk is only one reason why breast-feeding is encouraged by various health organizations. While it is generally accepted that fatty acid intake influences brain function, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. Studies on formula-fed infants supplemented with DHA indicate no additional benefits on developmental markers (8, 9). Prudent strategies should emphasize sufficient quantities of aLA and DHA in the maternal diet and encourage breast-feeding of the infant.

Folic acid has been heavily researched with respect to brain development due to the incidence of neural tube defects during and after folate-deficient pregnancies. In 1991 a landmark study clearly demonstrated a decrease in neural tube defects in high-risk pregnancies after supplementation with folic acid (10). This has led to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Genetics that healthy women consume 0.4 mg of folic acid per day, while high-risk populations consume 4 mg per day (11). Since an ideal supplementation strategy would start one month prior to pregnancy and many pregnancies are unplanned, routine supplementation is often encouraged. Apart from a reduction in the incidence of neural tube defects and possible low birth weights, there is not enough evidence to evaluate whether folate supplementation has any further maternal or fetal effects on clinical outcomes (12). While there is no doubt that folic acid is important for the developing nervous system, little is known about the mechanisms. Folate is involved in 1-carbon metabolism methylation reactions, and maintenance of neuronal and glial membranes. A folate deficiency could impair DNA, protein, or lipid synthesis leading to altered neuronal growth and development resulting in neural tube defects.

Other nutrients that have been implicated during development of the brain and spinal cord include zinc, iodine, and choline. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that zinc and choline are vital to brain health (13, 14). However a recent review concludes “There is insufficient evidence to evaluate fully the affect of zinc supplementation during pregnancy” (13). Ingestion of cooked chicken egg yolks appears to supply sufficient choline for maternal and fetal needs, making supplementation unnecessary unless eggs are not part of the diet (14). “Iodine deficiency results in a global loss of 10-15 IQ points at a population level and constitutes the world’s greatest single cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation” (15). Given the variety of nutrients that appear to be involved in brain development, it may seem wise for women to ingest a multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplement routinely for prevention. However, there is limited research on the effects of a MVM supplement during pregnancy. Some papers have stated that outside of iron and folic acid, there is little benefit for ingestion of additional nutrients (16). However, one study has indicated that a supplement containing 60 mg of iron, 250 mg of folate, and 15 mg zinc improves maternal zinc status and may improve fetal neurobehavioral development (17). Given the risks of being nutrient deficient versus the risks of developing a nutrient toxicity, in the final analysis it seems that prenatal vitamins would be worth the risk, as it is unlikely that doses as mentioned above would pose side effects to the mother or baby.

Studies examining relationships between micronutrients and cognitive functions have also been done with adolescents. Biscuits fortified with iron (5 mg ferrous fumarate), iodine (60 mg potassium iodate), and b-carotene (2.1 mg), and a sugar-based cold drink providing ~90 mg vitamin C with 60 mg potassium iodate were given to 6-11 year old children from a poor rural community for five days per week for 43 weeks (18). Significant improvements were reported in the micronutrient status for the supplemented group, including fewer missed school days, but no effects were found on cognitive function or short-term memory. In another study administering iron (650 mg of ferrous sulphate) twice daily to non-anemic high school girls for 8 weeks, both verbal learning and memory improved (19). Another study administered a high dose MVM supplement to adolescents for 12 months and found an improvement in cognitive functioning for females but not males (20). Collectively, it appears that these studies indicate that multiple vitamins and minerals may be involved in cognitive functions. Ideally the diet would be varied enough to meet the requirements for all of these nutrients, but in poor, uneducated, or inappropriately supervised environments, children will most likely not receive adequate nutrient intakes. Under these conditions, supplementation with a MVM may be prudent. For the healthy child with a normal micronutrient status, there is little evidence that additional supplementation is warranted in order to improve cognitive function.

