Women Health Supplements
Most people are of the opinion that men and women face the same amount of troubles and turmoils in life. Well, for a large part of the story it is indeed so; but not all of it is…There is a marked difference from what each one goes through, whether man or woman, and if you are a woman, then the chances are that your symptoms and progression of diseases will largely differ between the two sexes. If the symptoms differ so will "women's health supplements in that matter".
When things go wrong
Both men and women have special considerations. For women, these include fertility, pregnancy, birthing, menstrual concerns, menopause, fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancer, urinary tract infections, osteoporosis, and anaemia. Although there are some general aspects that are similar in both cases, menopause for example, both perceive it in a similar manner and yet there is a difference. Both male and female menopause may or may not include hot flushes, mood swings, and a lost interest in sex.
Although men and women have different concerns, the risk factors are often similar. A poor diet, toxins, stress, and alcohol consumption affect both men and women negatively. For most healthy adults, eating a varied, healthy diet provides all the vitamins you need so there is no need for real "women's health supplements", or so most women largely believe it to be so! It is generally advisable, especially if you are a woman that you get your vitamins from your diet rather than supplements. However, if conditions around you are not favourable for you to receive these in the most natural form well then supplements are the best bet!
Basic Supplement Facts
It is the mixture of vitamins in food that is beneficial to your health, rather than a high intake of one particular vitamin. Foods are better than supplements because a healthy balanced diet will contain certain other nutrients, such as fibre, which supplements cannot replace. However, there are some people are strictly advised to take vitamin supplements. Most women need "women's health supplements" either because they have increased requirement or because it is likely that their diet will not provide enough. Calcium for example! With the turning of 25 years and crossing it, women tend to have their calcium levels depleted. The induction of supplements from this stage onwards becomes important.
However there are a few supplements each woman should have. Besides calcium, there's a desperate need for Vitamin C to make the immune system stronger, as women on an average are prone to coughs and colds far more easily. Another important supplement that both men and women must take is B-complex. Especially if you're a man, you need to take in doses of B complex with zinc more than the lady, as the production of zinc in the body is likely to occur faster in men. Moreover, both Vitamin C and B-complex are water soluble, which means that they can be taken on a daily basis.
Women who are or might become pregnant are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day and to eat foods rich in this vitamin. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of unborn babies developing defects. However, high doses of vitamin A are not recommended for pregnant women or those who might become pregnant because it can lead to abnormal development of the baby in the womb.
Women may choose "health supplements" in the form of a multivitamin rather than a high dose of any single vitamin. Avoid taking supplements that contain just one or two specific vitamins or minerals unless your doctor or state-registered dietician has advised you to. This is because vitamins and minerals work in harmony and an excessive amount of just one can impair the absorption or effectiveness of others. Correct balance is important. There may also be a risk of overdosing. Supplements sometimes contain over ten times the level of vitamins that we need.
Women can lower their chances of disease and discomfort as they age with the right diet and possibly vitamins and herbs even if they're on hormone replacement therapy.
It can be dangerous to take too many fat-soluble vitamins as these can build up in the body. Taking too many water-soluble vitamins is less harmful because the body can get rid of these easily. High doses of vitamins over a long period of time can lead to side-effects. Scientists don't know what the risks might be for all vitamins.
Some examples of the risks we know about include:
- Vitamin A - an increased risk of broken bones, which may be permanent.
- Vitamin B6 - loss of feeling in the arms or legs called peripheral neuropathy, which is usually, though not always, reversible when intake is reduced.
- Vitamin C - diarrhoea, stomach pains and wind, which is reversible when intake is reduced.
- There is also evidence that taking high doses of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E may increase the risk of cancer
Generally, for women who are aged between 40 and 54, the time that they experience hormonal changes the most leading to menopause; it is advised that they pay more attention to the supplements that they shall be taking for optimum health. Erratic periods, mood swings, fluid retention, headaches, hot flashes, insomnia and forgetfulness are some of the symptoms that can start 10 years before menopause -- a time known as peri menopause. Hormone therapy -- in pill, patch or cream form -- replaces the dwindling levels of estrogen that put women at increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease and triggers the hot flashes and other symptoms.
Not every woman needs or wants hormone therapy. Side effects can include bloating or weight gain and there is concern about long-term effects such as an increased risk of breast cancer. However, eating properly and possibly taking supplements and herbs can achieve similar results. Soy-based foods, for instance, have been shown to relieve hot flashes and contribute to a healthy heart. It's not wrong to use "health supplements", especially in the case of women, but bear in mind the following when you choose to follow a healthy diet. This diet should ideally contain the following:
- Three good protein-rich meals.
- Soy and flaxseed.
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Good fats such as canola or olive oil for salads and cooking.
- Low-fat milk or other dairy products that are good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
- Green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
- Regular physical activity, such as a 30-minute walk every other day.
Most experts believe food is the best source of the nutrients essential for health. But vitamin and mineral supplements may also be needed because hormonal changes put additional stress on the body.