Women"s Health 101: 3 Unique Ways to Ensure You Have a Healthy Pregnancy

 

Pregnancy is a joyous time, but it can also be stressful. When you are pregnant, your body changes in many ways, not all of them comfortable. You want to do everything possible to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. The following three tips will help to make your pregnancy proceed as smoothly as possible.

 

Take Good Care of Your Feet

Swollen feet are a common symptom of pregnancy. This can be a painful condition that can cause you pain when you are walking around and even while you’re stationary. Resting your feet and going barefoot as much as possible is one way to reduce this symptom. Soaking your feet in both hot and cold water is one of the best ways to relieve this problem. The trick is to alternate between hot and cold treatments. You can do this if you have two foot baths or basins, one for hot water and one for cold. Keep the temperatures comfortable; you don’t want to shock your body with scalding hot or freezing cold water.

 

Use Healing Herbs

Herbs have been used for many centuries to help a variety of conditions. There are certain herbs that are especially good for pregnancy. Some Chinese herbs, which can be found on websites like Radiant Wonder, are good for promoting fertility. Other herbs can help to control various symptoms associated with pregnancy. You should use herbs cautiously when you’re pregnant. If you aren’t sure if a certain herb is safe, ask your doctor or an expert. Many herbs, however, are perfectly safe. Chamomile, for example, is effective for relaxation and may help you sleep better. Ginger can help to alleviate nausea, but should be used in moderation.

 

Increase Your Intake of Fiber

Many women experience constipation during pregnancy. While this is a normal and common symptom, it can be relieved by eating more fiber-rich foods. Fiber can be found in many foods, such as whole grain breads, beans, cereals, oats and other grains. You can also find supplements to increase your intake of fiber, such as flaxseed oil and psyllium husks. Leafy vegetables are also a good source of fiber.

 

You have to pay extra attention to your diet and lifestyle habits when you’re pregnant. In addition to following your doctor’s advice, you can keep the above tips in mind to reduce or relieve some of the common problems associated with pregnancy. This can help you focus on the joyful aspects of giving birth.

 

Categories: common symptom, Feet, fiber, foot care, healing herbs, healthy pregnancy, herbs, nbsp, pregnancy, women's health

Yeast Infections: How To Cure Them With Home Remedies

The symptoms of vaginitis affect most women at some point in their lives – the itching, burning pain, and discharge that comes with a yeast infection are uncomfortable and undesirable no matter what age you are unfortunate enough to develop this infection. Yeast infections are caused by organisms which inhabit the vagina – one of the most common causes is the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast infections can be successfully treated at home, but it’s still advisable what you speak to your GP to ensure that it is actually a yeast infection. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing your symptoms, so you should check before taking any medication or trying any remedies. But, if you’ve checked with your GP, or have had a yeast infection in the past and are sure that you’ve developed it again, these remedies may be useful to you. The first rule of thumb is to ensure that you keep the genital area dry and loose so that air can circulate. Yeast organisms like warm, moist conditions so by wearing fabrics that don’t breathe, you’re giving them the perfect environment to thrive. You should dry the vaginal area well after showering or bathing, then opt for a breathable fabric such as cotton underwear and loose trousers or a skirt to let the area breathe.

Practicing good hygiene is also important as yeast infections produce secretions when they are irritated. Yeast can also be passed on through sexual activity and through things like shared baths, so avoid bathing together or sharing towels. Try to wash your clothing in hot water too, to destroy the yeast organisms on your clothes. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the cycle to kill the yeast. Not only can alcohol and chemicals in certain body washes cause irritation, but they can also pH balance to the vagina, which gives the yeast chance to flourish. Routine douching isn’t wise if you don’t have vaginal symptoms, but it can help to balance the pH balance if you have a yeast infection. Live yoghurt can cool your symptoms and restore the friendly microorganisms in the vaginal area. Eating yoghurt can help, but you can also insert one to two tablespoons into the vagina and externally to the areas that are affected. As an alternative, you can also use a lactobacillus tablet vaginally once a day and douching with vinegar twice a day for two days.

