| How to Manage Belly Button Rings During Pregnancy Posted: 14 Nov 2021 04:00 PM PST Belly button piercings can be fun, exciting, and sexy. But if you're pregnant, it might start to feel like a hassle. As your belly stretches, the hole also stretches. That can be painful and carries a risk of infection. Fortunately, it's perfectly safe to keep your piercing through your pregnancy, as long as it's fully healed. If you decide you want to take it out, that's okay too—you'll probably be able to put jewelry back in after your baby's born (and if not, you can just get it pierced again). [Edit]Protecting Your Piercing - Check that your piercing is completely healed. Try to slide the ring up and down through the piercing. You won't have a problem doing this if your piercing is fully healed. If you feel some resistance, stop. Go to your piercer and see if they'll remove it for you since it isn't completely healed yet.[1]
- Generally, if you got pierced at least 9 months ago, your piercing is probably healed—but you still want to check.
- If the piercing never healed, or if the hole becomes red, inflamed, or irritated at any time during your pregnancy, take your jewelry out—you can always get it re-pierced later.[2]
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that won't catch on your jewelry. Buy maternity tops or other clothing designed to flow loosely over your belly rather than fitting snugly. When wearing pants or a skirt, make sure the waistband doesn't fall directly over your piercing. It can easily catch on the jewelry.[3]
- Avoid pantyhose, leotards, and leggings that can snag your jewelry and cause it to rip out. Shirts with buttons down the front can also snag on your jewelry.
- If your jewelry does happen to snag on clothing and cause the piercing to tear, it's probably best to take it out at that point. If over-the-counter remedies don't work or your piercing becomes infected, your doctor can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.[4]
- Replace metal jewelry if it starts to pull or snag. As your belly grows, keep a close eye on your jewelry. If you have a charm or other decorative elements, they're more likely to snag on your clothing. Metal jewelry might also cut into your skin, especially if you have a thinner gauge. If it starts to feel uncomfortable or gets hung on your clothing, switch it out for something more comfortable and less likely to snag.[5]
- A simple barbell without any charms or sharp edges is probably your best bet.
- Avoid touching or playing with your belly button ring. This is common advice, but it's especially important during pregnancy. Because your skin is more elastic and prone to stretching or tearing, it's easy to hurt yourself by accident. There's also a risk of infection, particularly if your hole has stretched. Unwashed hands can easily introduce bacteria, and you're also more prone to infections while you're pregnant.[6]
- Sometimes people like to kiss a pregnant belly, but make sure they don't kiss your piercing—germs in the person's saliva could cause an infection.
- Clean the piercing area if your hole stretches. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before cleaning the piercing area. Then, use warm water to clean any crusty bits away from the area. Wash the area with mild liquid soap and water, then rinse with warm water and pat dry with a fresh paper towel or a paper napkin.[7]
- As long as your piercing is healed, you don't really need to follow any special care regimen just because you're pregnant. However, if the hole stretches or tears, it's best to treat it as though it were a new piercing just to be on the safe side.
- Don't use towels or washcloths, either to wash or dry the piercing site or your hands. They can introduce bacteria.
- Keep an eye out for infection. Pregnancy can cause the hole to stretch, which can cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and possibly infected. If you notice any signs of infection, or if the skin around the piercing burns or itches, take the jewelry out.[8]
- Even if it doesn't become infected, it's also possible that your piercing will become uncomfortable as your belly grows. If that happens, you might feel more comfortable taking it out.[9]
[Edit]Removing Your Jewelry - Get your piercer to remove your jewelry if your piercing hasn't healed. If your jewelry won't move in the hole and doesn't slide out easily, don't force it! Get your piercer to help to avoid injuring your skin.[10]
- If you're not in contact with your original piercer, any certified and licensed body piercer can do this for you. Just look for reputable piercers locally, then call and let them know what you need.
- Disinfect the piercing area before removing your jewelry. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then wash around the piercing area as well. Avoid touching anything else until you've safely removed the jewelry.[11]
- If you do end up inadvertently touching something else, like your phone or the counter, simply wash your hands again. You want to make sure you don't introduce any bacteria.