The Adult Brain and Cognitive Functions

A variety of supplements are marketed as capable of improving brain functions, such as short term-memory. Many of these claims are based on studies using clinical populations. Many of these agents work by increasing levels of one or more neurotransmitters (NTs) in the brain. The presence of high concentrations of these agents leads to an increase in NT production that results in improved brain functions. NTs are molecules that allow neurons to send electrical signals to other cells and/or neurons. This simplistic overview, however, underscores the fact that all components of the metabolic pathway must be present for significant elevations in NT levels to occur. A generalized critique against dietary supplements is that key ingredients for the metabolic pathways are often missing or the doses are too low to be effective. The following section takes this into account and will outline key nutrients to complete the metabolic pathway for NT production.

Tryptophan (Try) is an essential amino acid that can serve as precursor for serotonin production. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Try availability to brain neurons influences the production of serotonin (21). The changes in serotonin levels can produce changes in sleep and mood patterns. While Try ingestion appeared to have promise, the effects are rather subtle when compared to potent drugs. Recent evidence indicates that Try depletion does not affect mood, memory, anxiety, and attention (22). It is conceivable that small segments of the population may be affected by Try fluctuations to a greater extent. Effective doses of Try supplementation studies range from 6-10 grams per day or 70-100 mg per kg of body mass. Regardless, Try is no longer available off-the-shelf due to outbreaks years ago of eosiniphilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), an increase in eosinophils with myalgia.

Another amino acid used to increase specific NTs is tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and then into epinephrine. Research on the effects of tyrosine in diseased populations has not been very promising. Research on healthy subjects appears to have more benefit. Ingestion of doses ranging from 100-150 mg per kg of body mass elevated catecholamines and improved cognitive function during stressful conditions (23, 24). Usually these doses are divided into three smaller doses taken during the day between 8 AM to 5 PM. Given the number of steps involved in the conversion of tyrosine into epinephrine, there appear to be several points at which the process can be halted due to insufficient cofactors. Ascorbic acid, pyridoxine, and S-adenosyl-methionine are agents that are also involved in the production of epinephrine from tyrosine. While ingestion of all these agents simultaneously appears to have theoretical support, this strategy has limited scientific evidence to support it would work any better than the ingestion of tyrosine alone. The development of amino acid imbalances leading to other complications is the primary concern for long-term tyrosine ingestion (or other amino acids). Whether the initial benefits experienced in healthy individuals are maintained chronically also requires further research.

Choline, CDP-choline, and lecithin have been promoted as potential memory boosters. There is evidence that in specific clinical situations, choline levels may be lower and hence a therapeutic effect may be achieved by administering the aforementioned supplements. In patients who require long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN), choline levels may be lower than normal (it is not included in the TPN formula) and both verbal and visual memory may be impaired. Adding 2 g of choline chloride to their TPN regimen may improve verbal and visual memory (25). These findings are contrasted by lack of an effect of an oral challenge of 50 mg/kg of choline bitartrate on brain choline metabolites (26). This would suggest that choline supplementation would have little effect on normal subjects. Whether this holds true for other forms of choline and/or delivery methods requires further research.

The Aging Brain and Cognitive Functions

With aging there is increased prevalence of atrophic gastritis with hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria in 20-50% of the elderly (depending on the diagnosis and definition used) (27). The physiological consequences include altered gastric secretions and nutrient absorption. This partially explains why B vitamin deficiencies are common in the elderly. These deficiencies are associated with various neurological and behavioral dysfunctions. Healthy elderly subjects with low intakes or blood concentrations of folate, vitamin B-12, riboflavin, and vitamin C scored poorly on memory tests (28). While some studies indicate a beneficial effect of supplementation with B vitamins in the elderly (29), most studies generally indicate that supplementation of B vitamins has minimal effects, if any, on memory and other cognitive functions (30, 31). Homocysteine levels are high during inadequate folate and vitamin B-12 intakes and thus serve as a marker for these nutrients. While previous studies linked high homocysteine levels in elderly people with cognitive dysfunction, recent evidence indicates there is no correlation between the two (32). It is thought that B vitamin supplementation may have the greatest effect on the cognitive functions of healthy older adults who have had low plasma concentrations of B vitamins for less than one year. In pathological conditions or when B vitamin deficiency (especially folate) has persisted for longer than one year, it may simply be too late to reverse impairments in brain neurons. If severe deficiencies are allowed to persist, atrophy of brain regions may occur such as the atrophy of the neocortex that occurs with folate deficiency in Alzheimer disease (33). Regardless of whether or not B vitamins improve existing cognitive performance, if blood concentrations are low, further cognitive impairments can develop. Given the poor food intakes and poor nutrient absorption of this population, supplementation with a MVM would seem prudent.

