8 non-invasive pain relief techniques that really work

Sometimes pain has a purpose — it can alert us that we've sprained an ankle, for example. But for many people, pain can linger for weeks or even months, causing needless suffering and interfering with quality of life.

If your pain has overstayed its welcome, you should know that you have more treatment options today than ever before. Here, we've listed eight techniques to control and reduce your pain that don't require an invasive procedure — or even taking a pill.

1. Cold and heat. These two tried-and-true methods are still the cornerstone of relieving pain for certain kinds of injuries. If a homemade hot or cold pack doesn't do the trick, try asking a physical therapist or chiropractor for their versions of these treatments, which can penetrate deeper into the muscle and tissue. 

2. Exercise. Physical activity plays a crucial role in interrupting the "vicious cycle" of pain and reduced mobility found in some chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Try gentle aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. 

3. Physical therapy and occupational therapy. These two specialties can be among your staunchest allies in the fight against pain. Physical therapists guide you through a series of exercises designed to preserve or improve your strength and mobility. Occupational therapists help you learn to perform a range of daily activities in a way that doesn't aggravate your pain. 

4. Mind-body techniques. These techniques, which include meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises (among many others), help you restore a sense of control over your body and turn down the "fight or flight" response, which can worsen chronic muscle tension and pain.

5. Yoga and tai chi. These two exercise practices incorporate breath control, meditation, and gentle movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. Many studies have shown that they can help people manage pain caused by a host of conditions, from headaches to arthritis to lingering injuries. 

6. Biofeedback. This technique involves learning relaxation and breathing exercises with the help of a biofeedback machine, which turns data on physiological functions (such as heart rate and blood pressure) into visual cues such as a graph, a blinking light, or even an animation. Watching and modifying the visualizations gives you a degree of control over your body's response to pain. 

7. Music therapy. Studies have shown that music can help relieve pain during and after surgery and childbirth. Classical music has proven to work especially well, but there's no harm in trying your favorite genre — listening to any kind of music can distract you from pain or discomfort. 

8. Therapeutic massage. Not just an indulgence, massage can ease pain by working tension out of muscles and joints, relieving stress and anxiety, and possibly helping to distract you from pain by introducing a "competing" sensation that overrides pain signals.

Bottom Line: If you have any kind of inflamation and continued pain get it checked out . Don't tuen a little thing into a big thing by neglect. 

What Can 5% Do for You?

You don’t have to slim down to your high school size to get real health benefits. Losing just a few pounds makes a big difference. Five percent of your body weight -- 10 pounds for a 200-pound person -- can improve all kinds of health problems, and make you feel better, too. Talk to your doctor about whether it might help you.

Ease Up on Joints

Just 10 extra pounds add 40 pounds of pressure on your knees and other lower body joints. That can wear them out quicker. Extra fat can also cause inflammation -- when chemicals in your body damage your own tissues over time, including your joints. Losing even a little weight can ease these effects. If you keep it off, you’re much less likely to get arthritis later in life.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

If you’re more likely to get the condition, weight loss is one of two ways to prevent or delay it. The other is moderate exercise -- 30 minutes on 5 days a week. If you weigh 160 pounds, you could lose just 8-12 of them to get the benefit. If you already have diabetes, losing that weight can help you take less medication, keep control of your blood sugar, and lower the odds that the condition will cause other health problems.

A “Good” Cholesterol Bump

You can lower your LDL or “bad” cholesterol with healthier food and medications. But it’s harder to raise levels of the “good” kind of cholesterol, HDL. That’s the type that clears bad LDL from your blood, so the more you have, the better. Exercise and losing body fat can get you into the ideal HDL range: above 60 mg/dl, which lowers your odds of having heart disease.

Bring Down Triglycerides

They’re particles in your body that transport fat for storage and energy. High levels (more than 200 mg/dl) mean you’re more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. You can get closer to healthy levels (around 150 mg/dl) if you slim down a little.

Ease High Blood Pressure

Extra body weight makes your blood push harder against your artery walls. That makes your heart work harder, too. You can lower the pressure by about 5 points if you trim 5% from that number on the scale. Cut your salt and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy, and you may lower it even more.