 

Studies have also shown that boric acid is a safe way to treat yeast infections. If your doctor agrees that it is a good idea, you could try using a boric acid capsule as a suppository if you experience a flare-up of symptoms. However, if you’re pregnant then you should skip this. The most common treatment is an over-the-counter fungal cream which removes the yeast infection quickly and effectively. Both miconazole and clotrimazole are effective in treating this problem and are readily available in pharmacies and many supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packet, and complete the full course of medication even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared as the infection may still be present. If you regularly get yeast infections around the time of your period, you may find it useful to use an antifungal cream a few days before and after your period, as a preventative. Lastly, cranberry juice can be useful as the acidity in the juice can kill any bacteria in your urethra and create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria.

Categories: Bacteria, boric acid, infection, Infections, ph balance, vaginal area, women's health, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections, yeast organisms

Female-Targeted Supplements to Boost Women’s Health

With so many supplements on the market, it can be difficult knowing where to begin in finding one that suits your body and needs. A new range of female-targeted supplements known as femMED have been released that take the confusion out of these dietary additions and to deal with specific problems that women encounter every day. Using the highest quality ingredients possible and 100% natural, these supplements are backed by a wealth of research and clinical trials to ensure that they’re not only safe but also effective. Shawna Page, who created the line of supplements, says that she was inspired by natural health remedies but found that the range of supplements already on the market didn’t target the areas of her body that she wanted to improve. She wanted to create supplements for women at every stage of their lives, from teens to the elderly. Our health changes as we age, so it’s important that we reflect that with the supplements we take. FemMED has taken this into account and created a range that reflects how different women are at these stages of life.

 

Shawna claims that it’s important to take supplements in order to boost your health in areas that your diet is lacking. If everyone ate a balanced diet of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, dairy and whole grains every day, there would be no need for supplements. However, in today’s age of fast food and quick meals, most people are lacking in vitamins and minerals that will eventually lead to health problems, from dry skin and hair to more serious conditions. Supplements are a quick and easy way of preventing chronic disease, improving your wellbeing and filling in the gaps that your diet has left. While they are no replacement for a balanced diet, they certainly ensure that you remain healthy. FemMED is a line of 13 products which are specifically for women and take the worry out of choosing a supplement for your needs. Addressing the most common health problems that women face, these supplements are far more appealing that choosing from an extensive range of complex formulas. Not only that, but every product in the range can be combined to target multiple health concerns and they use vegetarian caps. The range was created with a selection of health professionals, from herbalists to gynaecologists and obstetricians, so that every health concern was considered. Research has been extensive so that Shawna could ensure they were safe and effective.

The philosophy behind the range was to allow women to take control of their health and wellness – education, Shawna believes, is the key to having the confidence to challenge suggestions and empower women to take control of their diets. Traditional allopathic doctors won’t necessarily lead to a completely fantastic diet, and they won’t have all the answers to your dietary questions. For example, it’s not always necessary to use medication for your condition if a supplement can do the same job. Your health plan for improved wellbeing should include a healthy and balanced diet, regular physical activity, no smoking and limited alcohol intake, plenty of sleep, well managed stress and nutritional supplements. Of course, if something doesn’t feel right or you’re worried about your health,  you should speak to your GP who can check for any serious conditions. It’s best to be aware of your body so that you can make a note of changes in your health and catch any potential health problems early before they develop.

Categories: balanced diet, diet, female targeted, health, health problems, New Solution, range, Supplements, targeted supplements, Women, women's health

Depression and Menopause - The Myths and Secrets

Once women pass the age of 40, the dreaded menopause becomes a ticking time bomb of worrying for them. With so many myths surrounding this stage in a woman’s life, it’s easy to understand why so many women worry about what’s to come. Most women, however, come out the other side unscathed – this is a normal process in the human body after all. It’s vital that women undergoing ‘the change’ do so with a positive outlook and optimism. Failing to do so can result in depression and anxiety, which could have a damaging effect on the body. Most of the stories put out into the media about the menopause aren’t actually true, which means women are becoming scared of a natural process for no reason. Here are some of the more common myths and what really goes on.