During normal aging and various neuropathologies, there is evidence of increased oxidative stress in the brain (34). Ingestion of known antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, coenzyme Q10, n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), lipoic acid, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients have been promoted to reduce free radical damage and prevent declines in cognitive function. While numerous animal studies support the above claims, research on humans is more limited. One study indicated that among people aged 65 and older, higher ascorbic acid and beta-carotene plasma levels are associated with better memory performance (35). Another study indicated that decreasing serum levels of vitamin E per unit of cholesterol were consistently associated with increasing levels of poor memory, while serum levels of vitamins A and C, beta- carotene, and selenium were not associated with poor memory performance (36). These epidemiological studies are correlative and other factors may have impacted the findings. Collectively they do tend to support that higher antioxidant concentrations are associated with a higher performance on memory tests. Unfortunately, there is insufficient information to recommend exact doses and nutrient combinations or at what stage of the life cycle an antioxidant intervention should be implemented. 400 IUs of vitamin E and 500 mg of vitamin C appear safe doses for daily consumption in older adults. Additional antioxidant benefits can be achieved from generous consumption of spinach, blueberries, grapes, onions, and strawberries as part of the diet.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a unique compound that offers potential in a variety of areas. Orally ingested ALC is absorbed and readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Animal studies indicate that it can improve neuronal energetics and repair mechanisms while modifying acetylcholine production in the brain and spinal cord. Positive results have been found in various clinical pathologies including HIV, Alzheimer’s dementia, depression in the elderly, and peripheral neuropathy (37-41). ALC structurally resembles acetylcholine. Functionally it can mimic a variety of neurotransmitters and is involved mitochondrial metabolism. The multiple roles of this molecule indicate that is has widespread potential in a variety of clinical conditions as well as counteracting declines in ALC levels that occur with aging. Doses as high as 3 g/d taken in 1 g doses tid have been safely tested, with nausea being the most common side effect. While it appears safe and has many theoretical applications, more research is needed to determine appropriate dosing strategies and timing of intervention protocols. There is little scientific evidence thus far that it can enhance brain function in normal healthy people, although an argument could be made that it may prevent the decline in memory that occurs with aging.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) and S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) are additional supplements with potential for the aging brain. Research using middle-aged rats indicates that PS derived from soy lecithin or bovine cortex can improve cognitive function (42). Research on humans indicates that 300 mg/d can also improve cognitive function in the elderly (43). Long-term studies indicate that PS is safe. Animal studies indicate that SAM can prevent brain neuronal cell death and minimize oxidative stress. A meta-analysis of various studies on humans indicated that SAM has few side effects and may be a potentially useful treatment against depression with oral doses up to 1,600 mg/d (44).

Combining nutrients

Given that many of the agents overviewed have the potential to act synergistically, it could be theoretically predicted that any improvements in cognitive function would be potentiated. Research on rats with brain lesions determined the combination of vitamin B-12 with egg phosphatidylcholine worked better than either separately for improving memory in the Morris water maze task (45). A seven-step complementary medical program was developed that included:

1. Nutritional modification: A 15% fat diet.

2. Nutrient supplementation of 800 IU vitamin E (part of a MVM package), PS 300 mg/day, coenzyme-Q-10 100 mg/day, and ALC 750-1500 mg/day.