Reverse Insulin Resistance

Fat, especially in your belly area, gives off chemicals that make your body stop reacting to the effects of insulin, a hormone that keeps the level of sugar in your blood normal. Even though your pancreas works harder to make more insulin, your blood sugar can get too high. A little bit of weight loss can help reverse this effect.

Cut Your Cancer Risk

Extra body weight seems to raise your odds of having cancer, including in the breast, colon, liver, kidneys, ovaries, cervix, and prostate. There’s no clear proof that losing weight protects you from the disease, but some of the body changes that happen when people shed pounds hint that it might. For example, overweight people who slim down end up with lower levels of hormones linked to cancer, like estrogens, insulin, and androgens.

Stop Sleep Apnea

People who are overweight gain extra tissue in the back of their throat. When your body relaxes when you sleep, that tissue can drop down and block your airway. It makes you stop breathing over and over all night, which causes all kinds of health problems, especially for your heart. Slimming down a little can improve sleep apnea -- sometimes enough that you can stop using the bulky breathing devices that treat it.

Sleep Longer and Better

You’re likely to get more ZZZs if you lose weight. And it will be better rest, too. But you won’t see much of a change unless you drop at least 5%. In one study, people who did slept an extra 21.6 minutes a night, compared with only 1.2 minutes for those who lost less than 5%.

A Better Mood

Weight loss may help chase your blues away. Scientists are still trying to work out why, but better body image and improved sleep may be part of the reason. In one study, depressed people who were very overweight felt better after they lost an average of 8% of their body weight. Other research shows you’ll continue to feel better, even after 2 years -- as long as you keep the weight off.

Bring Down Inflammation

Fat cells, especially those around the belly, can release chemicals that irritate and inflame tissues all over the body. This is linked to health problems like arthritis, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Work toward a 10% weight loss goal, and you can lower the amount of these substances and cut your chances of having a serious illness.

Have More Sex

When you’re overweight, you typically have less sex. It might be because you just don’t feel good about your body. But it also may be that you have less desire and that even when you’re in the mood, your body doesn’t respond as well. Shed a few pounds and you’ll not only feel better about yourself, you may be in the mood more often, too.

Lose the Weight: Diet

There’s no one perfect diet to help you slim down, but there are some basic rules. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Keep your protein lean and unprocessed: Choose meats trimmed of fat, and eat seafood, beans, nuts, and seeds. Replace refined grains like white bread and white rice with whole grains like multigrain bread, brown rice, and oatmeal. Special weight loss surgery may be an option if you are seriously overweight.

Lose the Weight: Exercise

You should be getting 30 minutes of moderate activity -- a bike ride or brisk walk -- on at least 5 days a week simply to stay in good health. To lose weight and keep it off, you may need more than that. Also include moves to strengthen your muscles, like pushups or light weight training. Check with your doctor about the healthiest ways for you to work out, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. 

 Bottom Line: As you can clearly see,it doesn’t take much to improve you overall

                        health and well being.C’mon! Anybody can lose 5% !  

Understanding Muscle Soreness – How Much is Too Much?

So you’ve decided to focus on getting a little healthier and you start an exercise program. Your first workout goes great, and you’re really proud of yourself. That is, until the next morning when you’re so sore you can barely get out of bed. You ask yourself, “What happened? Did I do something wrong? Did I do too much?” Don’t let muscle soreness after a workout get you down!

Here’s what you need to know to prevent that soreness from derailing your workout program.

Muscle soreness is a side effect of the stress put on muscles when you exercise. It is commonly called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, and it is completely normal. DOMS usually begins within 6-8 hours after a new activity or a change in activity, and can last up to 24-48 hours after the exercise. The muscle pain is due to inflammation within the muscle, which is one of the main triggers for this muscle soreness.

You are most likely to experience delayed muscle soreness after one of the following:

•Starting an exercise or workout program for the very first time                              

•Adding a new activity or exercise to your workout

•Increasing the intensity of an exercise already in your program (increasing the amount of weight lifted, number of repetitions, or speed)

•Performing the same activity over and over again without a sufficient rest break

    All people are at risk for muscle soreness, even body builders and other professional athletes. The good news is that normal muscle soreness is a sign that you’re getting stronger, and is nothing to be alarmed about. During exercise, you stress your muscles and the fibers begin to break down. As the fibers repair themselves, they become larger and stronger than they were before. This means that your muscles will be better prepared to handle the stress the next time you work out.

