Nutritional Support for Woman

Nutritional support for Women

With today’s hectic lifestyles and increased exposure to toxins in the environment, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that you are feeding your body with all the nutrients it needs to help prevent illness and dis-ease. Scientific research has shown that women have different nutritional requirements to men. They have a more complex hormonal pattern, as well as an increased risk of bone loss and urinary tract infections.

The menstrual cycle involves many hormonal changes during which the body is made ready for pregnancy. The monthly loss of blood occurs when fertilization has not occurred. The result is that an extra requirement for the blood building nutrients Vitamin B12, Folic Acid and iron. Vitamin K is needed to aid blood clotting.

Hormonal imbalance is becoming increasingly common and has many possible causes including stress and pollution. Scientific evidence shows that the importance of the B family of vitamins for excretions of ‘old’ oestrogens from the body, which if not removed, may contribute to hormonal disruption and PMS.

Bone loss generally begins in the mid 30’s. One of the factors appears to be the gradual reduction of oestrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens from foods such soya milk, tofu, chickpeas and linseeds, have been shown in clinical research to slow down the rate of bone loss. In addition calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron and vitamin C are essential for strong healthy bones.

Antioxidants are vital in protecting the body from the effects of stress pollution, chemicals in food and sun damage. Vitamins A, C, E, selenium and caroteniods are amongst the most protective antioxidant compounds.

Iron, B12 and folic acid
Help build new red blood cells to replace those lost each month during menstruation. Required, for the prevention of anaemia. Found in foods such as: Marmite, beans, lentils, nuts, bread, fortified breakfast cereals, green vegetables (especially spinach), and dried fruit.
Folate is found naturally in many foods, particularly fruit (melons, apricots, oranges), green leafy vegetables, butternut squash, carrots, and beansprouts. Another way to take in folic acid is to eat fortified breads and breakfast cereals and some Soya products.

B Complex
Required for energy production hormonal balance, immune health and nervous system function. Found in foods such as: beans, lentils, nuts, bread, fortified breakfast cereals, green vegetables (especially spinach), and dried fruit. bread, vegetables, soya beans, peanuts, oatmeal, wheatgerm and rice.

Calcium and Magnesium
Important for nervous system function and for promoting strong healthy bones.

Antioxidants
Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium and Caroteniods provide a high level of antioxidant protection. The body also has antioxidants enzymes that require zinc, manganese and cooper in order to work.
Found in foods such as: fruit and vegetables contain vitamin C, especially peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, blackcurrants, and kiwi fruit