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Vitamins and Supplements for Women

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:18:51 +0100

Vitamins are very essential for human body. Our body cannot synthesize vitamins; we have to depend on natural sources of vitamins and supplements to acquire different types of vitamins such as A, K, C, E, B complex etc. Growth of human body and functioning of various body organs are very much influenced by vitamin intake of individuals.

As the body structure of men is distinctly different from that of women, vitamin requirements of men and women are also different. Hence, choosing the right vitamins for women is a very specific task and one must have enough knowledge of physiology to suggest the right vitamins for women.

Women's bodies go through various changes at different stages of life such as PMS, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause etc. Men's bodies do not undergo such changes. It is needless saying that vitamin requirement changes in those phases of life. That is why a whole new profession and market has evolved around women's health, and diet and vitamins for women.

Let's see how women's bodies change in different phases of life and how vitamins help to overcome the prominent symptoms observed in those phases.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome is a collection of more than 200 symptoms; 3 major symptoms are irritability, dysphoria and tension. Some other symptoms of PMS are: abdominal bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, anxiety and stress, insomnia, joint or muscle pain, headache, acne, mood swings, fatigue etc.

Right vitamins and supplements for women come useful at this stage. 50 to 100 milligrams of vitamin B-6 helps to get rid of nausea and depression. Vitamin B-6 also influences the production of hormones and various chemicals present in our brain and increases the immunity.

Menstruation

Mood swings, depression, emotional reactions, uterine cramp, excessive blood loss these are the symptoms often observed during menstruation. Proper diet and suitable vitamins for women help to stay healthy and fit during and after menstruation. Physiologists and doctors can suggest the right vitamins, minerals and supplements after checking the patient thoroughly.

Pregnancy

Upset stomach, nausea, morning sickness are very common during pregnancy. Mood swings, depression are also observed in pregnancy period. Vitamin B6 is the right solution for nausea, morning sickness and many other symptoms. Folic acid can prevent neural tube deficits.

A lot of women suffer from pre-eclampsia, collection of symptoms such as water retention, hypertension and albuminuria, during their pregnancy. If pre-eclampsia is not treated on right time, it may lead to eclampsia which can be detrimental for the mother and the child. Vitamins, A, D, K and B2 can help prevent pre-eclampsia.

Similarly, women need specific vitamins, minerals and supplements during breastfeeding and menopause. However, to know what type of vitamins would be best for you or any of your acquaintances, consult a doctor specialized in women's health or gynecology.

Fast Weight Loss Tips

The Basics Of The Women’s Health Abs Diet

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:31:35 +0100

The entire fitness world is buzzing about the Women’s Health Abs Diet. This popular diet was actually first published in Men’s Health and then adapted for its sister magazine Women’s Health. These magazines are the pinnacles of health information, and you know you can trust tips and tricks that come from these sources.

The Women’s Health Abs Diet is an effective plan for getting your total body in shape. Why do you need a plan? Because you want to maximize your fat loss and create muscle each day so you can take a step closer to your ideal body.

And this plan works!

The basics of the Women’s Health Ab Diet are simple. In order to get your abs in top condition, you must burn fat. There’s no way of getting around that.

In order to burn fat, you have to stimulate your metabolism. You do this by toning your muscles and replacing fat with muscle.

Did you know that by replacing just one pound of fat with an equal pound of muscle would help you burn an extra 150 calories everyday?

You’ll burn those calories each day without even trying.

In order to build muscle, you need to emphasize all parts of your body…not just the abs. Why? Because your body is not a robot with different components and parts. All of your muscles work together to create your sleek physique. When you emphasize just one portion, you’ll be denying yourself a proper, balanced work out.

This is where the term “compound exercises” comes in. The exercises involve several different muscle groups so your body is working as one unit to tighten muscles and burn fat.

Remember, in order for your body to be as fit as possible, you must work all of your major muscle groups together. The Women’s Health abs diet exercises make your workout more fun, more challenging and increases the demands on your muscles.

