WOMEN'S HEALTH

Maintaining health, vitality and a youthful appearance have always been important to women. Today, women are taking charge of their own health. Several options are availabe to improve health and well-being, throught their lives.

Lifestyle

Diet

Diet is important to over all health. Whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and soy foods provide a host of nutrients and phytochemicals that promote health and encourage balance in the femal system. Soy foods have received a lot of attention lately as a source of plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) that acts as weak estrogens in the body. Soybeans contain compounds(isoflavones) that are plant estrogens. Research suggests that increased consumption of soy foods, inculding soymilk, tofu and soybeans, may help during menopause and may help prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Exercise

Exercise has been, and will always be, a necessary factor in optimum health. It improves  cardiovascular function, increases lean muscle mass and helps you feel better. Weight-bearing exercise, inculding walking or light jogging, is also one way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Supplements

Certain supplements are helpful specifically for women. a good multiple vitamin/mineral supplement id important each day to ensure an optimum intake of nutrients your body needs. In addition, numerous natural remedies are available for common female concerns, including PMS, menopause, breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Women's Health Concern

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a very real condition that women often experience with their monthly cycle. Symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, weight gain, cramps, breast tenderness. The idea behind treating PMS naturally is to balance the female system and provide it with the nutrients needed in increased amounts during PMS include B vitamins, zinc, calcium and magnesium. B-6 is thought to play a key role in production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which has a calming effect. it also acts as a mild diuretic. Calcium and magnesium are extremely helpful for muscular relaxation, headaches and cramps. Herbal treatments can also be effective in reducing symptoms. Black cohosh, a common herb used for female complaints, contains phytoestrogens that exert weak estrogenic activity in the body. It has been shown to relax and soothe the uterus and vagina, and promote healthy menstruation.

Evening Primrose Oil provides essential fatty acids, which promote prostaglandin balance in the body. An imbalance of prostaglandins can result in an imbalance of female hormones.

Dietary factors can also affect PMS symptoms. Eliminate caffeine, even in small amounts, as it can increase symptoms, especially breast tendersness. Drink plenty of pure water and eat foods that are high in comlex carboydrates and low in fat.

Menopause

Menopause is a time that many women dread, but they don't have to. Menopause can be a time of natural transition, without the common side effects that women often report, including hot flashes and mood swings. Some of the natural remedies used for menopause include progesterone cream, phytoestrogens, essential fatty cids, support herbs and bone building nutrients (see section on osteoporosis).

Progesterone cream is used to balance the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This results in an overall balancing of hormones, and reduced negative symptoms.

Phytoestrogens, including black coshosh, red clover extract and soy, are weak estrogens that bind to estrogen receptors sites in the body and displace strong estrogens that are cancer-causing. They have been shown through research to work as effectively as synthetic hormones in relieving menopausal symptoms.

Essential fatty acids are good fats that are necessary for hormonal support. Flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil are the richest sources of essentil fats for proper hormonal balance. Several Supportive herbs can also be used during menopause. Vitex/Chaste tree berry helps support progesterone levels in the body. Dong quai, known as the female ginseng has a long historic use for balancing the female system. korean ginseng may be beneficial for vaginal dryness and lack of libido.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a fear that many women , but that can be prevented. An imbalance in estrogen levels is one factor that may lead to breast cancer development. High levels of estrogen can result from the excessive intake of animal fats, excessive body fats, and insufficient intake of nutrients needed by the liver to break down an inactive estrogen, including essential fatty acids, vitamin B complex, vitamins C and E, selenium and magnesium.

Researchers have long noted that traditional Oriental diets, rich in soy foods, are associated with low incidences of breast cancer. New studies have identified isoflavones, phytoestrogens found in soy, as a signifacant factor in the reduced incidence. Consumption of soy can help regulate and balance hormone levels. Other dietary factors that are important include eating a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and cruciferous vegetables) and decreasing animal fat consumption.

Flaxseed oil with lignans (the fibrous part of flax seed) has been shown to be anti-carcinogenic. The lignans are changed by bacteria in human intestines to a compound extremely protective against cancer, particularly breast cancer.

Osteoporosis

Bone health is an important concern for women. Calcium, combined with magnesium or vitamin D, is very important for maintaining the health of bones and teeth. Calcium supplementation is a common focus because bone acts as a calcium reservoir, and calcium deficiency can result in weakened bones.

Taking calcium during the teenage "building" years, is the best approach (the current RDA for teenagers is 1,200 mg per day). It can reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

As you move into the later years, bone density formulas are available that combine substances to help build the protein matrix of the bone, as well as including the minerals necessary for strong bones. However, calcium and mineral intake is important for women of all ages (with recommended calcium levels ranging from 800 - 1500 mg). It can reduce the osteoporosis later in life.

As you move into the later years, bone density formulas are available that combine substances to help build the protein matrix of the bone, as well as including the minerals necessary for strong bones. However, calcium and mineral intake is important for women of all ages (with recomended calcium levels ranging from 800 - 1500 mg).