Nutrition & Women’s Health Issues
PMS, menopause, calcium deficiency, urinary tract infection… just say “No – PERIOD!”.
Women, Nutrition and PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome is one of the predominant hormone-based conditions to affect women’s health every month. Up to 60% of women can suffer from pain and distress due to PMS throughout most of their lives. The symptoms can be both physical and emotional: headaches, irritability, mood swings, depression, fatigue, insomnia, bloating, cramps, backache, and weight gain – among others! I know first hand what turmoil these women can face each and every month. But did you know that a few herbal nutrition supplements added to your diet every month can help you target these problems and regain control?
The calming properties of chamomile can help combat the tension and stress resulting from these disruptive symptoms which affect women each menstrual cycle and which can last from two to fourteen days.
Dong Quai (also known as Tang Kuei) is a Chinese herb which, combined with chamomile, can help relieve PMS by supporting muscle relaxation and promoting restful sleep. Powerful herbal nutrition which, added to your diet, will help alleviate menstrual problems while promoting women’s health.
Symptoms Got You Going Around in Circles?
Hormones start playing havoc with women’s lives when they reach their mid-thirties. Declining estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, sleepless nights and, perhaps not surprisingly, moodiness and irritability.
The chemical structure of isoflavones is very similar to the body’s estrogen, which suggests that isoflavones may well help women meet their nutrition needs at that stage in their lives.
Natural isoflavones such as soy, black cohosh, red clover extract, and kudzu root may help reduce the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Black cohosh may also help promote hormone balance to support women’s health during menopause.
Adding soy isoflavones to your diet may help maintain cholesterol levels which are already within a healthy range and may increase bone density. The added benefit of calcium promotes strong teeth and supports bone density.
Fight Urinary Tract Infection: Add Berries to your Diet
50% of women have suffered from urinary tract infection at least once by the age of thirty. Many have developed chronic urinary tract infection or recurrent problems.
Three berries stand shoulder-to-shoulder to offer a super-powered antioxidant formula:
* Cranberries, high in vitamin C and dietary fiber, have long been used for urinary support;
* Blueberries, loaded with folic acid, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber;
* Bilberry, a close relative of the blueberry, offers antioxidant support and promotes eye health.
According to findings in the New England Journal of Medicine, cranberries and blueberries contain certain tannins which prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.
These berries are rich in antioxidant properties that can help fight the damaging effects of free radicals and support women’s health.
Diet Alert: Bone Up on Calcium Now… or Pay the Price Later!
Not only is calcium essential for good bone density and strong teeth, but it may also support women’s health in other ways by encouraging a strong, steady heartbeat, keeping blood pumping efficiently, and maintaining nerves and muscles. Basic nutrition to support the body in operating just the way it should.
When the body does not receive enough calcium through the regular diet, it will take what it needs from the bones. With aging, the body stops producing bone and, if left unchecked, this gradual loss in bone density will gradually lead to osteoporosis. This process starts by age 30.
In the 40s and 50s, calcium intake can help maintain the bone you have. A good calcium supplement will include a highly concentrated form of calcium, as well as vitamin D, essential for its absorption, and also magnesium, for optimal effect of calcium on bone health.
Women’s health issues are multifaceted – just like women really. Take care of PMS, control menopause, get a handle on urinary tract infection, and your quality of life will soar. Oh, and don’t forget to take your calcium!