 

Menopause makes you unstable

There are some changes to your behaviour during this time, as your hormones shift and this can make you act in a way you wouldn’t normally. You may react strongly to things or be a little unpredictable at times. However, just because you’re going through the menopause doesn’t mean you’ll be like this for life. This is a brief stage where you’re experiencing some internal changes, but they will revert back to normal soon. Relaxation techniques can be a good way of keeping a control over your behaviour while your hormones are erratic, though.

 

Menopause leads to memory loss

There is no memory loss with menopause – this is purely a myth. Young women can be just as absent minded and forgetful as older women, and there has been no relation to menopause and loss of memory despite numerous tests to determine this. Low oestrogen levels can slow the cognitive process down, but this doesn’t really affect your memory a great deal.

 

Menopause leads to weight gain and consequent depression

Some women do find that they gain a little weight during the menopause, which they find results in a lack of energy and consequent depression about their body. This isn’t always the case though, with so many women taking better care of themselves during the menopause than perhaps they did when they were younger. It’s just a fraction of women who become lazy during this stage, which has perpetuated a myth that all menopausal women do this.

 

Menopause makes you look shaggy and unattractive

There are bodily changes to expect with menopause, such as the darkening of the skin on the face, sagging muscles and greying hair, but you can also feel rejuvenated and still look attractive for your age. Depressed women tend to start giving up with taking care of themselves, which only makes the problem worse. You don’t have to give up just because you’re menopausal – it can be an incredibly freeing time for many women, it simply depends on your outlook.

 

Menopause can hamper work efficiency

This is also a myth that has become attached to the very concept of a menopause, but it isn’t true. In fact, the many years of experience these women have makes them wiser and less likely to make risky choices at work. Yes, some women may find that they get tired more easily, but this doesn’t mean that their efficiency is affected in any way.

 

Menopause causes depression in every woman

Only 10 to 15 percent of menopausal women become depressed, which is a fraction of those assumed to be at risk of this. The hormonal changes can affect your mood swings, which can mean your reactions to things are little more extreme than they would be normally, but depression is a condition which isn’t automatically a result of this.

Categories: consequent depression, memory loss, menopausal women, Menopause, menopause leads, nbsp menopause, Symptoms, women's health

What Causes Heavy Periods And Can You Treat It?

While the amount of blood each women passes during a period varies significantly, some women experience extremely heavy periods – this is characterised by passing more than 80ml of blood each period. Naturally, the ability to measure how much blood each woman passes is not practical or realistic, but doctors can usually ascertain whether this is a possibility from the description the woman gives. A period is considered heavy if a woman bleeds for more than 8 to 10 days, particularly if this is repeated month after month; if she bleeds so much that it is difficult to attend her job, or make holiday plans; if she bleeds continuously and so heavily that she becomes anaemic; if she notices the presence of small clots for more than one or two days, or if ‘flooding’ is a problem she suffers with regularly. The causes for prolonged heavy periods are one of two problems, generally – in younger women, it is caused by the temporary hormone imbalance, which usually corrects itself. In the years close to the menopause, heavy periods are generally a sign of a hormone imbalance, or a sign of an underlying disease which increases with age. Heavy periods, or menorrhagia, could also be a symptom of fibroids, endometriosis, polyps in the lining of the womb, pelvic inflammatory disease, or dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) which is the most common cause of heavy periods. If you believe that you may be suffering with heavy periods you should consult your GP who can advise if there is an underlying problem. They will do this with a pelvic examination which is usually necessary, and in women over 40 there will also be a pelvic ultrasound scan or a biopsy to rule out any problems with the lining of the womb. Most medical professionals also suggest an examination known as a hysteroscopy, which involves putting a fine telescope through the neck of the womb in order to examine the lining of the womb – these can usually be performed without the need for general anaesthesia.