All of this leads to a tighter, leaner stomach in less time!

After all, no one wants to spend their whole day exercising. Celebrities can afford to do it…but we live in the real world. We want real results, real fast. And the Women’s health abs diet exercises can do that.

The key is in getting the most out of every workout. The workouts are short, focused and powerful. It’s no doubt that you’ll be feeling and seeing the effects of this workout in no time at all!

Stress Relief is the Key to Women's Health and Healthy Aging

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:02:56 +0100

Adult women today are under more stress than women in any previous generation. While the sources of stress are both internal and external, there's no doubt that stress has a deleterious effect on women's health, and that it can certainly accelerate the aging process.

One of the stressors that women face is the enormous pressure to juggle family and work. With over 70 percent of elementary school children having a working mom, mothers strive to shine in their careers while giving their children the care and attention they need to thrive. Throw in assorted soccer practices, dance lessons, swim team trials, and other after school activities - plus the occasional business trip - and women often find themselves racing from one event to another. Housekeeping chores, even when shared, add another layer of "to-dos" to a woman's life. The end result is that the things that a woman does for her own physical, spiritual, and mental health fall to the bottom of the list, and are all too often neglected.

Another major stressor in women's lives - and one that is surely detrimental to women's health - is the emphasis that advertisers and the media place on a woman's appearance. Although there have been some acknowledgments that this is a factor, and some companies have changed their ad campaigns to incorporate images of "real women," women today still hold unrealistic expectations of their own health and beauty. Given that the average American woman is five feet, five inches tall and 160 pounds, the pressure to become model-thin is often irresistible. As a result, women spend inordinate amounts of time, energy, and money on weight loss plans and exercise regimes that do little to permanently alter their physiques and instead stress them out even more.

At its most basic, the key to women's health and healthy aging is stress relief. Relieving stress is an active choice that women must make, and one that will ultimately make them better partners, mothers, and workers. Here are three preliminary steps that will move any woman towards having more energy and mental clarity, as well as a greater sense of satisfaction:

1. Prioritize - You can't do it all, but you can do most of it. Make a list of the values and goals that are most important to you, and then take a hard look at the ways you spend your time. Are your activities supporting your values and goals? If not, drop those that don't support you and focus your energy on those that do.

2. Engage in Self-Care - Unless your proverbial cup is full, you won't have anything to give anyone else. That means taking care of your body, mind, and soul. Set aside time each week to nourish your spirit, and nourish your body with the health food and health supplements that will give you the energy to go about your day.

3. Learn to Say "No" - Most women are people pleasers, and are too quick to agree to anything that is asked of them. Learn to set good boundaries with others and you will feel less stressed and better able to focus on the activities that are important to you and your family's well-being.

Remember that relieving stress is a choice - one that will lead to women's health and healthy aging.

5 Fantastic Anti-Aging Tips for Women

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:20 +0100

Remember the days when people saw anti aging as something from a sci-fi movie? The fountain of youth was the Holy Grail and miracle remedies that could reduce the appearance by ten or twenty years were the stuff that dreams were made of.

Well, fast forward to the present and we find that these dreams are no longer a myth. Through science and specifically, the cutting edge science of genomics, women are finding that, without too much trouble, skin beauty and healthy body cells can be achieved.

Follow these five anti-aging tips and optimize your health:

1. Watch Your Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle is what its all about. If you live life in the fast lane, chances are you'll pay for it in the end. If you are a smoker or you drink alcohol excessively, you need to change these habits. This also goes for poor eating habits and excessive exposure to the sun. All of these things speed up the aging process and, if you continue to live this type of lifestyle, even anti-aging supplements may not be able to help. It's important to remember that our skin cells are affected by everything we eat or drink, just as our bodily organs are.

2. Eat for Good Skin Health

Good women's health begins with eating healthy foods. Ensure that you eat balanced meals with plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits. It is also important to eat protein enriched foods like eggs or nuts as these foods maintain good health for the joints and the bones. Skin beauty relies on general health and this can only be attained through healthy eating and weight maintenance. It is much easier to slow down the aging process if the body is getting all of the nutrients it requires to repair the damage to cells and build new cells every day.