- Remove the bead to open the jewelry. Most belly jewelry has a round bead either at the top or the bottom that unscrews. Turn it gently to the left to unscrew it. Go slow—you don't want to drop the bead and lose it, especially if you want to keep the jewelry for later.[12]
- Push the jewelry out through the hole. Slowly slide the jewelry out, being careful not to inadvertently poke yourself with the exposed screw on the end. Screw the bead back on the end of the jewelry for safekeeping once you've removed it.[13]
- If you're having a hard time doing this while standing, it might be easier if you lie down.[14]
- Use a plastic bar or tube as a placeholder. Flexible bars made out of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are safe and flexible if you want to keep the hole from closing after removing your jewelry. You can typically buy these online or anywhere body jewelry is sold. You might also want to ask your piercer for a recommendation.[15]
- Some designs allow you to slide the tube over your jewelry before you slide the ring out. That way the placeholder will already be there when you remove your jewelry.[16]
- There are also specialty maternity barbells that are designed to flex as your belly grows.[17] However, according to the Association of Professional Piercers, these products aren't made with safe materials. If you see something you're interested in, show it to your piercer and ask if it's safe for you to use.[18]
- Run a ring through the piercing to keep it from closing. Wash your hands, the jewelry, and the piercing area with soap and warm water. Then, put the jewelry in as though you were going to secure it in place. Instead of closing it, run it in and out of the hole a few times. You might also spin it around, but be careful doing this with curved jewelry—you could inadvertently stretch the hole.[19]
- This is your best option if you don't like the look or feel of a placeholder for your jewelry but you want to make sure the piercing stays open during your pregnancy. Once your jewelry is removed, your piercing might close—especially if you got it within the last year.
- Whether you decide to keep your belly button ring in or take it out, talk to your piercer! They can give you more personal suggestions on how to keep the hole from stretching and how to keep it from pulling or tearing (if you kept it in).[20]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't try to get pierced while pregnant. Changes to your immune system may prevent the piercing from healing and infection could negatively affect your pregnancy.[21]
- If you want to get your belly button pierced, or if your original piercing closed, wait at least 3 months after you give birth to allow your immune system to return to normal.[22]
- Even if you decide you want to try to keep your piercing, your doctor might still want you to take it out when it's time to actually give birth.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Smoothie Posted: 14 Nov 2021 08:00 AM PST Blending up a smoothie might be one of the tastiest ways to get your daily fruits or vegetables. Fortunately, you don't really need a recipe to make a delicious smoothie. Consider what you have on hand and what flavors you'd like in the smoothie. For example, blend yogurt with peaches for a creamy smoothie or include peanut butter if you want a protein-rich drink. Make substitutions according to your diet and enjoy your custom smoothie! [Edit]Creating a Custom Smoothie - Pour of liquid into a blender. If you put the liquid into the blender first, the machine will have an easier time combining the ingredients. Although milk and juice are common smoothie liquids, you could use water, coconut milk, yogurt, or non-dairy milk, such as soy, hemp, or almond milk.[1]
- Put 2 to 3 cups (350 to 525 g) of fruit into the blender. Most smoothies include fruit and you can choose a single type or a combination. You can also decide if you'd like to use fresh or frozen fruit. Frozen fruit will make your smoothie slightly thicker, so you may want to leave the ice out when you blend it. Keep in mind that some fruits, such as bananas or mangoes, are so sweet that you might not need to use additional sweeteners. Try making a smoothie with any of these fruits:[2]
- Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Citrus: oranges, grapefruits
- Pears
- Stone fruit: peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries
- Mangos
- Bananas
- Papayas
- Scoop in additional dairy if you'd like to thicken the smoothie. Instead of pouring in more milk, which will make the smoothie thinner, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt. The Greek yogurt will add protein and firm up the smoothie while the frozen yogurt will make the entire smoothie taste creamier and thick.
- Experiment by using different flavors of yogurt. You could match the flavors of the fruits or use complementary flavors. For example, make a peach smoothie with peach Greek yogurt or try a peanut butter smoothie with chocolate frozen yogurt.
- Include spices, herbs, or flavorings to make a unique smoothie. You'll get a lot of delicious flavor from the produce you use, so you don't have to add spices unless you want a very specific flavor. For example, if you want warming flavors, add a few pinches of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or cardamom. For a strong herbal flavor, put 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh herbs, such as basil or lavender.
- Add nut butter, oats, or nuts to give the smoothie a filling texture. If you'd like more protein in your smoothie, add 1 to 2 spoonfuls of your favorite nut butter, rolled oats, or tofu. You might want to include interesting textures by mixing in a handful of nuts or seeds, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Once you've blended the smoothie, you may want to include even more unique textures. You could stir in a handful of dried fruit, a few spoonfuls of toasted coconut, a small scoop of mini-chocolate chips, or a handful of crushed graham crackers.
- Include a scoop of protein powder or your favorite supplement. If you'd like to add protein, but don't want your smoothie to taste like peanut butter, add about 2 tablespoons (28 g) of protein powder. The powder will quickly dissolve in the smoothie. This is also a great chance to use any powdered nutritional supplement you're taking.