 

If your examination results come back clear and there is no underlying abnormality, there is no need for treatment – however, most women prefer to have something to help them cope with the symptoms each month. You may be able to take a tablet in order to cope with your problem if your symptoms are severe, which may or may not be a hormonal form of treatment. Hormonal treatments include the contraceptive pill and danazol – progesterones are effective in making periods more regular, but they don’t help to combat heavy flow. Non-hormonal treatments include tranexamic acid, which reduces your blood loss by up to half. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also achieve this by reducing your blood loss by about a third. If you’re anaemic due to heavy periods you will be prescribed iron or folic acid supplements, if necessary, or you will be given treatment if an underlying condition is discovered. You can also opt for other treatments, which include the contraceptive coil which is suitable for most women, or the surgical route, which means destroying the lining of the womb. This is either with a procedure which uses a laser or heat treatment with hot water in a balloon, or through a hysterectomy which is the removal of the uterus. The latter of these treatments are only suitable for women who don’t wish to have any more children. Your GP will be able to talk through your options with you to determine which route would be best for your circumstances.

Categories: menorrhagia, Periods, women's health

Ladies – What Nutrients Are You Missing?

You might be the buff bunny in the gym, the weekend warrior or simply the humble dietician – but the truth is, you could also be missing out on some important ingredients in your lifestyle. For women, living healthily is almost becoming a requirement, with so much on the go. As a result, we can’t slink back from the constant reminders to take this or take that. Of course, do us girls really have the time?

If you take daily supplements, have a seat, sit back and take a peek at a nutrient list designed specifically for women before you take any more …

1. Calcium – If you drink milk and calcium-rich foods, it’s a good start. Reducing the risk of arthritis and joint trouble is a must. Unfortunately, the tea and the café lattes just doesn’t cut it. Try out some leafy greens, seafood and vegetables to grab some real bone-strengthener!


2. Uniquinol – For optimum liver, heart and brain health, ubiquinol is the stuff that gets the real juices flowing! Foods such as oily fish, meat, whole grains, vegetables, olive and sesame oils are the best way to get yourself going. You’ll be sharper before you know it! Impress your boss – impress yourself!


3. Vitamin D – As calcium is beneficial for your bones, vitamin D improves your muscles, as well as strengthening your immune system and even helping calcium to strengthen your bones! Hunt down a few eggs and chow down on salmon during the cold winter months when the sun is barely peeking through the clouds.


4. Omega-3s – For our inner-strength, omega-3 boosts heart health and helps to reduce the risk of cancer. Fatty fish, ground flaxseed, canola oils, chia seeds and supplements can help to balance out our health, diets and hearts.


5. Iron – Anaemia is caused when the blood doesn’t have enough iron. For women, blood flow is a problem, since during our menstrual cycle, we can lose a significant amount. Take 18 mg a day if you are menstruating; 27 mg a day for pregnant women; 9 mg a day if you are breastfeeding; and 8 mg day if you are post-menopause.


6. Folate – Folate is a B vitamin that helps your body to make red blood cells. It can help reduce the risk of birth defects and lowers the amount of the amino acid homocysteine. Grab 400 mcg a day; 500 mcg a day for pregnant women; 600 mcg a day for breastfeeding women.


7. Magnesium – One of the biggies for us missies; magnesium helps to give us plenty of energy in our cells, maintains muscles, nerves, heart rhythm, immunity, bone structure and blood sugar and pressure. That’s strong stuff! Sources of magnesium are foods such as spinach and fresh vegetables, whole grains and fruits – and avoid processed foods if you can.


8. Vitamin C – If you’re not nibbling on citrus fruits, then you may need to tackle this – dark vegetables are a great source too. Grab 75 mg per day; 85 mg a day if you are pregnant; 120 mg a day if breastfeeding; and an additional 35 mg if you smoke.

That’s a heck of a lot to gnaw on each day! So could a multivitamin be the answer? Some doctors suggest that you don’t need one at all, whilst others suggest taking one alongside other nutrients – if you are uncertain about what you need, consult your GP and find what is the best concoction for your lifestyle.

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Ladies – What Nutrients Are You Missing?

