When it comes to women’s health, hormones are just part of the equation. Women commonly experience a variety of other ailments. A healthy diet, along with any natural supplements you may need, can often make a big difference.
Iron
Anemia is common in women due to menstrual blood loss and higher iron requirements during pregnancy. Some common medications, such as antacids, anti-inflammatories and aspirin, as well as drinking too much coffee or tea, can interfere with iron absorption.
- Iron-rich foods: clams, liver, soybeans, oysters, horse meat, fortified breakfast cereals, blue mussels, lentils, spinach, etc.
Calcium and minerals
Osteoporosis is common in women from westernized societies. Many factors can lead to calcium and mineral loss, including a sedentary lifestyle; lack of sunlight; smoking; excessive consumption of coffee, soft drinks and alcohol; and insufficient calcium intake.
- Calcium-rich foods: milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified soy beverages, firm tofu made with calcium sulfate, sardines with bones, etc.
Antioxidants
In addition to accelerating mineral loss, stress increases the body’s need for antioxidants, in order to neutralize the free radicals that stress generates.
- Antioxidant-rich foods: fruits and vegetables are full of them!
Protein
Many women make the mistake of reducing their protein intake to avoid weight gain. Make sure you include protein in every meal!
- Protein-rich foods: meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds, etc.
Marine omega-3 fatty acids
These fats are essential in the fight against cardiovascular disease, which affects both women and men.
- Foods rich in marine omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, cod, rainbow trout, etc.