3. Drink Water

I know you probably get tired of hearing it but its true 'you must drink water' because of the many benefits it gives to your body. Without a decent supply of water, the body cannot function efficiently, either inside or out. Water adds life to all parts of the body, including your skin. It brightens your complexion, helps rejuvenate skin cells to promote anti aging, and adds moisture to your body. Water is probably the most readily available anti-aging product you can get your hands on! So, replace those sodas (and diet sodas) with a healthy dose of water.

4. Stay in Shape

Staying in shape with exercise will also help with the anti-aging battle. Exercise encourages good bone and joint health and helps with the flow of blood through your body. That's why many people say that exercise "gets your blood pumping!" The blood carries oxygen with it through your body, which is necessary for good overall health.

5. Use Anti-aging Supplements and Creams

Through the cutting edge science of genomics, anti-aging products are now being developed to aid in cell rejuvenation, which is needed for slowing down the aging process.

Genomics is the study of the complete DNA makeup of organisms. The recent discovery that is crucial to those interested in anti-aging products is that the repair of cells and the creation of healthy, strong cells is a major key to slowing the aging process. The new anti-aging products are all-natural and come in pills, creams or patches. Anti-aging products based on genomics help to provide the right amount of ingredients (vitamins and nutrients) needed by the body to repair cells and build new, healthy cells.

These five tips combined can help maximize the results for your anti-aging efforts. You'll feel and look better than ever as you pass through the stages of life.

How to Lower Your Cholesterol With a Proper Diet

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:31:15 +0100

Health is something that you cannot ignore at any cost. Especially when it comes to a woman, one must be very much health conscious. Modern world sees most women becoming an integral part of the professional world. At the same time, they do not overlook the role of managing their home and family. Such a stressful life does not allow them to give proper attention to their health.

If you are over 20 years of age, then you should definitely be conscious about your cholesterol level. It is absolutely important to keep a control over it, as negligence may cause serious heart diseases. You can reduce the level by keeping an eye on your regular diet.

Source of cholesterol

Cholesterol is produced by liver and then is transmitted to the body. If liver exceeds the amount required, then it commences to stick to artery walls that lead to cardiovascular diseases. High cholesterol level can also cause mental impairment, high blood pressure and gallstone.

Impact of limiting trans-fats & saturated fats

Recent studies indicate that you can reduce the cholesterol level from 10% to 20 % just by changing your diet. Diet, which is recommended to lower down the cholesterol level of the body, should contain minimum trans-fats and saturated fats:

-Cut down the intake of margarine in your diet. It increases Cholesterol heavily.

-Try to reduce the intake of refined and processed foods. You can find out a heavy amount of hydrogenated fats as well as trans-fats in these foods. In fact, these fats are very much dangerous than any other types.

-Fish oil is another good option to ensure that your body is maintaining an average cholesterol level. At the same time, it reduces the bad cholesterol present in the body.

-Try to replace the meat and egg with dry peas and beans. They are rich in fiber and very low in cholesterol.

Maintaining a proper diet is imperative for optimum level

Withdrawing cholesterol rising food items is just not enough for getting the optimum level. You need to maintain a balance, so that you can receive required amount of Cholesterol that helps in building membranes and producing hormones. To sustain the cholesterol level, you need to take some essential elements as well. Your body should not be deficient in necessary fatty acids:

-Take a tablespoon of organic flax seed oil every day that supplies Omega 3 fatty acids.

-Try to use only extra virgin olive oil. Do not use ordinary virgin olive oil, as it is not effective.

-Augment the use of garlic while you are cooking. For this, you can put the garlic paste in various dishes that would not only increase the taste, but it would lower your Cholesterol as well.

-Again, you can opt for genuine Cholesterol lowering supplement. The natural genuine Cholesterol lowering supplement has no side effects and you can take it after consulting your dietician.