Categories: anti-ageing, Multivitamins, women's health

Don’t Underestimate The Effect Of Stress On Hormones

It can be easy to think of hormones as being something that we have no control over. But the reality is that your lifestyle does actually have a very important role to play in keeping your hormones balanced and your symptoms in check. Bioidentical natural progesterone is an important factor in the way hormones affect your body, but there is much more you can do for yourself to stay in a good position.

It is well-known and obvious that your lifestyle has a huge effect on your overall health and wellbeing. If you have a bad diet and don’t exercise regularly you’ll pay the price with worsening health. But people don’t also realise that these factors play a huge role in your hormones as well.

When your hormones are in balance, you’ll be able to sleep a lot better and get enough energy for your needs. It also means a healthy libido and a strong immune and digestive system. But it’s important to remember that it really does not take much to disrupt that balance and cause problems for your health.

There are a number of things that can upset you and can cause symptoms, or hormone disorders. However, you should remember that these sorts of imbalances don’t just happen out of nothing. To have these signs appear we have usually been laying the foundations for it for a number of years previously.

The cumulative physiological effects of stress cause disruption of the natural rhythms and balancing mechanisms of women’s hormones. Over a period of time this can compromise both general as well as hormonal health. If you can free yourself from stress you’ll be in the best possible position to stay healthy.

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Don’t Underestimate The Effect Of Stress On Hormones

Categories: hormones, Stress, women's health

How Vaginismus Affects The Lives Of Many Women

You may never have heard of vaginismus but is a psychological condition that causes sexual problems for a large number of women across the UK. The condition is characterised by a powerful physical response. Whenever there’s an attempt to penetrate the vagina, the muscles surrounding the entrance go into an involuntary spasm.

Vaginismus doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some women who suffer with the condition may be easily aroused and enjoy orgasms – but for some reason, intercourse isn’t possible. For others, however, there may be very little sexual interest and it can often lead to developing a lot of fears and anxieties about penetration.

Some women will have suffered with the condition for all of their adult lives, but for others it may have occurred after a specific trauma or in a particular relationship. Either way, vaginismus can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Not only do women with the condition find it more difficult to enjoy having sex, but the inability to be penetrated makes the decision to start a family very difficult.

There are many causes for vaginismus, but none of them are physical. If you’ve suffered painful intercourse in the past, it could be that the condition is an unconscious response to avoid more pain. Generally the causes can be broken down into three specific categories: personal issues about sex, previous traumatic experiences or relationship issues.

Fortunately, vaginismus is an entirely treatable condition. You should speak to your doctor about the condition and they will be able to recommend an appropriate course of action. The most important thing is to avoid keeping your problems quiet, because there is no way to help you if doctors don’t know about it.

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How Vaginismus Affects The Lives Of Many Women

Categories: Sex, vaginismus, women's health

Does Pre-menopause Syndrome Affect Your Life?

If you are still a young woman, the word ‘menopause’ might not feature very often in your thoughts. However, there are many women like you who don’t consider menopause to be a problem yet in their life, but are already experiencing symptoms that could be quite similar to those expected during the menopause.

This can include any number of things, but usually involves gaining weight despite not changing your diet. You may also have uncomfortable or lumpy breasts, and this would be especially worse pre-menstrually. Also, your period could be becoming irregular, you could have lost some of your sex drive or becoming more irritable, especially in the morning.

The culprit for all of these symptoms could be something that is known as pre-menopause syndrome. Pre-menopause syndrome is not a natural or expected part of a woman’s life and can happen due to a poor lifestyle, bad eating habits or a toxic environment. The pre-menopause syndrome is a condition that most women are aware of but very few have a name for, instead believing that it is a natural progression in their life and typical of ageing.

This can lead women to suffer for a long time without realising that there are ways that you can treat pre-menopause syndrome and that you don’t have to suffer in silence. The symptoms often come as a result of hormone imbalances, mainly oestrogen dominance. They are not just about biochemistry; they are about women who struggle to balance work-life and simply forgot to take care of themselves.

