In
our new series, this month we consider the particular nutritional
needs of the fairer sex.
Women, especially those approaching middle age, are faced with
different health and lifestyle considerations. With children grown
up, this is often the time when they can start to focus more on
themselves and their own health. Unfairly, this is the time when
the skin becomes drier and more wrinkle-prone, hair may lack lustre
and the menopause can wreak havoc with the mind and body. (Memory
loss, irritability and insomnia are frequently reported alongside
the physical symptoms such as hot flushes.)
Fortunately, there is plenty that you can do to maintain good
health and prevent many of the problems traditionally associated
with ageing. Here is an overview of the top six nutritional
female-friendly supplements that could be of benefit:
A good Multivitamin with iron
A complete daily multivitamin and iron, this will ensure that the
optimum levels of nutrients for those approaching middle age are
met. This formula contains plenty of anti-ageing antioxidants and
trace minerals.
For your bones
Maintaining bone health is vital to reduce the risk of brittle
bones (which can lead to fractures) and is of particular concern
once the levels of bone-protective oestrogen in the body decline
during the menopause. Most women need at least 800mg of calcium per
day. Our Osteo Plus formula also contains magnesium, vitamin D,
zinc, copper and boron, which assist calcium absorption and help to
maintain healthy, strong bones.
For skin and hormonal balance
Both evening primrose and starflower oils are rich in gamma
linolenic acid (GLA) which is metabolised in the body to form
hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. These are found in
all body tissues and play a major role in relieving inflammation
and blood clotting and regulating hormonal balance and the immune
response of the body. Both these products are widely used to help
menopausal problems, endometriosis and breast pain as well as to
promote cardio-vascular health, reduce blood pressure and help skin
problems such as dry, itchy skin, eczema and acne.
Cranberry
Cranberry is a great source of vitamin C and has a beneficial
effect on the urinary tract, which can help reduce the incidence of
infections. Research shows that cranberries contain a specific
group of polyphenols that inhibit the adhesion of harmful
micro-organisms to the cells of the bladder. According to the NHS,
urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial
infection managed by GPs, and the incidence increases substantially
with age.
Natural HRT
New awareness of the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is
causing a surge in the use of natural alternatives to counter
menopausal symptoms. Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens (natural
plant hormones) that mimic the effect of oestrogen in the body and
are widely used to help counter problems such as hot flushes which
are associated with oestrogen deficiency around the time of the
menopause.
Black cohosh is another herb that is commonly used in combination
with soy isoflavones to help relieve the distressing symptoms of
the menopause - this herb has been prescribed in Germany for over
forty years!
Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are involved in almost every body system - vitamin B2
can help improve mental function, Vitamins B5 and 12 are essential
for healing and repair and Vitamin B6 and 12 are immune boosting.
Overall, vitamin B complex plays a major role in metabolism and is
vital for energy release. That can only be a good thing for most
busy women.
What’s more, our ability to absorb the B vitamins decreases
with age so we need to be careful that we’re getting enough.
One Healthspan Vitamin B complex tablet contains all eight
water-soluble B vitamins that work both together and independently
to perform different vital functions in the body.
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