Sunday, October 05, 2008

We give you the authority to voice your opinions on this article on natural health. However, we do fervently hope that you voice positive opinions.

Today's natural health Article
Cinnamon Promotes Healthy Glucose Levels


Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and the number of people affected by it is on the rise. Even people who watch carefully what they are eating may experience rise in blood glucose as they age or their cells may become less sensitive to the effects of insulin. Certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to having diabetes than others. They include African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans.

The body regulates blood sugar levels in several ways. The most common understood way is through insulin; thus all of the drugs targeted at either increasing insulin from the pancreas or making the cells more responsive to insulin. Insulin is released by the pancreas in response to a meal. Insulin will get into the cells and proper sugar (glucose) metabolism occurs. If insulin cannot get into the cells, then the pancreas in response will increase the production of insulin in an attempt to force glucose into the cells. However, this may not always work and the result is the ever increasing levels of glucose in the blood.

There are several pharmaceutical drugs used for the treatment of diabetes. They each act in different ways to optimize insulin sensitivity in the body, but ultimately the goal is to control or lower the level of blood glucose in the body. Your physician will be able to choose the best treatment for you based on your glucose levels and the reason for which your body is not utilizing insulin properly.

There is good news for people wanting to naturally regulate their blood sugar. Scientists have discovered that along with weight loss and exercise, certain nutrients can help the body lower blood sugar naturally. Cinnamon is such a nutrient. Cinnamon is one of the world?s most common spices. It is used on everything anywhere from oatmeal to cappuccino. We will discuss the effects of coffee on blood glucose levels later. Several studies have been performed that showed that cinnamon is beneficial in lowering blood glucose.

For years there have been several studies done to prove the effects of Cinnamon in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results of the most recent of these studies appeared in the May 2006 issue of the European Journal of Clinical investigation1. The results of the study showed a 10 percent reduction in fasting blood glucose in the group that was given cinnamon extract and only a 3 percent reduction in the placebo group which led the scientists to conclude that the cinnamon extract seems to have a moderate effect in reducing fasting glucose concentrations in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.

The above study is only the most recent done in humans that showed reduction of blood glucose after administration of cinnamon extract. The benefits of cinnamon extract have been confirmed in animal studies. For example, when rats were given two different doses of an oral cinnamon supplement for three weeks, glucose infusion into their cells more than doubled, even with the lower dose studied. The extract improved insulin action by enhancing the insulin-signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, resulting in increased glucose uptake2.

Because the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increased up to fourfold in type II diabetics, researchers have sought out nutrients that can simultaneously improve glucose metabolism and lipid levels. In a recent study published in Diabetes Care, cinnamon has been able to reduce not only the glucose levels but was also able to lower the lipid levels3.

It is not surprising that the diabetes epidemic is growing. It is caused directly by our lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Fortunately, we can implement several easy habits in our life to reverse the effects of diabetes; habits such as regular exercise, nothing fancy a 30-minute walk every day or 10,000 steps per day which will help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Finally we can give our body several nutrients such as cinnamon extract which can help our cells with the uptake of sugar thus lowering our circulating blood glucose.

References:

1. Mang B, Wolters M, Schmitt B, Kelb K, Lichtinghagen R, Stichtenoth DO, Hahn A. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2. Eur J Clin Invest. 2006 May; 36(5):340-4

2. Qin B, Nagasaki M, Ren M, Bajotto G, Oshida Y, Sato Y. Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo insulin-regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin signaling in rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003 Dec;62(3):139-48.

3. Khan A, Safdar M, Muzaffar Ali Khan M, Nawak Khattak K, Anderson RA. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-8

Marie-Elsie Ade is a Pharmacist with a B.S from Long Island University in New York and a PharmD from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She is a licensed pharmacist as well as a licensed consultant pharmacist (Florida license PS29264 and PU4703). She works for one of the premier health systems in South Florida. She has lectured on various topics at Senior Citizen Centers, Women?s groups and Community Fairs about generic drugs, herbal medications and drug interactions and the use of pharmaceuticals in general.

She believes that natural health and modern medicines can be complementary and has set out to inform patients about the effects of their prescriptions medications and their natural health or herbals products.