Your health is in your hand. It is totally up to you to keep yourself healthy and fit. So, give attention to certain food habits, maintain proper cholesterol level and you'll surely get rid of the health-related issues.

Cholesterol Lowering Medication

Increase Female Sexual Desire And Libido Quickly And Naturally

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:44:19 +0100

Many women at some point lose sexual desire and libido but the good news is you can increase libido safely and naturally, with some time tested proven herbs which have been used for centuries. Let's look at the problems that cause low libido and the herbs that can help...

The main causes of low libido in women are.

Low estrogen levels which cause desire to fall and intercourse to become uncomfortable. Low testosterone levels are also a problem and its just men who need this hormone, if levels are low a woman's libido will fall.

Poor blood circulation is a major and common problem, as sexual desire and libido rely on blood being delivered quickly and into the sex organs. Quite simply, you need strong and quick blood flow to where it's needed.

Your state of mind also plays a key role and fatigue, anxiety and stress lead to low sex drive. It's therefore important that your energy levels are high, your mood is lifted and you have correct hormonal balance.

The herbs below are found in all the best natural sex pills and will cure all the problems above.

Choraka (Dong Quai)

This is seen as the best women's herb and has a number of benefits which include

- Alleviating the symptoms of PMT

- It balances estrogen levels

- It balances blood sugar

- It acts to increase blood circulation and nourishes the blood

- It is packed with nutrients to promote general wellbeing

Its reputation is rightly earned and it's the best overall tonic herb for women's health.

Avena Sativa

Avena Sativa increases testosterone and also contains compounds which are soothing to the brain and nervous system, helping the body relax and at the same time, enhances sensitivity of the vagina.

Ginkgo Biloba

Probably the best blood circulation herb you can take and not only does it help pump blood to all areas of the body, it also keeps the blood vessels healthy and free of furring. Ginkgo biloba also works to reduce tension, anxiety, and restores energy.

Ashwagandha

This herb is recognized for its adaptogenic properties. An adaptogen is a physiological agent with the ability to increase the body's resistance to emotional and physical stress and this herb is taken to promote emotional balance, increase energy and for its positive benefits on the reproductive organs.

Ginseng

This is another excellent blood circulation herb and also helps to fight the effects of stress, increases energy and helps to lift mood.

Shunthi (Ginger)

A great blood circulation tonic and also acts as a heart tonic.

Get them ALL In the Best Women's Natural Sex Pills

You don't have to take them all individually, you will find them blended together in the best natural sex pills for women which will Increase Female Sexual desire and Libido quickly and naturally just like nature intended, so you not only get more from sex, you get more from life too - try them and you will be glad you did.

Generic Drugs

How Physiotherapy Can Help Women's Health Issues

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:57:14 +0100

Women's health encompasses a broad spectrum of issues that can be treated by physiotherapy. From pregnancy back pain to incontinence problems faced by older women, physiotherapy can help.

Bladder incontinence is a problem for 13 million Americans on any given day. Although some men have this problem, it is present in much greater numbers in the area of women's health.

There are several different kinds of incontinence. Stress incontinence happens mainly when the person coughs or sneezes. Urge incontinence causes the person to have sudden urges to use the restroom. This may be due to organ prolapse, such as a tilted uterus, which can also lead to sexual dysfunction. Women's health physiotherapy may well be able to help correct these conditions.

Physiotherapists who work in the field of women's health can correct nearly 70% of incontinence problems. The major exercise used is called the Kegel. It is a very specialized exercise, and most often needs specialized instructions, and it takes biofeedback for many to get it right.

Many of the problems of women's health can be traced to the pelvic floor. The Kegel exercise specifically addresses this part of the anatomy. There are other therapies that are effective as well. Electrical stimulation is only one of the methods used. Soft tissue manipulation is another treatment that has had good results.