   The best way to relieve muscle soreness is to perform some gentle exercises, like walking or light stretching. It may seem counter intuitive, but the more you move, the faster the discomfort will go away! A heating pad or warm bath may also help to ease the discomfort temporarily, but ice is a better treatment in the long-run because it actually helps to decrease the swelling and inflammation in your muscles.

   It sounds like muscle soreness is a positive thing, but here’s where it can get a little complicated. Mild to moderate muscle soreness is common and generally harmless. On the other hand, severe muscle soreness can be damaging and dangerous. It’s important to know the difference between reasonable muscle soreness caused by exercise, and pain due to overuse or muscle injury.

How much pain is too much?

•If the pain you’re experiencing prevents you from carrying out daily activities associated with living or working, then the exercise was too much.

•If the discomfort lasts for more than 72 hours, then the exercise was too much.

How can you tell if your soreness is the normal kind of soreness?

•If the pain begins during or immediately after the exercise, it is not normal. Pain that occurs during an exercise is a sign that there is a problem with the exercise. This type of pain should be seen as a signal from your body to stop the activity before serious joint or muscle damage occurs.

     In severe cases, the muscles can break down so much that you can become very ill and cause damage to your kidneys. This type of pain is called Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by injury or any other condition that damages skeletal muscle such as excessive exercising. This is the very problem with the “No Pain,No Gain” philosophy  These substances are harmful to the kidney and often cause kidney damage.  Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following after a workout or activity that causes muscle soreness:

•Severe unbearable pain

•Severely swollen limbs

•Loss of joint range of motion due to severe swelling

•Dark colored urine or decreased production of urine

In extreme cases Rhabdomyoysis can lead to kidney failure and hospitalization even death.

Bottom Line :  This type of pain must be avoided. Not only is it painful,its dangerous 

 

Why Am I Always Hungry?

Was It Something You Ate?

That doughnut at work seemed too good to miss. But now you want something else. Tasty in the moment, sugary drinks, candy, and pastries don’t give you lasting energy, so you’re soon hungry again. Better choices: anything with fiber, whole grains, fruits, or vegetables, healthy fats (salmon, nuts, avocado), and lean protein (such as eggs, beans, grilled chicken).                                                      

You’re Stressed Out

At first your body zaps away hunger with a hormone called adrenaline. But if your worries stick around a while, your system cranks up the levels of another hormone, cortisol. This one can make you want to eat everything in sight. When the stress goes, cortisol levels fall and your appetite usually gets back to normal. 

You’re Thirsty

Sometimes when you think you need to eat, you’re actually dehydrated. So maybe try drinking some water first. Still hungry? That lets you know you may need to eat something. And because you had that water, you may be less likely to overeat.

You “Spike” Your Blood Sugar

When you eat sweet or starchy carbs like doughnuts, pastries, or regular soda, they send a lot of sugar into your system at once. So your body releases the hormone insulin, which helps your cells use it as fuel or store it for later. But that flood of sugar can cause your body to make more insulin than you need. That can lower blood sugar too much and make you hungry.

You Might Have Diabetes

This condition means your body has an energy problem. You may get hungry because your body thinks it needs more fuel. But the real problem is that you have trouble changing food into fuel. “Polyphagia” is the word doctors use for extreme hunger and can be a symptom of diabetes.You also may lose weight, pee more, and feel more tired. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

You Have Low Blood Sugar

Your doctor might call it hypoglycemia. It means there’s not enough fuel, or glucose, in your blood, and it can make you feel tired, weak, or dizzy. It can happen if you haven’t eaten in more than a few hours. If you have symptoms, your doctor may suggest that you keep an eye on your blood sugar and eat some carbs when it’s low. You may need to eat a little more, or your medication may need to be adjusted to help keep it from happening.  

You’re Pregnant

While some moms-to-be feel too queasy to eat much in the first few weeks, others may feel like they’re hungry all the time. They also might crave new foods or feel sick at the thought of eating things they used to love. If you think that might be the reason behind your pangs, a test kit from the pharmacy can tell you if that’s the case. If it is, see your doctor to confirm the results.