3. Herbs: Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg/day.

4. Medication: Deprenyl 5-10 mg/day.

5. Hormone Replacement: 50-100 mg of either DHEA or Pregnenolone, both precursors of estrogen, were prescribed.

6. Mental training: Headline discussions etc. enhance dendritic sprouting.

7. Mind/Body Exercises: Aerobic reconditioning, stress management via meditation and yoga.

The program was found to have a “potent therapeutic impact in patients with age-associated memory impairment” (46). These results, while rather limited (i.e. a study on rats and an abstract), do point to the potential of nutrient mixes that may safely and effectively be used to maintain and/or prevent declines in brain function.

References upon request.

Thomas Incledon, PhD(c), RD, LD/N, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, RPT has been involved in research on how to enhance health and human performance for over 17 years and is considered one of the worldwide leading experts on effective health and performance strategies. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Human Health Specialists. Tom can be reached at mailto:tom@thomasincledon.com tom@thomasincledon.com or (480) 883-7240. Visit our websites at ThomasIncledon.com ThomasIncledon.com, HumanPerformanceSpecialists.com HumanPerformanceSpecialists.com, HumanHealthSpecialists.com HumanHealthSpecialists.com

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We are surrounded by environmental toxins. Substances that may cause distress or disease to our bodies can be found in everything that we eat, in everything that we drink and even in the air we breathe. Some of these compounds are a by-product of an industrialized world. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are released from factories or are produced as waste substances in the industry. We are also exposed to many naturally-occurring toxic substances.

For example, volcanic eruptions release much of the free mercury that can be found in the environment. Our bodies have a variety of mechanisms for dealing with this toxicity, but the current total load exceeds the body’s ability to adapt. When our bodies fail to break down or remove these toxins the only other way to deal with them is through sequestration.

The body will try to deposit these compounds into tissue to minimize their potential damage. For example, lead may be sequestered into bone, displacing calcium and increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The overall load of these toxins is sometimes called our “Body Burden.”

A high body burden has been implicated in: Immunotoxicity – leading to asthma, allergies, cancers and chronic disease; Neurotoxicity – leading to cognition impairment, memory loss as well as sensory and motor dysfunction; and Endocrine toxicity – leading to reproductive issues, loss of libido and metabolic impairment.For more information see www.bodyburden.org < bodyburden.org/>

In research published in 2005, New York University School of Medicine researchers provided some of the most compelling evidence yet that long-term exposure to air pollution—even at levels within federal standards—causes heart disease. Previous studies have linked air pollution to cardiovascular disease but until now it was poorly understood how pollution damaged the body’s blood vessels.

Environmental toxicity is a global concern. These pollutants don’t recognize national or political boundaries. As an example, Japan has experienced a phenomenon known as “yellow sands” over the past several years. This is caused by pollution blowing in from Chinese factories across the Sea of Japan.

In the air.

There are now 1460 metric tons of airborne toxins that travel on the jet stream around the world. Because of this there is no place on the planet that can be considered a pristine environment. Facilities in the United States released 4.7 Billion pounds of toxins into the air in 2005– 72 Million pounds are known carcinogens.In 2005 the city of Chicago experienced 68 days when the air quality was too unhealthy for children, elderly and the ill. Coal-fired power plants spew sulfates, nitrates and mercury into the air. These compounds have been linked to more than 20,000 premature deaths each year.

In the Water.

There are an estimated 7 Million illnesses and 1000 deaths each year in the United States from waterborne microbes. Chlorinated chemicals in drinking water from pesticides, herbicides and refrigerants have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Cyanobacterial toxins in municipal water have been linked to illness and disease worldwide. Sewage treatment plant workers are at much higher risk of respiratory illness, skin rashes, headaches and body aches.

What about our food.