- Try blending your collagen supplement into your morning breakfast smoothie, for instance.
- Mix in your choice of sweetener according to your taste. You can use your favorite type of sweetener to enhance the flavor of your smoothie. If you don't want to use standard sugar, try adding a few soft dates or dried figs, prunes, or apricots. You can also drizzle honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup into the smoothie.[3]
- If you're unsure how much sweetener to add, you may want to blend the smoothie and then taste it. This will give you a better idea of how much sweetener to use.
- Add about 1 cup (220 g) of ice. If you'd like a thick smoothie, start with at least 1 cup (220 g) of ice and add more as needed. If you're using frozen fruit, you could leave the ice out since the frozen fruit will act like ice. Keep in mind that if you leave the ice out with fresh fruit, your smoothie will be more like juice.[4]
- You can freeze any of the smoothie ingredients to help the drink firm up. For example, instead of using fresh berries, open a bag of frozen berries and pour them directly into the blender.
- Cover the blender and blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Keep blending until the ingredients are combined and as smooth as you like. Then, pour the smoothie into 1 or 2 serving glasses and enjoy!
- If you need to store extra smoothie, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 8 months. Keep in mind that the smoothie will begin to melt in the fridge and you may want to blend it with more ice before you serve it. To serve the frozen smoothie, transfer it directly to the blender and mix it until it's smooth.
- Add vegetables if you'd like a fresh-tasting smoothie that isn't very sweet. Cut back the amount of fruit you use so you use a total of 2 to 3 cups (350 to 525 g) of fresh produce. You might use 1 cup of fruit (175 g) and 1 cup (175 g) of vegetables, for instance. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, blend easily.[5]
- You could also try celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
[Edit]Trying Specific Combinations - Create a creamy smoothie with mangoes and peaches. Make a refreshing fruit smoothie by blending 3 cups (495 g) of chopped mangos with 2 cups (450 g) of chopped peaches, 1 cup (285 g) of plain Greek yogurt, of milk, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated ginger. Then, taste the smoothie and add honey until it's as sweet as you like.[6]
- If you'd like a slightly minty taste, add 4 fresh mint leaves before you blend the smoothie.
- Substitute any type of yogurt you like. For example, use peach yogurt for an extra fruity flavor.
- Make a classic strawberry banana smoothie. This naturally sweetened smoothie is a popular smoothie for good reason. You'll need to blend 2 cups (300 g) of frozen strawberries with 1 fresh banana, of milk, 1 cup (220 g) of ice, and 1 tablespoon (21 g) of honey. You can taste the smoothie and add more honey if it's not sweet enough for your taste.[7]
- For a really strong strawberry flavor, try using strawberry milk!
- If you're a big fan of berries, you can make other berry smoothies as well, including mixed berry and raspberry varieties.
- Blend spinach with berries to make a vegan green smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to sneak in your daily veggies. Put 2 cups (450 g) of fresh spinach into a blender along with 1 frozen banana and 1/2 cup (50 g) of mixed frozen berries. Then, add 1 tablespoon (7 g) of flaxseed meal, 1 tablespoon (16 g) of natural peanut butter, and of plant-based milk, such as soy or hemp milk, before you blend the smoothie.[8]
- If you don't like flaxseed meal or peanut butter, you can leave them out or use your favorite nut butter or spread.
- To make this smoothie thicker, add 1 tablespoon (16 g) of extra peanut butter at a time. To thin it, blend in of liquid at a time.
- Mix frozen blueberries with coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie. For a smoothie that doesn't contain dairy, milk, or bananas, blend 1½ cups (232 g) of blueberries with of unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tablespoon (1 g) of fresh mint leaves, of lime juice, 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey, and 1 cup (220 g) of ice.[9]
- Use any type of berries in this smoothie. For example, try blackberries or raspberries.
- Combine cold coffee with milk for a coffee protein smoothie. Instead of reaching for a cup of hot coffee in the morning, make a filling coffee smoothie. Blend of cold coffee with of almond milk, 1/2 of a frozen banana, 1 tablespoon (14 g) of light chocolate or vanilla protein powder, and 2 ice cubes.[10]
- If you don't like almond milk, use any type of milk, such as cow's milk, soy milk, oat milk, or hemp milk.
- For an even heartier smoothie, add 1/4 cup (22 g) of rolled oats.
