Viva Magazine March 2012 Edition

NEW POSSIBILITIES 2012

YOU R PR E M I U M WOM E N ’S N AT U R A L H E A LT H M AG A Z I N E

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tips for a healthy, happy

pregnancy

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long with the glow, there may be some not-so-welcome skin changes that come with being pregnant, including swollen veins and soft bumpy skin – known as varicose veins – and cellulite.

We know enough to expect certain changes during pregnancy, such as weight gain, morning sickness and fatigue. Many of us, however, are unprepared for changes in appearance, such as blue/purple squiggly veins near the surface of the skin on legs, or even around the vulva and elsewhere.

Varicose veins may cause no symptoms, or they may cause aches, itching, throbbing or sometimes burning sensations. The extra pressure that can lead to varicose veins may be caused by the growing uterus, genetics or standing on your feet for long periods of time. Often the appearance of varicose veins tends to naturally lessen after giving birth. However, there are things we can do to help keep our veins from swelling or collapsing at any time.

Before whipping out your wallet for that expensive “miracle cream” or latest treatment, take a look at your lifestyle and diet to see if there are some affordable, natural changes you can make. Varicose veins and cellulite, however un-pretty, are natural; so the cure may be, as well!

LIFESTYLE: • Exercise! Do things that help circulation; keep the blood flowing throughout the body • Minimize crossing of legs and ankles, and take walking/sitting breaks when standing • Elevate feet/legs whenever possible; this will prevent blood from pooling and staying in lower extremities • Try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your legs, since the right side of the body withstands much of the strain from a growing uterus • Try not to wear overly tight clothes, as they restrict blood flow

LOOKING after your Legs Cellulite and varicose veins don’t have to be your fate just because you’re expecting • by christine cho

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DIET: • Try to stay in the recommended weight range for each stage of pregnancy • Eat a balanced diet that includes fish and fresh fruits and vegetables • Eat lots of fibre to prevent constipation and varicose veins • Avoid excessive sugar, alcohol, salt, animal protein and processed foods NATURAL INGREDIENTS / VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPORT: • Witch hazel soaks to reduce swelling • Vitamin E • Vitamin C

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New Possibilities 2012 vivamagonline.com

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