Environmental toxins work their way into the food chain. As of late 2005, 47 states have advisories to limit intake of freshwater fish due to mercury contamination. In 2005, the FDA reported finding chlorinated pesticides, like DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene – a breakdown product of DDT), in 63% of foods surveyed. Pesticides and Herbicides in food have been linked to many cancers.

The most surprising thing about our body burden is that we are at risk even before we are born. A study conducted in 2005 by the Environmental Working Group in cooperation with the American Red Cross examined the umbilical cord blood of newborns. They found that the average newborn has 200 different industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides in their blood. These included over 70 known carcinogens (toxins that may cause cancer). Other studies have found high levels of the metals cadmium and mercury in the breast milk of nursing mothers.

As we grow up we are exposed to seemingly benign compounds that are even meant to benefit us but have been shown to have long-term negative consequences. For example, Fluoride in our drinking water has been linked to Osteosarcoma and Hypothyroidism. Additionally, vaccinations which undoubtedly prevent disease may contain the mercury compound Thimerosal which has been linked to the rise of autism in children.

What can be done? We need to look at both prevention of toxicity and dealing with the inherent rise in body burden that has occurred since birth. A healthy diet high in raw foods has been shown to be beneficial. Of course, make sure that you wash these foods to remove pesticides and herbicides that cling to the surface of fruits and vegetables. Air purifiers may remove particulate matter and lower your exposure to some of the airborne toxins. Lastly, avoid seafood which has been shown to have higher mercury levels – like tuna steak, marlin and sea bass.

Aside from limiting our exposure we should all be actively aiding our bodies in the elimination of these toxins. Most programs for systemic detoxification begin in the digestive tract with products that act either as laxatives or diuretics. These include the ubiquitous colon cleanse products. By helping our bodies to remove waste quickly, it may aid in lowering body burden over time. There may be issues, though with the long-term use of laxatives and/or diuretics. Some people may become physically dependent on these products and cannot resume normal digestive function without them.

A more direct method for removing harmful compounds is chelation therapy for the removal of heavy metals and other toxins.Classic chelation causes side effects (kidney, bladder, etc..) and may not be well-tolerated in some people. Additionally, most chelating agents may remove beneficial nutrients along with the potentially harmful compounds.

For example, the chelating agent EDTA has a charge of -2. Because of this, it will seek out and bind to any 2 ion in the body. This includes harmful ions like lead, but it also includes calcium and magnesium. When chelating with EDTA you need to constantly add magnesium and calcium back into the system. Eventually, there will be diminishing benefits as the EDTA will only take out the calcium and magnesium that is being added and will fail to remove all of the lead.

The newest research centers on the use of a colloidal suspension of the mineral zeolite ‘clinoptilolite’ in such products as Natural Cellular Defense. The activated zeolite attracts and traps small, highly-charged particles that fit into the pores and channels of the zeolite cage. This includes heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, etc..), nitrosamines and environmental pollutants. Understand that this is a passive process – when the zeolite is in close proximity to these compounds, they will be drawn to the zeolite and either absorbed into the cage or adsorbed onto the surface of the zeolite.

Once trapped by the zeolite these toxins are easily removed from the body. Because the zeolite has affinity based on both size and charge, it does not remove necessary ions like calcium, magnesium and potassium while it efficiently rids the body of toxic heavy metals. This particular activated zeolite has been the center of several clinical studies that will be published over the next few years. For more information see: www.detoxsmart.com < detoxsmart.com/>
For more information on the toxic environment see the following:

The Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org < ewg.org/>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov < cdc.gov/>

The Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov < epa.gov/>

For more information, please visit: DetoxSmart.com DetoxSmart.com

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Many women go in for breast implants to augment their breasts without realizing that breastfeeding with breast implants can pose many difficulties and painful conditions. The ability to breastfeed might be impaired when you have a surgery to place the implants in your breasts as there might be incisions around the aureole and the breast. As such, many women have to resort to feeding formula-based foods, which is not the ideal situation for their babies as you can never substitute mother’s milk.