Don’t suffer by yourself, speak to your doctor about the problem and they will be able to come up with a plan to help. This doesn’t have to involve taking chemicals or synthetic hormones; it can often be resolved simply by living a healthier lifestyle.

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Does Pre-menopause Syndrome Affect Your Life?

Categories: health concerns, Menopause, women's health

Gender Discrimination: The Silent Killer of Women Worldwide

According to the latest UN reports, around 800 women die every day during pregnancy and childbirth, and for each of these deaths, another the wellbeing of another 20 is affected by lifelong suffering due to injury, infection, disease or disabilities stemming from pregnancy, childbirth or an unsafe abortion. Human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International, say that the entrenched gender discrimination of countries around the world leads to these catastrophic wellness consequences.

‘From Indonesia to Peru, Sierra Leone to the USA, millions of women and girls are paying with their lives for failed health policies, inadequate care, and discriminatory laws. Many face discrimination and violence in their communities and families, with little or no hope of justice or support from governments,’ said Marianne Mollmann, senior policy advisor at Amnesty International.

There are many countries in which women and girls cannot, or struggle to, access basic reproductive and sexual health services and information. Sometimes this is because governments fail to invest their resources or make this a priority, but in other cases there are health services that exist, only they are concentrated in more affluent areas, restricting access for many women who live too far away or cannot afford the cost of getting there.

Even when they do reach the health centres, Amnesty International found that, even in the USA, women who live in poverty are sometimes ill-treated by staff members who don’t understand their needs or speak their language. According to Mollmann, ‘Every year millions of women and girls face almost insurmountable barriers to accessing the most basic health care, in particular when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health. They are consistently denied access to information, contraceptives, emergency obstetrics services, and even remedies for substandard care.’ She added, ‘The tragic reality is that many deaths and injuries connected with pregnancy and childbirth can be prevented.’

She continued, ‘These past decades, we have seen increased investment in prenatal care, in particular. And while that leads to necessary improvements in infant care, it does little to tackle underlying inequalities in access to health information and care. Women obviously have healthcare issues that are unrelated to childbirth. The fact is that governments are reluctant to prevent discrimination and remedy abuse.’

A UN Programme of Action was adopted two decades ago, and representatives of UN member states will gather again in 2014 to review its progress on the Programme of Action adopted two decades earlier in Cairo. Mollmann explained, ‘We hope this review will help move these issues forward. Our demands are basic – everybody should be able to make independent and informed decisions about their health, bodies, and lives, and live free from violence. As a minimum, this requires access to comprehensive sexuality education for all.’

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Gender Discrimination: The Silent Killer of Women Worldwide

Categories: Education, Gender Discrimination, women's health

How cookware and carpets increase arthritis risk

There are many things that we associate with increasing our risk of arthritis symptoms. Too many repetitive tasks that use the joints are often blamed, and this can be one of the strongest triggers for the condition. Another problem is widely known to be the natural wear and tear, which can be worsened if you are overweight or obese. But there might be a new factor to worry about if you are trying to avoid making your symptoms worse.

A new study suggests that the greater a woman’s exposure to a type of common chemical compound called PFCs, the more likely she is to develop osteoarthritis. Interestingly, the researchers did not find a similar risk to be associated to men. The chemicals can be found in a wide range of products including non-stick cookware, take-out containers and carpets. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It causes discomfort, pain and stiffness and involves the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. It is a problem all across the world and scientists are still learning about the factors which can increase your risk of developing it.

The authors of the study have been quick to point out that while the research indicates a clear link between the chemical and osteoarthritis, there is no proof yet that the two have a direct cause-and-effect relationship. This does, however, add to an increasing body of evidence that reveals synthetic chemicals are bad for our bodies. For now, the authors have simply recommended using and buying products made from natural materials rather than those that contain these potentially harmful chemicals. Previous research had found a link between PFC exposure and a higher risk for the premature onset of menopause in women, but this is the first study to link the chemicals to arthritis.

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How cookware and carpets increase arthritis risk

Categories: Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, women's health