Pelvic pain affects the health and well-being of many women. It may be caused by a variety of sources. It can be due to vulvodynia or abdominal surgeries, for instance. Pelvic pain can also be the result of a fall, especially if the tailbone has been damaged. These conditions can cause long term curtailment of many physical activities lead to an overall deterioration in the women's psychological health. Physiotherapy offers a variety of treatments to help these problems.

Another very important area where physiotherapy plays an important role in women's health is during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant are aware of their bodies going through various changes that can be painful. Lower back pain is only one of them.

Physiotherapists can help with this. Gentle exercises can be taught to relieve tension in the back. One simple but very effective exercise is lying on the floor with the knees up and pressing the small of the back down to the floor. This gives a great feeling of relief. There are other exercises to strengthen the woman's back. However, it is important to be under a physiotherapist’s specific instructions and watchful eye to ensure the exercises are the right one for the different stages and discomforts of pregnancy. Women's health is of utmost importance at this time, and so is the baby's.

Physiotherapists can give instructions on the exact amount, type and quality of exercises that are best for pregnant women. After delivery, physiotherapy is also a boon to women's health. It can help get women back into shape and instruct them in taking care of their new child while preventing back problems. Furthermore, another area of postpartum women's health where physiotherapy can be very effective is the treatment of women who have had cesarean sections.

Physiotherapy is important to women's health as women suffer from a host of physical disorders. Many of these conditions will respond to physiotherapy. It is only natural that women would turn to a tried and true method for relief.

Information on the Menopause Treatment Options

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:43:36 +0100

Menopause will affect all women at some point in their lives. It is the ending of your periods and your ability to get pregnant the natural way. You are considered menopausal if you have missed your period for a full year running. There is a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and headaches to name a few. Treatments are available to help ease some of these uncomfortable symptoms. Your doctor can help guide you to the treatment that would most appropriately meet your needs. There are pharmaceutical, natural, and life style changes that will ease symptoms for most women.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical treatments include Hormone Replacement Therapy. HRT is the replacement of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) to ease the transition into menopause. HRT has been linked to serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, as well as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Other pharmaceutical treatments may include pain relievers both over the counter and prescribed. Body aches and headaches can be relieved with these medications. They do however, come with their own side effects.

Anti-depressants are or maybe prescribed to relieve the depression and anxiety that may accompany your menopause. A mood stabilizer may also be given to help balance your emotional state. This may be temporary.

Natural Treatments

Natural treatments such as herbal supplements are becoming a popular choice among many women. The reason for this is because they want to avoid the side effects of many of the traditional treatments. Herbal supplements have very few side effects if any at all.

Black Cohosh is an herb that is very popular because of its ability to lower the levels of a hormone called the luteinizing hormone associated with the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes. It has been used for centuries and is often used in the Native American culture to deal with low energy, gynecological problems, back aches and more.

Other herbs that are popular for use in alleviating menopausal symptoms include red clover, wild yam, dong quai, and Chasteberry. These herbs are effective in treating menopausal symptoms but they may also benefit your over-all health. In order to find the highest quality supplements, the herbs used should be standardized herbal extracts; this ensures quality from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle. They are made to pharmaceutical standards and are tested extensively.

Before adding anything to your health routine, it is wise to consult with your doctor. Though there are few to no side effects, the herbs may affect the performance of prescription drugs you may be taking for other health conditions.

Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Menopause

Reducing your alcohol intake and quitting smoking will help your menopausal symptoms.

Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will not only give you energy but it could enhance your sex drive. If you are basically sedentary, just getting a 5-10 minute walk every day will help.

Become comfortable with your aging process. Accepting yourself may help ease some of the emotional/mental symptoms of menopause. Be up front with your partner about your needs during this time. The use of natural treatments will reduce the risk of many of the side effects of prescribed treatments and may benefit your health in general.

Women and Menopause - Discovering the First Symptoms

Vitamin Supplements and Women's Health

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:59:06 +0100

If you are not eating a healthy diet, the first thing you need to do is make necessary improvements for your nutritional needs. Women can also benefit from taking a good multivitamin with iron. Many women of reproductive age are slightly anemic, meaning they have a lower red blood count than they should because of their menstrual cycle every month. This can cause a loss of iron every month.

