Mother’s day has come and gone, but women all over the globe will continue being the instinctive caregivers that they were designed to be. Although this is an inherent trait, we should be cautioned not to allow it to set the stage for unresolved stress. Why? Naturally, many health problems can arise. Here are 4 common ones and the secrets to counteract them quickly!
PROBLEM #1: Heart According to senior cardiologist Dennis Goodman, MD, 50 percent of women die from a heart attack or a stroke. A lesser known fact is that estrogen is what protects women’s hearts, but when hormone levels drop the risks increases. Other major risk factors include being overweight and/or inactive with a waistline over 35 inches.
Natural Secret: CoQ10 – recommendation is 50-100 mg daily for healthy women; up to 200-300 mg daily when heart disease is present.
Multivitamin – preferably choose a liquid formula that is designed to raise HDL (good cholesterol). HDL boosters are commonly administered by natural health professionals. Physical activity is always encouraged to maintain a healthy weight.
PROBLEM #2: Hormonal Imbalance For women - stress triggers overproduction of cortisol which taxes the adrenal glands. Subsequently, more progesterone is used and this in turn creates an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. As a result women will experience mood swings, premature or severe menopausal symptoms and more!
Natural Secret: Eating small meals – recommendation is eating small meals every 3-4 hours that have adequate protein, vegetables, unrefined whole grains along with good sleep and regular exercise.
Supplementation – to combat stress and provide adrenal support take a nutritional supplement that includes (200 mcg) of chromium which stabilizes blood sugar; at least (25- 50 mg) of B vitamins, (500 mg) of vitamin C; (250 mg) of magnesium.
*Magnesium glycinate (400 mg) before bedtime will relieve stress and improve sleep. Taking (3 g) of fish oil per day will further support overall healthy hormone function.*
PROBLEM #3: s*xual Dysfunction No, it’s not just a “man” problem. Woman too may experience some level of s*xual dysfunction at some point due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid/hormonal imbalances or emotional issues of not feeling loved and/or secure.
Natural Secret: Peruvian Maca – helps stressed adrenal glands (hypothalamus and pituitary glands) and according to an Asian Journal study, it increases libido by 180%.
Choline supplementation – is helpful in increasing ACH activity which is involved in the build-up towards an orgasm through urethral/******l contractions. Recommendation is (1,000 –3,000 mg) along with vitamin B5 (500-1,500 mg) - 20-30 minutes before s*x.
PROBLEM #4: ******l Yeast Infections This type of infection in women has been linked to taking antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, and even diabetes since there are high levels of blood sugar that invite and promote yeast overgrowth.
Natural Secret: ******l Suppositories – look for natural ones that contain anti-bacterial herbs such as tea tree oil. Probiotics – It is advisable to eat organic yogurt with live cultures and/or take probiotics to restore the healthy balance of good bacteria within the body.
With your new-found secrets in mind always remember: Being a woman is all about “nurturing”; now it’s time to start with – YOU!
Makeisha Lee, author of this column, is a health and nutrition consultant. She is also the author of "Why Black People Can't Lose Weight" available at www.WhyBlackPeopleCantLoseWeight.com and in bookstores nationwide.