She can be reached at thenaturalhealingplace



We had put all our efforts to produce some respectable reading matter on natural foods. We sure do wish it's respectable enough for you.

Headlines on natural foods
Farmers bet 'green' eatery will catch on

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Hostess Corey Lewson walks through shelves of jars with fresh vegetables at the new Founding Farmers' restaurant in Washington Friday, Sept.

Greeks Exchange Mediterranean Diet for Western One and Obesity

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:57:07 GMT
Natural food in traditional Mediterranean menu is replaced with fast-food, pastry and other trans-fat based foods

Good times roll at festival

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:38:11 GMT
Carolyn Domingue of Sonoma leads the parade at the Wine Country Cajun Food and Music Festival in downtown Napa on Saturday afternoon.

Labels:

Please provide your brief, but concise remarks on this writing about natural food store. Of course, it would be preferable for these remarks to be enhancing ones.

A natural food store Artilce for Your Viewing
Want To Get Healthy? Eat Your Fruits And Vegetables!


Are you eating enough vegetables? The new food guidelines issued by the United States government recommend that all Americans eat between five and nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Now this may sound like a lot, but it really isn?t. Despite that, an amazing number of people do not eat enough vegetables and fruits every day. Fortunately, it really is not that hard to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Just head to your local supermarket and look at the selection. There?s plenty to choose from. Not only that, but eating healthy fruits and vegetable isn?t that expensive. Many of them cost far less than you might be thinking. With a little practice and determination you can use fresh fruits and vegetables to replace unhealthier snacks.

One serving is not all that much. One of the reasons many people feel overwhelmed when they hear how many servings per day they should eat is that they don?t really realize how small a serving is. It?s nothing close to what you get when you order the large meal at the fast food restaurant. A small apple is about the size of one serving of fruit or vegetables. That?s about the size of a tennis ball, so don?t get confused if you look at the huge apples that some grocery stores carry.

The recommended servings come out to at least two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables a day. That?s it. Think about how much food you sometimes pile on your plate. For many of you this won?t be hard at all.

Take advantage of the variety of fruits and vegetables available. You don?t have to have a basic salad, an apple, a serving of peas, etc. each and every day. Mix it up! Add fun things to your salad such as baby corn, artichoke hearts and avocado. Try some of the fruits and vegetables you?ve never tried before. Make fruit salad. The variety is there for those willing to take advantage of it.

Variety is important for another reason. The different fruits and vegetables have different nutrients, so this will help you to get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Getting bored despite the variety? Try some new recipes and bring them back to life. Baked apples are simple yet delicious. If you always steam your vegetables try baking them or stir frying with a very small amount of oil.

Try eating different parts of the vegetables. Some people just throw out the greens on top of their beets; however I like to stir fry those and eat them too. Find out what parts are edible and stop throwing away some of the best parts.

Now you may think you?ve been replacing the vitamins in your fruits and veggies by taking vitamin supplements. Think again.

Yes, vitamins can provide the basics such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as many others, there are many other nutrients your body needs that are not available in vitamins. Vitamins from fresh sources may also be better absorbed than vitamins taken in pill form.

What?s the best way to save money when buying fruits and vegetables? Buy fresh, buy in season, buy local. If there?s a farmer?s market in your area compare its prices to those at your grocery store.

What about the best way to make it easier to replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and vegetables? Most can be cut up in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Apples, pears and bananas will go brown if you don?t protect them from the air. Dip them in an acidic fruit juice, such as lemon, lime or pineapple to protect them. Combine chopped up fruits and vegetables with a refusal to buy unhealthy snacks when you?re actually shopping at the grocery store and you?ll find you simply eat fewer of them. Most people won?t run to the store for some potato chips just because they want a quick snack. They?ll take what?s available, and if that?s something healthy, so much the better.

Making the effort to get your five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day isn?t as hard as it seems. Take a little time and learn to enjoy them.