You Eat Too Fast

When you wolf down your food, you might not give your body enough time to notice that you’re full. Eating slowly is also more satisfying, so you eat less. It can help to focus: Take smaller bites, chew well, and enjoy your food. Give it about 20 minutes, and see if you’re still hungry.

Your Food Didn't Satisfy

Scientists actually put a number on this. It’s called the “satiety index.” Higher ranked foods satisfy your hunger better for the same calories. For instance, roasted potatoes are a lot more filling than fries.

You Saw or Smelled Something Tasty

Maybe you saw an ad about ice cream or smelled fresh-baked cookies as you walked by the market's bakery. That could be enough to make you want to eat, whether your body is hungry or not. Try to notice these triggers and then decide what you're going to do.

Your Emotions Are in Charge

Many people turn to “comfort foods” when they’re upset, bored, sad, or depressed.  You may hear it called “emotional eating.” What’s your mood right before you eat? If you’re not really hungry, try doing something you enjoy. And if you find that you often feel blue, stressed, or anxious, you may want to talk with your doctor or a counselor to plan healthy ways to handle those emotions.

You Have an Overactive Thyroid

If you do, it can make you tired, nervous, moody, and hungry all the time. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. If you find out that you have a thyroid problem, you can usually manage it with drugs or surgery or both.

You Take Medication

Some medicines can affect your appetite. These include some that are used to treat depression or mood disorders, along with certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids. Tell your doctor if you’re hungrier after you start a new medication. But don’t stop taking it on your own.

You Don’t Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can change the balance of hunger hormones (leptin and ghrelin) in a way that can make you want to eat more. It can also make you more likely to reach for snacks that have more calories and more fat to satisfy that urge.

 

   

 

Abdominal fat (visceral fat) and what to do about it

   Visceral fat more of a health concern than subcutaneous fat.Though the term might sound dated, "middle-age spread" is a greater concern than ever. As people go through their middle years, their proportion of fat to body weight tends to increase — more so in women than men. Extra pounds tend to park themselves around the midsection.

    At one time, we might have accepted these changes as an inevitable fact of aging. But we've now been put on notice that as our waistlines grow, so do our health risks. Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it's a key player in a variety of health problems — much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind you can grasp with your hand. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs.

   Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In women, it is also associated with breast cancer and the need for gallbladder surgery.

Are you pear-shaped or apple-shaped?

    Fat accumulated in the lower body (the pear shape) is subcutaneous, while fat in the abdominal area (the apple shape) is largely visceral. Where fat ends up is influenced by several factors, including heredity and hormones. As the evidence against abdominal fat mounts, researchers and clinicians are trying to measure it, correlate it with health risks, and monitor changes that occur with age and overall weight gain or loss.

    The good news is that visceral fat yields fairly easily to exercise and diet, with benefits ranging from lower blood pressure to more favorable cholesterol levels. Subcutaneous fat located at the waist — the pinchable stuff — can be frustratingly difficult to budge, but in normal-weight people, it's generally not considered as much of a health threat as visceral fat is.

    Research suggests that fat cells — particularly abdominal fat cells — are biologically active. It's appropriate to think of fat as an endocrine organ or gland, producing hormones and other substances that can profoundly affect our health. Although scientists are still deciphering the roles of individual hormones, it's becoming clear that excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, disrupts the normal balance and functioning of these hormones.

     Scientists are also learning that visceral fat pumps out immune system chemicals called cytokines — for example, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 — that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These and other biochemicals are thought to have deleterious effects on cells' sensitivity to insulin, blood pressure, and blood clotting.

     One reason excess visceral fat is so harmful could be its location near the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestinal area to the liver. Substances released by visceral fat, including free fatty acids, enter the portal vein and travel to the liver, where they can influence the production of blood lipids. Visceral fat is directly linked with higher total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower HDL (good) cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

     Insulin resistance means that your body's muscle and liver cells don't respond adequately to normal levels of insulin, the pancreatic hormone that carries glucose into the body's cells. Glucose levels in the blood rise, heightening the risk for diabetes. Now for the good news.

