Women's Nutrition

Women try to give a healthy life to her family by serving good nutritious food but remain unaware about her own nutrition necessities.

Women are also known as the Goddess of food or Annapurna-in Hindi as she fulfils the basic necessity of feeding to her family. She knows which food is essential for her children and which food is essential for her old aged family members, but what about her own diet? Did anyone ever thought what kind of food is essential for her own health.

This article is meant especially for women and their unique nutrition needs. Generally we see that except for pregnancy and breast-feeding, health concerns for women are largely ignored. Menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause all demand special nutrition to avoid complications during these stages of life Complications during reproductive years, fluctuations in female hormones, and physical demands of childbearing affect their nutrition need and healthcare.

 

Menstrual cycle

As women loose about 2 Tb-spoon of blood during menstrual flow every month, these require more iron consumption to replace the blood loss during menstruation. Women who can't replace lost iron, Combined with low iron and vitamin-c intake, may contribute to nutritional anaemia. For women, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is 18 milligrams daily which increases during pregnancy. To get enough iron from food, eat iron-rich foods such as fortified cereal, rice flakes, roasted Bengal gram, jiggery and legumes. Eat iron rich food with vitamin-c for proper absorption of dietary iron.

 

Control of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome include symptoms such as acne, tender breasts, backaches, bloating, and headaches; Apart from this women also experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Eat a healthy diet, live an active lifestyle, relax and learn to alleviate stress to cope with mood swings. Active lifestyle may offer lot of benefits. A good workout stimulates release of endorphins in brain, which will help in combating mood swings. If you eat more before your period, exercise will help you to maintain your ideal body weight.

 

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Candida is a fungus that commonly causes yeast infection in women and the symptoms include: vaginal itching, redness, or pain; a thick, white, “cheesy” vaginal discharge; discomfort during urination; and perhaps white or yellow skin patches around the vaginal area. Recent use of antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, contraceptives, is some of the leading factor for infection. If you’re prone to “yeast infections,” then you can lower your risk with good hygiene, avoid vaginal sprays and wear cotton garments.

 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal problem which include symptoms such as obesity, ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excess facial hair and fertility problems. It also increases other health risks: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and uterine and breast cancer. Treatment includes weight loss and hormone therapy. Some may also need treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure.

 

Nutrition before pregnancy

All nutrients are essential for pregnancy but folic acid need special attention. Folate is essential to manufacture new cells and genetic material. It also helps to develop neural tube, spinal cord and brain. So women who consume folate before conceiving and during first trimester of pregnancy reduce the risk of neural tube defect.

 

Now for Menopause

At 51 postmenopausal follows but It’s not a health problem, it’s a natural phase of women's life cycle. So relax and accept the changes. Symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, and sleeplessness. Low oestrogen level is also responsible for decreased bone density and increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Soya products are helpful as they have isoflavonoid which have oestrogen like qualities. Add colourful variety of fruits and vegetables, grains (including whole grains), low-fat or fat-free dairy foods, fatty fish, legumes, and other lean protein foods in your diet. Your diet should be low in saturated fat, Trans fat, and cholesterol.

Stay physically active. Start your day with 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Try to control stress, especially if it leads to overeating, smoking, or other risky behaviours.

To get more diet and health related advices, Talk to our dieticians and fitness experts on 18001031000 (toll-free) or for free chat visit www.finishproblems.com