About the Author:

Stephanie Foster has been having a lot of fun learning healthier ways to cook for her family and enjoys sharing what she has learned. You can get tips and recipes at makehealthymeals/.





natural food store Items For Viewing
SUPER ENZYMES 90 Tabs by Now Foods


Authorised vendor Supplements win awards for one reason � sheer excellence. NOW�s Super Enzyme formula, based on its high potency and complete profile, has quickly become a favorite among our customers. Scientifically engineered with an extensive blend of essential enzymes, papain, pancreatin, bromelain and more, this is a highly effective product that can greatly assist in the digestion of foods. As a result of illness, smoking, poor diet, age and a weakened gastrointestinal system, our body�s natural production of enzymes is prone to decline. Enzymatic deficiency can commonly lead to gas, inAuthorised vendor Supplements win awards for one reason � sheer excellence. NOW�s Super Enzyme formula, based on its high potency and complete profile, has quickly become a favorite among our customers. Scientifically engineered with an extensive blend of essential enzymes, papain, pancreatin, bromelain and more, this is a highly effective product that can greatly assist in the digestion of foods. As a result of illness, smoking, poor diet, age and a weakened gastrointestinal system, our body�s natural production of enzymes is prone to decline. Enzymatic deficiency can commonly lead to gas, in


Price: 10.99



Liquid Dulse 1 OZ by Bernard Jensen Products


Authorised vendor Compounded as a convenient source of iodine to supplement the regular or prescribed diet. Liqui-Duls contains dulse, which is a sea vegetable that is a natural source of essential vitamins, ions, sea salt, iodine and roughage..Authorised vendor Compounded as a convenient source of iodine to supplement the regular or prescribed diet. Liqui-Duls contains dulse, which is a sea vegetable that is a natural source of essential vitamins, ions, sea salt, iodine and roughage..


Price: 3.35



Melatonin 5 mg Sublingual Peppermint 200 Tabs by Source Naturals


Authorised vendor Some nutrients may break down during intestinal digestion. The sublingual form is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, via the blood vessels under the tongue, and in the cheeks, bypassing digestion, and allowing for quicker entry into the system...Authorised vendor Some nutrients may break down during intestinal digestion. The sublingual form is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, via the blood vessels under the tongue, and in the cheeks, bypassing digestion, and allowing for quicker entry into the system...


Price: 47.98





Vitaline Chewable COQ10 100 MG 30 Tabs (Maple) by Enzymatic Therapy


Authorised vendor Smart Q10� is recommended by Cardiologists and Neurologists for heart and brain health support. Smart Q10 is the FIRST shown to be absorbed in both your bloodstream AND cells. That's critically important because your brain and heart cells work day and night and rely on CoQ10's energy support..Authorised vendor Smart Q10� is recommended by Cardiologists and Neurologists for heart and brain health support. Smart Q10 is the FIRST shown to be absorbed in both your bloodstream AND cells. That's critically important because your brain and heart cells work day and night and rely on CoQ10's energy support..


Price: 29.95



Bio-Ear 1 oz by Natures Answer


Authorised vendor N/A.Authorised vendor N/A.


Price: 29.99







PRO GAINER CHOCOLATE 8 Lb by Now Foods


Authorised vendor NOW� Pro-Gainer is a dynamic blend of egg, whey and casein proteins designed to increase weight and muscle mass.� Research shows that multiple sources of protein provided the best results, especially when taken throughout the day to keep amino acid levels peaked.� If you're not getting enough protein, your body can start to catabolize other tissues for the amino acids necessary to repair muscle tissue - not good.� We've included a unique enzyme blend for superior digestibility, ensuring maximum absorption and utilization of the nutrients in this formula, particularly caloriesAuthorised vendor NOW� Pro-Gainer is a dynamic blend of egg, whey and casein proteins designed to increase weight and muscle mass.� Research shows that multiple sources of protein provided the best results, especially when taken throughout the day to keep amino acid levels peaked.� If you're not getting enough protein, your body can start to catabolize other tissues for the amino acids necessary to repair muscle tissue - not good.� We've included a unique enzyme blend for superior digestibility, ensuring maximum absorption and utilization of the nutrients in this formula, particularly calories


Price: 49.99





Pets Digest Support 8 Oz by Natures Answer


Authorised vendor Helps maintain your dogs natural balance, harmony and strength..Authorised vendor Helps maintain your dogs natural balance, harmony and strength..