Exercise and dieting can help you get rid of belly fat

    So what can we do about tubby tummies? A lot, it turns out. The starting point for bringing weight under control, in general, and combating abdominal fat, in particular, is regular exercise(30 minutes per day) to control weight. Strength training (exercising with weights) may also help fight abdominal fat. Spot exercising, such as doing sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles, but it won't get at visceral fat.

     Diet is also important. Pay attention to portion size, and emphasize complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and lean protein over simple carbohydrates such as white bread, refined-grain pasta, and sugary drinks. Replacing saturated fats and trans fats with polyunsaturated fats can also help.Scientists hope to develop drug treatments that target abdominal fat. For now, experts stress that lifestyle, especially exercise, is the very best way to fight visceral fat. 

Bottom Line : Exercise and proper nutrition combined are the only wat to rid yourself of the      visceral fat .

Which Fruits Have the Most Sugar?

Mangoes

Fruit’s good for you! It has fiber and other nutrients you need. But it also has natural sugar, and some have more than others. For example, one mango has a whopping 45 grams of sugar -- not your best choice if you’re trying to watch your weight or how much sugar you eat. Maybe enjoy a couple of slices and save the rest for later.                             

Grapes

A cup of these has about 23 grams sugar. That’s a lot for something that’s so easy to pop in your mouth. You might eat them more slowly if you slice them in half and freeze them. They’ll be waiting for you as a refreshing summer treat that takes a bit longer to eat. 

 

Cherries

They’re sweet, and they have the sugar to show for it:  A cup of them has 18 grams. If you fill up a large bowl with them, you can lose track of how many you eat. Measure your snack beforehand so you know exactly how much sugar you’ll get. 

Pears

One medium pear has 17 grams of sugar. If you’re trying to cut back, don’t eat the whole thing -- just put a few slices in some low-fat yogurt or on top of a salad. 

Watermelon

A medium wedge of this summer treat has 17 grams of sugar. As its name suggests, it’s loaded with water, and it has special minerals called electrolytes that are just what your body needs to recharge after some time in the sun. Just keep it to a slice or two. 

Figs

Two medium-size ones have 16 grams. If you’re trying to keep an eye on your sugar, maybe slice a couple and spread some goat cheese on them for a protein-rich treat, or use some in a sauce to add some zip to lean meats like skinless chicken. 

Bananas

One medium banana has 14 grams sugar. If that seems like more than you bargained for, slice half of it into your morning cereal or smash a small piece in the middle of your peanut butter sandwich 

Less Sugar: Avocados

Not all fruits are loaded with the sweet stuff. A whole avocado -- yep, it's a fruit -- has only half a gram of sugar. Put it in a salad, spread it on toast, or make some guacamole. But while they’re low in sugar, they’re high in calories, so it might not be a good idea to make them a daily habit. 

Less Sugar: Guavas

Each one has 5 grams of sugar and about 3 grams of fiber, too -- more than you'd get from a serving of brown rice or a slice of whole-grain bread. You’ll get even more fiber if you add guavas with the skin on to your smoothies. 

Less Sugar: Raspberries

These pack a serious punch of fiber with 8 grams per cup -- and only 5 grams of sugar. The fiber is good for digestion and can help you feel fuller with fewer calories. They’re the perfect size to savor one at a time, and they’re not bad with some fresh whipped cream and a spoon, either. 

Less Sugar: Cantaloupe

It’s kind of amazing that the flavor and satisfaction packed in a single medium wedge can come from only 5 grams of sugar -- and only 23 calories. Try it with some cottage cheese and a sprinkle of salt. 

Less Sugar: Papayas

Here’s a good one to add to your shopping list: Half of a small one has 6 grams of sugar. Even a small one is pretty big, so half is plenty to eat at one time. You can add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of sea salt -- or a dollop of frozen yogurt for a tropical treat. 

Less Sugar: Strawberries

A cup of whole strawberries has only 7 grams. Add them to a salad for some vibrant color and a touch of summer. 

Bottom Line : Don’t avoid any of these healthy fruits. This is just to help keep you informed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight

Your Sleep Schedule Is Off

If you get more than 9 hours of sleep a night, you may be the envy of your friends, but too much or too little sleep -- less than 5 hours a night -- can be linked to weight gain. Both can throw off the way your body makes the hormones that control your appetite and hunger. And if you don’t feel rested, you may skip your workouts, too.