- Blend citrus fruits with mango and pineapple for a sunny-looking smoothie. Peel and quarter 1 orange and 1/4 of a lemon. Put the citrus into a blender along with ½ cup of (75 g) pineapple chunks, ¼ cup (60 g) of frozen mango chunks, and 1 cup (220 ml) of ice cubes. Then, blend the ingredients until the citrus fruits release their juice and the mixture is smooth.[11]
- If you'd like an even creamier smoothie, add 1/2 cup (140 g) of plain or flavored yogurt.
- Whip up a rich chocolate peanut butter smoothie. Peel 2 bananas and put them into a blender along with 1/4 cup (62 g) of creamy peanut butter, of milk, 1/2 cup (120 g) of plain or vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons (14 g) of cocoa powder, and 3/4 cup (165 g) of ice. Blend the ingredients until the banana is smooth and combined.[12]
- Try making this smoothie with your favorite nut butter. You could use almond, hazelnut, or cashew butter for a change.
- Drink your smoothie immediately after you blend it. Most smoothies will start to separate if they're stored in the refrigerator after blending.
- If you're diabetic or watching your sugar intake, avoid adding extra sweetener, such as honey. Remember that fruit will break down into sugar when your body digests it.
- You can use a smoothie as a base while drinking tangy tonics like malt vinegar.
[Edit]Warnings - Use caution when you clean the blender blade. These spin easily and are very sharp.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Knife and cutting board
- Blender
- Spoon
- Serving glass
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Can You Reverse Gray Hair Posted: 14 Nov 2021 12:00 AM PST If you're dealing with a few gray hairs (or a whole head of them), that's okay! Going gray is natural, and it's a normal part of aging. While you may not be able to reverse gray hair entirely, there are some ways you may be able to prevent it. We've answered some of your common questions so you can learn more about going gray. [Edit]Can graying hair be reversed? - It can't be reversed, but it can be slowed. Unless you want to dye your hair, what's already gray is going to stay gray. However, there are a few things you can do to slow down the process. Keep in mind, though, that the biggest factor that influences gray hair is genetics, so different people will have different levels of success.[1]
- Most people start to get gray hair in their 30s or 40s, with a few people even going gray in their 20s or teens.
[Edit]What vitamins help with gray hair? - Vitamin B12 may help. Research shows that many adults with gray hair also have a vitamin B12 deficiency.[2] Aim to get 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day in supplements or in shots.[3]
- If you think you have a deficiency, talk to your doctor about your options.
- Copper might play a role. Copper is an essential nutrient in your body, and it helps produce melanin, or the pigment that colors your hair.[4] Try to eat peanuts, almonds, lentils, beef liver, crabmeat, and white mushrooms to ensure you're getting enough copper in your daily diet.[5]
- Experts recommend getting around 900 mcg of copper every day.
- More research is needed about zinc and iron. Although some studies suggest that those nutrients can play a role in graying hair, they aren't all conclusive.[6] However, it can't hurt to double check that you're getting enough zinc and iron in your diet. Aim for 8 to 11 mg of zinc every day.[7] Try to get 8.7 mg of iron per day if you're a man, and 14.8 mg of iron per day if you're a woman.[8]
[Edit]Can you naturally reverse gray hair? - No, but you may be able to prevent it with lotus flower oil. Some studies show that the acids in lotus flower oil helped hair produce more melanin, which could be helpful in gray hair prevention. While these studies haven't been reproduced, it won't hurt you to add lotus flower oil into your hair care routine. You can find lotus flower oil at most drug stores.[9]
- Try putting lotus flower oil on your hair once a day. Remember that it won't help reverse your gray hair, but it may slow down the graying of hairs that still have color.
[Edit]Does smoking cause gray hair? - One study says that it does. In 2013, scientists discovered that people who smoked cigarettes went gray around 3 years before their non-smoking counterparts. While these results haven't been reproduced in other studies, if you do smoke, it won't hurt to quit.[10]
- Smoking may cause chemical changes to your body that damage the melanin-producing cells in your hair.
[Edit]Can stress cause gray hair? - Constant, long-term stress may contribute to gray hair. Some studies show that your stress levels may damage the chemicals that produce melanin in your hair. However, more research is needed, so these studies aren't conclusive.[11]
- If you're feeling stressed and you'd like to lower your stress levels, try exercising daily, practicing meditation, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
- Some studies suggest that oxidative stress, or breathing in toxins like pollutants and heavy metals over a long period of time, may also contribute to gray hair.[12]
- There are many natural remedies suggested for gray hair, like using coconut oil or wheatgrass juice every night. While these won't hurt your hair, they aren't backed by science, so they may not do much.
- Going gray isn't a bad thing! If you really don't like your gray hair, visit a salon to talk about color corrections.
[Edit]References |
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