Price: 9.99



Maca Magic Express Energy Liquid Extract 4 oz by Maca Magic


Authorised vendor Perfect when you want the power of Maca Magic in a concentrated liquid form. Many people use this for long drives or late night studies! Maca Magic Express Energy liquid is naturally sweet since it is selected from sweet hypocotylo Maca Magic root..Authorised vendor Perfect when you want the power of Maca Magic in a concentrated liquid form. Many people use this for long drives or late night studies! Maca Magic Express Energy liquid is naturally sweet since it is selected from sweet hypocotylo Maca Magic root..


Price: 32.00



News about natural food store
Out of options - Boston Globe

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:54:44 GMT

Out of options
Boston Globe, United States - 1 hour ago
The gasoline prices are knocking the daylights out of me, and my money isn't going as far as it used to at the grocery store. What used to cost me $12 or ...


Food show features a world of taste (The Toledo Blade)

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:11:35 GMT
The Great Taste Food Expo presented by The Andersons and The Blade from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at The Andersons' Maumee store greenhouse promises to bring flavors from around the world. The free show will feature more than 50 food and wine vendors with product samples. There will be new foods, new products, local and national vendors, as well as classic favorites. Free seminars and cooking ...

Eating Well as Food Prices Rise (Today's News-Herald)

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:09:09 GMT
(ARA) - Worried about your grocery tab? Rising food prices are a significant cause of concern for 73 percent of consumers, according to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll. For almost half of them, those prices have caused a hardship.


We hope that the matter available here on mothers health food store prove to be fruitful to you in your mission for enlightenment on mothers health food store.

mothers health food store For Your Reading Pleasure
Hollywood Discovers The Secret Weapon For Maintaining That Healthy Glow


With antioxidants all the rage, many in Hollywood are seeking the secret weapon to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The elusive goal is to achieve that natural, healthful glow that radiates from the inside out. The glow that demands attention yet is so subtle it gives us a peek into the inner beauty nature truly intended.

An excellent way to attract and keep that healthful glow is with the added benefits of antioxidants. These powerful compounds help fight the aging process, rejuvenate skin, maintain healthy brain function and heart health, maintain healthy joints and more.

However, recent research indicates antioxidants in high doses may do more harm than good. So with all of the conflicting information about antioxidants what is the best way to get that healthful glow?

One of the best answers is fruit. Studies show fruit is rich in various antioxidants and natural compounds that assist in maintaining that healthful glow. Mother Nature has a good sense of knowing what is good for our bodies and how to keep it healthy. Fruit is an excellent example of her timeless wisdom.

While today?s active and hectic Hollywood lifestyles may inhibit the ability to fully enjoy fresh fruit on a daily basis, there is an excellent way of supplementing your daily intake of fruit-based antioxidants. Fruit Advantage, America?s leading fruit supplement brand, offers antioxidant-rich, fruit-based supplements for people who strive to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Fruit Advantage offers a complete line of fruit supplements formulated to deliver the synergistic benefits of the specific fruit just like Mother Nature intended. The company focuses on producing products made from whole fruit. Fruit Advantage provides the synergistic antioxidants of the each underlying fruit while not aggressively spiking any specific antioxidant.

Fruit Advantage is an ideal choice for the busy Hollywood lifestyle. The patent-pending Cherry Prime formula combines tart cherry with glucosamine and chondroitin, and is the perfect choice for singers, actors, dancers and rock stars searching to soothe sore muscles while building cartilage and lubricating joints after a draining performance.

Each Fruit Advantage formula focuses on a specific function of the body. Fruit Advantage Wild Blueberry Brain Support formula helps support healthy brain function. Tart Cherry Joint Formula helps promote healthy joint function. Finally, the Pomegranate Heart Health formula helps maintain healthy cardiovascular function.

Hollywood was introduced to Fruit Advantage line of fruit supplements during the 2007 pre-Academy awards event at Haven. As word spread about Fruit Advantage, industry executives, agents and stars alike stopped around the table to learn more about Fruit Advantage supplements. Those who stopped by included Joe Pantoliano, Antonio Leon, Mimi Rogers, Victoria Rowell, Tiffany, Lauren Nelson (Miss America) and more.

