A Balanced Life: Women's Health Through The Years
Women’s health is an important topic. Women often pay less attention to their own health and focus more on that of their children and partner. Women and men may experience some of the same health issues, but women can be affected differently. There are also issues that are specific to the female body.
Physical, emotional and mental health should be in balance for a woman to function at her optimal level. Although a woman’s schedule may be busy, it’s important to find the time to exercise, eat a balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water and learn to cope with stress. This can help with the maintenance of general health, as well as dealing with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. Women also need to be attuned to their own bodies, and aware of any changes.
The importance of a healthy diet is vital. New evidence is constantly emerging, indicating how important specific foods and supplements are to maintaining health and preventing some of the most common female ailments.
There are a number of factors influencing a woman’s nutritional status. Such factors include, an unbalanced diet with minimal fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains; excessive consumption of processed or refined (nutrient-poor) foods, which are readily available for consumption; a compromised digestive system; ingestion of excessive salt, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol; use of prescription medications (such as birth control pills) that alter nutrient absorption or effectiveness; and exposure to environmental stressors such as pollution. In addition, women who regularly skip meals, eat on the run, are under stress or who follow restrictive diets may be missing important nutrients. In these cases, it is wise to take a daily multivitamin to supplement any gaps in the diet. Jamieson Vita-Vim™ for Women contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals plus specialized ingredients such as Broccophane™ broccoli extract for breast health; calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K for bone health; and cranberry and D-mannose for urinary tract health.
Most women will experience some symptoms of PMS, such as cramping, irritability, breast soreness, headaches and water retention. Many look for drug-free alternatives to prevent symptoms and provide relief. Jamieson Evening Primrose Oil provides a natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to balance the female hormones estrogen and testosterone, therefore providing relief of PMS symptoms. In addition, evening primrose oil supports healthy hair, skin and nails, often a concern for women.
Many women also look to natural remedies during menopause. They are often looking for a safe, natural alternative to hormone-replacement therapy to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. One such example is Biologics™ Menoflavon™ Menopause Formula that contains red clover, a source of estrogenic isoflavones. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) that are similar in structure to the female hormone estrogen. Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen’s role in the body and are able to compete successfully for the receptor sites at the cell wall. This means that red clover can help address the symptoms of menopause naturally.
Becoming educated on women’s health issues is extremely valuable as it affects everyone. Prevention is the key to a healthy lifestyle. With the abundance of information surrounding the health benefits of exercise, stress management and nutrient-rich foods, women now have the power to positively impact their lives. Taking the right supplements at specific times during the female lifecycle can help balance a woman’s body, relieve common ailments and help prevent future conditions.