You Don’t Drink Enough Water

Between 2 and 6 cups of clear, plain water each day can help you lose extra pounds. Water has no calories at all, so it satisfies your thirst without adding weight. And when you drink enough water, you may be less likely to grab sodas, juices, or coffee drinks packed with sugar. High calories in sweet drinks can add up to a big weight gain.

You Wait Too Long to Eat

When you space out your meals too much, your metabolism slows down and isn’t able to burn off all the calories you eat in your next meal. Those extra calories may wind up as extra weight. And you may overeat because you’re too hungry. Try eating smaller portions, and eat more often.

You Eat Out Too Often

OK, you hate to cook. But if you eat most of your meals at restaurants, it may be harder to keep your weight under control. Even so-called light dishes may have more calories than you realize. And we’re not just talking about dinner, either. People who eat lunch out daily can weigh up to 5 pounds more than those who brown-bag it. 

You Sit All Day

Your desk job or TV obsession may make it harder for you to drop those pesky pounds. When you sit most of the time, your body can lose its ability to know when you’ve eaten too much -- you can overeat and gain weight. Even brief exercise breaks during the day can help you stay healthy. Get up for three 10-minute walks around meetings or your favorite shows.

You Reward Workouts With Food

Exercise is a great way to lose weight -- it burns calories and builds muscle mass. But if you indulge in a big dinner or smoothie after every workout, you can ruin all that sweaty work. Watch out for high-sugar sports drinks and protein bars, too. While they can help quench your thirst or give you an energy boost post-workout, they can be very high in calories.

You Overdo the Alcohol

Whether you like wine, beer, or mixed drinks, alcohol has calories that add to your daily amount. If you often have 3 or more drinks a day, you’re more likely to gain weight or be overweight, no matter what type of alcohol you drink. Stick to light or moderate drinking, like the occasional glass of wine with dinner. That may actually help keep you from gaining weight.

Stress Gives You Snack Attacks

If you feel tense, you’re more likely to reach for unhealthy, high-calorie treats for a quick comfort fix. You may eat when you don't really need food.

You Make Quick Food Decisions

It’s worth your time to plan out your meals and healthy snacks so you’re not tempted to grab something on the go. Even if you get enough activity, you can gain an extra pound or two if you tend to eat fast food or sugary snacks or sodas. Your body doesn’t seem to treat these calories the same as energy you get from healthy foods -- it breaks them down too quickly. They’re also low in fiber, so you don’t feel full afterward and you’re likely to eat or drink more.

Your Thyroid Is Sluggish

If this tiny gland in the front of your throat lags on the job, you could gain as much as 5 to 10 extra pounds. Your thyroid makes hormones that control your energy level and how your body breaks down food. If you don’t make enough of them, it can be hard to shed pounds. You may also feel bloated because your body holds on to too much water and salt. If you think you might have a thyroid problem, talk with your doctor. Medication can help.

You’re Pregnant

Healthy weight gain during your pregnancy is a good thing. If you’re at an average weight before you get pregnant, it’s good to gain 25 to 35 pounds. Go for whole foods like fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins that nourish you and your baby.

Your Medication

Some drugs you take for health problems could make you gain a little weight. For example, steroids can change your metabolism and make you feel hungrier -- you may overeat and gain extra belly fat. Even antihistamines that calm your hay fever could cause weight gain. They lower a chemical your body makes to control your appetite, so you may sneeze less but eat more.

You’re in Menopause

If you’re like most women, you may find your weight creeps up during menopause. Changes in your hormones, less muscle mass, and too little sleep from hot flashes can all lead to added pounds. If you wake up tired, you’re more likely to want to munch on snacks for a boost of energy later in the day. Your genes may also make you more likely to get a “spare tire.”

Check With Your Doctor

Some health problems can make it really hard to lose weight even if you diet and exercise. Your genes can also play a role in how much you weigh or where your body stores fat. Talk to your doctor if you just can’t seem to lose weight. Tests can show if you have a health problem that makes weight loss hard, and you can get medicine or other help to overcome it.