A number of Hollywood royal can be seen at fruitadvantage

Russ is an avid writer about the natural health benefits of food.
fruitadvantage



Featured mothers health food store Items
Osteoporosis Naturally 120 Cap by Natures Benefit


Authorised vendor Osteoporosis or thin bones affects many more than 20 million Americans. About 80% of all individuals with osteoporosis are women and great risks exist for white females who are of Northern European decent. Almost every woman is at risk for osteoporosis if they have engaged in poor dietary practices, lack of exercise, substance abuse or if they have reached the perimenopause..Authorised vendor Osteoporosis or thin bones affects many more than 20 million Americans. About 80% of all individuals with osteoporosis are women and great risks exist for white females who are of Northern European decent. Almost every woman is at risk for osteoporosis if they have engaged in poor dietary practices, lack of exercise, substance abuse or if they have reached the perimenopause..


Price: 24.99



ZINC PICOLINATE 50 mg 120 Caps by Now Foods


Authorised vendor Zinc is as essential mineral that plays an important role in many enzymatic functions.* Found primarily in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and brain, Zinc also helps support healthy immune system functions and is an important component of bodily antioxidant systems..Authorised vendor Zinc is as essential mineral that plays an important role in many enzymatic functions.* Found primarily in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and brain, Zinc also helps support healthy immune system functions and is an important component of bodily antioxidant systems..


Price: 11.99





Beta-Ginseng Cellagen Cellular Wrinkle Treatment 1 Fl Oz by Earth Science


Authorised vendor Cellagen Cellular Wrinkle Treatment is a scientific blend of natures rarest and most effective anti-wrinkle ingredients. Cellagen smoothes away fine lines and small wrinkles by super-moisturizing and bio-hydrating the skin to temporarily reduce these signs of aging..Authorised vendor Cellagen Cellular Wrinkle Treatment is a scientific blend of natures rarest and most effective anti-wrinkle ingredients. Cellagen smoothes away fine lines and small wrinkles by super-moisturizing and bio-hydrating the skin to temporarily reduce these signs of aging..


Price: 16.95



Candle Votives Unscented White 2 OZ(12 pak) by Aloha Bay


Authorised vendor Aloha Bay Nature Scented Votives are made with an all-vegetable virgin wax blend that contains no residues of harmful solvents, otherwise known as Palm Wax. They burn hotter then most of the other candles on the markets because of the kind of wax Aloha Bay uses and the wicks that are braided cotton with paper cores. The surface of Palm Wax candles has a unique crystal pattern and bright colors..Authorised vendor Aloha Bay Nature Scented Votives are made with an all-vegetable virgin wax blend that contains no residues of harmful solvents, otherwise known as Palm Wax. They burn hotter then most of the other candles on the markets because of the kind of wax Aloha Bay uses and the wicks that are braided cotton with paper cores. The surface of Palm Wax candles has a unique crystal pattern and bright colors..


Price: 14.28









Daily Two (Iron Free) 180 Caps by Natures Way


Authorised vendor This iron-free multivitamin contains vitamins and minerals important for proper body function in quality forms and safe doses.For optimal protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age. The vitamins and minerals in this formula play many important roles in the body: antioxidants to protect fats, cells and DNA, coenzyme precursors for energy production and metabolism, and cofactors for hormones and enzymes which regulate body processes. This products is 100% natural..Authorised vendor This iron-free multivitamin contains vitamins and minerals important for proper body function in quality forms and safe doses.For optimal protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age. The vitamins and minerals in this formula play many important roles in the body: antioxidants to protect fats, cells and DNA, coenzyme precursors for energy production and metabolism, and cofactors for hormones and enzymes which regulate body processes. This products is 100% natural..


Price: 40.99



Flower Essence Agrimony 20 ML by Bach Flower Essences


Authorised vendor Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a flower essence suggested for individuals who mask inner torment, anxieties, and worries behind a brave face; hate to be alone; avoid confronting their issues; and may suffer from insomnia accompanied by churning thoughts..Authorised vendor Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a flower essence suggested for individuals who mask inner torment, anxieties, and worries behind a brave face; hate to be alone; avoid confronting their issues; and may suffer from insomnia accompanied by churning thoughts..