Women can have a higher blood count when they replace loss of iron by taking a multivitamin supplement with iron. Another benefit from taking such a supplement it can also cause them to have less tiredness and more energy.

Women who have tender breast can find a vitamin E supplement helpful. Women have found taking up to 1,000 IU (international units) per day have relief with this problem. But taking this much of the vitamin some women have found side effects such as becoming irritable, bloated, or having oily skin. Women who have reduced their intake to 400 IU find they still find relief from breast discomfort without the side effects.

Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome have found vitamin B6 beneficial.

Women over the age of thirty five need to take extra calcium every day. Women from the age of thirty five until menopause need 1,000 mg of calcium every day. 1,500 mg per day is needed after menopause. Women who take estrogen after menopause only need 1,000 mg per day because of the effects of estrogen on their bodies they will not require the extra calcium.

The Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that taking prenatal vitamins for six weeks or longer before getting pregnant offered some protection against neural tube defects in the baby. The key element seems to be folic acid.

Most obstetricians agree it is good for women who are planning to become or are pregnant to take prenatal vitamins. They find women benefit from the additional calcium, folic acid and extra iron during pregnancy. Over the counter prenatal vitamin supplements work fine.

Excessive amounts of vitamins should not be taken. Excessive doses of vitamins A, D, E, and K should be especially avoided. This can be harmful. Disease may result if the vitamins are absorbed in the body's fat and accumulated in large amounts.

Women who will benefit from taking vitamin supplements particularly are people with specific diseases that make vitamin intake necessary, the elderly and often premature infants. Also, those who are inclined to avoid healthy eating habits!

The Best Self Defense Products For Women

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:46:22 +0100

Self defense is a growing problem in an ever more violent world. The majority of women, in fact, know their attackers. This puts them at an even greater disadvantage because they may not suspect that trouble is brewing. For them, women's self defense products can be lifesaving. The key is in finding the best choices in self defense items.

There are a variety of pepper sprays for use as self defense weapons. Some of them are even better than the rest in that they are easily disguised. Some may have pepper sprays contained in a lipstick tube-shaped device. Other pepper sprays come in the form of rings and other jewelry. These types of self defense items make it easy to surprise an attacker.

Alarms may also be used as women's self defense weapons. When an attacker hears a loud, shrill noise, he is more likely to back away and leave the scene. Personal alarms are also often disguised. Sometimes they take the shape of flashlights, and may also contain pepper sprays. Other personal alarms are small and sleek, but have a flashlight included in their design for women's self defense. There are also personal alarms that are shaped like key chains or can be attached to key chains.

In many cases, the best self defense items women can use are stun guns. There is a large variety to choose. Many of the self defense products are small and easily disguised. One type of stun guns used for women's self defense is made in the shape of cell phones. They carry charges of as high as 950,000 volts. The best of these stun guns have disabling pins so that they will be useless to the attacker if he grabs it away from the woman.

If a woman is still not satisfied with all these self defense weapons, tasers are a logical next step. After all, a stun gun is 85% effective but tasers are virtually 100% effective. With well made tasers, women's self defense becomes a sure thing. Tasers will stop any aggressor, no matter how big or how crafty. What is more, tasers are good for up to 15 feet from the target. That means that the woman need not give the attacker the chance to take over her self defense weapons.

Since women often know their attackers, it is not unreasonable to consider that there might be times that women's self defense products might be needed at home. While there are many uses for hidden spy cameras, women's self defense is certainly one of them. For example, if a stalker is entering a woman's home, the hidden spy camera can record the activity when she is gone. There are cameras that will record only when there are changes in the room, or others that will record at all times through a home computer.

Women's self defense is much more reliable if self defense weapons are available. Getting the best ones depends on knowing the market and choosing wisely. It is important for women to know their own habits and preferences before buying women's self defense products.

Women's Health News