Types Of Breast Implants And Methods Of Insertion

Silicone gel-filled or saline-filled implants are most commonly used for breast augmentation. Incisions might be made on or around the areola which is the dark area surrounding the nipple in which case there is likelihood of cutting and damaging the milk ducts or nerves. The other system of introduction of implants is by making incisions in the armpit or under the breast in which case the implants are placed behind the milk ducts and there is less chance of causing damage to the nerves or milk ducts.

Disadvantages Of Implants

Although you might be producing enough milk after insertion of implants, breastfeeding with breast implants might become difficult due to the fact that the milk might face hurdles in its passage through the damaged ducts up to the nipples. Moreover, if during the surgery there is any damage to the nerves on the nipple and areola, the production of milk might get affected as the damaged nerves might not be able to transmit signals to the brain to release the hormones, Prolactin and Oxytocin that are instrumental in producing and releasing breast milk.

The other major disadvantage of silicone breast implants is that there is likelihood of the silicone leaking into the breast milk. However, silicone implants are not very prevalent nowadays as they are mostly used in clinical studies. Saline water filled implants are more common and they do not pose many problems. It’s not very easy to measure the silicone content in the breast milk. Milk duct or nerve damage can cause engorgement or fullness of the breast.

It’s important to check whether your baby is getting sufficient quantity of breastfeeding with breast implants. To ensure the same, you need to check the weight of your baby every week. If you feel that your baby is not getting enough milk through your breastfeed, you might have to give a breastfeeding formula or supplement to augment the nutritional requirements of your baby.

The supplements might be given through a bottle of formula which can be done once or more every day. There is also a supplemental nursing system in which a tube is connected to a formula filled container on one side and the other side is taped to the nipple when the baby has finished with your breast. This will enable the baby to get the formula or supplement as it continues to suckle the nipple of your breast.

In order to present a fuller look, you might be tempted to augment your breasts and go in for a cosmetic enhancement program. But it is worth pondering whether this arrangement would be good for you and your baby in the long run and whether you are prepared to face the problems of breastfeeding with breast implants.

pregnancy-period.com/breastfeeding_with_breast_implants.html Breastfeeding with breast implants could cause problems in breastfeeding. pregnancy-period.com Pregnancy Period provides answers to all your questions related to pregnancy-period.com/breastfeeding_help.html breastfeeding help, breastfeeding supplies, breastfeeding bra and anything to everything you would like to know about pregnancy and childbirth.

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Are you lactose intolerant? Do you take antibiotics on a regular basis?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to supplement your body with lactobacillus acidophilus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is commonly found in the intestines and is considered as the friendly bacteria naturally living in human bodies to help regulate digestion and stool patterns.

However, there is also yeast that lives in the intestines. The lactobacilli acidophilus and the yeast are constantly competing for space in the intestines. What you want is to keep the yeast in check in order to prevent yeast infection in the vagina, and breast. It can also cause diarrhea and thrushes.

The friendly bacteria in the intestines, however, sometimes get depleted. This will result in the overgrowth of yeast and can cause the mentioned conditions. The depletion of lactobacillus acidophilus is mainly caused by taking too much antibiotics.

Therefore, it is very important for you to replenish your supply of lactobacillus acidophilus in your intestines.

There are usually available lactobacillus acidophilus supplements in your local grocery stores or pharmacy. An example comes in a form of powder.

The powder form is recommended for children and infants who are not yet old enough to swallow the pill form of this supplement.

This is usually mixed with milk or juice for children to drink. In infants, the powder is mixed with water or breast milk and rubbed around the baby’s mouth at least once a day. Or, 1 tablespoon of the powder can be mixed in milk bottles if the baby is still bottle feeding.

Taking this supplement will free you and your children from the conditions like diarrhea and thrush infections. It is recommended that you or your children should take it when the symptoms of the problems mentioned have begun to show.

Living a healthy life is not just about exercising and eating the right food. It is also about taking care of the insides of your body.

Hector Milla at

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