Price: 14.95





Labels:

This composition on natural food was written with the purest intention of spreading information natural food. Let it retain its purity.

The Best natural food Articles on Wine
Healthy Pregnancy: Pilates Helps Expecting Mothers From Pregnancy Thru Post Partum


Most people think of Pilates as a new form of exercise because of its recent surge of popularity in the fitness and healthcare industry. In reality, Joseph Pilates invented about 80 years ago by.

Pilates was a sickly child with asthma. To help fight his illness and build his strength, he experimented with various mind-body disciplines and later became an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer. While in internment during WWI in England, he taught fellow interns his concepts and exercises that he developed over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. During this time, Pilates began devising the system of original floor exercises known today as ?Pilates matwork". Within a few years, he became a nurse to the many internees under care with wartime disease and physical injury. Here, he began devising exercise apparatuses to rehabilitate the patients by taking springs from the beds and rigging them to create spring resistance and "movement" for the bedridden. This ?system? formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning used today.

In many ways, Pilates equipment today is not much different than it was back then. The use of spring tension, straps, supports for back, neck and shoulders are the same uses for the equipment today. The nature of the equipment is to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently.

With the determination to help others achieve better health, Pilates opened his first studio in New York in 1926 where he used his exercise apparatuses and more than 500 movement therapy exercises to help rehabilitate athletes and dancers. For over 60 years this form of exercise was a well kept secret - but dancers, athletes, physical therapy patients and fitness enthusiasts have relied on this Pilates method to attain and stay in top physical form.

The benefit of Pilates? movement therapy exercises for women thru pregnancy and post-partum is mostly misunderstood. Simply put, Pilates is a safe and effective approach to exercise for pregnant women to assist with breathing, body alignment and to recover body shape and tone after birth.

Pilates focuses on breathing, which promotes relaxation and helps activate the transversus abdominus. The transversus abdominus is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and is responsible for supporting the lumbar spine and pelvic area at a time when ligaments are lax due to the natural hormone relaxin excreted by the body during the pregnancy and nursing stages. Lateral breathing also inherent in Pilates fitness, which improves rib cage mobility when the range of motion in the diaphragm is limited due to the high position of the baby in the third trimester.

Back pain is a common side effect of pregnancy. Unless the abdominal muscles, pelvis and spine are strengthened, problems with the back can occur. Strengthening the transversus abdominus (?abs) through guided Pilates movements will not only improve back pain and postural alignment, but will aid women during labor for a much quicker & safer delivery. Research has shown that activation of the transverses abdominus also activates the pelvic floor, keeping these muscles strong and supple for the birthing process. This can also help with any incontinence that you may experience during and after pregnancy.

The nature of movement in Pilates exercise is low impact and allows pregnant women to exercise effectively without experiencing any undue stress on the now lax joints, or an increased heart rate. Pilates also involves many stretching and toning exercises that helps to maintain hip flexibility and stamina, which is essential for well-being and preparation for childbirth. These exercises are aided and supported by Pilates apparatuses such as the reformer: a moving carriage on a bed; the wunda chair with springs to create resistance and the trapeze table to hang from. Pilates exercises also can be performed on a mat with small props such as pillows or cushions which supports the head, the magic circle, foam rollers and therabands for extra resistance.

Most exercise modifications happen during the second and third trimester due to the ever-increasing belly. All Pilates movements, at this point are best done seated up right or side lying. However, you can work supine as long as the head is elevated with pillows at 30 degrees above the heart for no longer than 5 minutes, turning to the side for a break. This ensures natural blood flow and oxygen to the A popular exercise among pregnant Pilates enthusiasts is legwork on the wunda chair. It involves sitting on a small stool with springs attached to a lever and pushing the lever down with your feet. This Pilates movement provides conditioning for the legs and activation of the abdominal muscles, which stabilize the pelvis.

Remember it?s very important that your Pilates instructor is certified and has experience in working with pregnant women.