Healthy Women at Every Age
November 22nd, 2006 by Cindy Hebbard
Women are often treated with a variety of medications just for passing through normal biological phases of life. We need to re-evaluate whether or not we should risk the side effects of such treatments when there are so many effective ways to feel invigorated and free of discomfort by eating the right foods and using safe, gentle and effective herbal and nutritional remedies.
Girls, as they become young women, are often recommended to take aspirin, Tylenol or Midol to relieve cramping and discomfort. Girls and women of any age may be prescribed mild doses of prescription depression medications for the moodiness or blues that can accompany PMS or menopause. Women who are pregnant or nursing are too often treated by people in the medical professions as if they suffer from an illness or disease, instead of being honored and revered for being in a natural state of womanhood as they bring forth life.
And menopause has become a catchall condition, complete with dozens of prescription medications for any of the possible symptoms that women in fast-paced western societies may experience. Did you know that there is no word for menopause or hot flashes in the East Asian languages? This is likely do to the fact that Asian women who use the traditional foods and practices of their region do not experience anything negative when passing through ‘the change of life’. When women from East Asian countries become ‘westernized’ with junk food and excess stress, they, too, experience the menopause symptoms that we are all to familiar with.
Remember the adage, ‘we are what we eat’? More accurately, we could say ‘We are what we take into our bodies, and are healthiest when we eat and are able to digest and utilize fresh, wholesome foods’. When we choose what enters our bodies wisely, we can retain or regain our good physical health and balanced emotional well-being. Women of all ages should do their very best to eat a wide variety of nutritious whole foods so as to supply the body and mind with the nutrients needed for optimal energy and vitality.
Take good care of yourself, every day. This is another important ‘food’ sorely lacking for the majority of women today; the practice of caring for ourselves. Isn’t it time to change this one? It only takes an attitude shift, so what do you have to lose? Beginning today, do your best to nurture yourself every day. Most women do so much for everyone else, but too often we neglect ourselves. Find ways to relax every day, no matter how busy you are. In fact, the busier your life is, the more important daily relaxation and self-nurturing will be for you. Take a bath or buy yourself some flowers, work in the garden, walk, run or swim, whatever nurtures your soul. Make the time every day to do something special for yourself; something that won’t show up on your hips! You’ll be able to better care for others when you’ve cared well for yourself.
Drink plenty of water every day! Attempt to drink half your weight in ounces of fresh, delicious filtered or spring water every day. In other words, a 150 pound person should drink seventy-five ounces or about nine glasses of water daily.
De-stress often. Whether this means having a hot bath or sauna, getting a massage, acupuncture or bodywork regularly, walking the dog or taking a yoga or meditation class, it is important to breathe deeply, relax and let your mind unwind as often as you can. At least once or twice daily, stop what you’re doing to take some long, deep breaths, and be sure to exhale completely. We can only inhale deeply with the next breath if we’ve completely let go of the one before.
Avoid processed and deep-fried foods. These foods can cause long-term damage to our fragile bodies. Eaten only once in a while, they may do little or no harm, but for many of us, regular consumption of processed and deep-fried foods can affect our digestion and energy levels for days or weeks. Be aware of the effects that these foods can have on the cardiovascular system. This is now well documented, and can mean the difference between sticky, clumping blood and vibrant health!
Enjoy yourself while preparing wonderful fresh foods for yourself and your family. Be creative in the kitchen. Cooking can be a time to relax, breathe deeply and nurture yourself. Serve several fresh vegetables, local whenever available, with each meal. Share food preparation time with children. They can help beginning at two or three years old, and can instill good eating habits for a lifetime of good health.
For optimal health at any age, please eat plenty of the following foods:
Dark leafy green vegetables (kale, collards, watercress, arugula, chards, mustards, etc), sea vegetables (nori, wakame, dulse, kelp, kombu, etc), organic powdered algae (spirulina, chlorella, red algae). They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber.
Cultured foods such as miso, kefir, nutritional yeast and whole milk organic yogurt can help strengthen our digestion, immune system and liver to help balance our hormones. Goat yogurt & cheeses are delicious & easy to digest, even for most people who are sensitive to dairy products. Miso is particularly nourishing & protective for girls and women of all ages. One teaspoon of miso daily can significantly support the prevention of symptoms of menopause or PMS. Cultured soy foods are nutrient rich & supply bioavailable isoflavones and millions of other micro-nutrients. For further information about the health benefits of properly cultured soy foods, please see Myths in Nutrition- Part One- The Great Soy Debate, posted to this site on November 11, 2006.
Sprouts are a nutrient dense, delicious live food. Did you know that just one tiny little broccoli sprout has all the phytonutrients that the entire large broccoli plant will contain when mature? So, the next time you’re feeling moody, you get exposed to something you feel is toxic in your system or it’s about ‘that time of month’, try munching on a handful of broccoli sprouts for a few days. You may be amazed by the results!
Sprouted grain breads, often found in the freezer section, are low in carbs & high in nutrition! A crushed grain (made into flour) is high in carbs, but when you sprout that same grain, it becomes higher in protein, minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients for vital health.
Nuts, seeds & nut butters (preferably organic) supply many essential nutrients; protein, omega fats, minerals, etc in a delicious and nutritious food. (Please note: This category does not technically include peanuts or peanut butter. While some may enjoy peanuts and peanut products, for many they may contribute to health concerns or be difficult to digest.)
Extra virgin olive oil (eaten raw, never cooked) and other raw, natural oils, are loaded with essential fatty acids, necessary for ever cell in the body. The Flora company provides some of the highest quality oils available anywhere.
Flax seed supports good elimination of toxins from the colon while offering protein and good fats. Flax seed is best purchased in the organic whole seed form, and then fresh ground & eaten within 15 minutes. It doesn’t store well due to the volatile oils contained within.
Root vegetables are alkalizing, helping to reduce fatigue. Roots in the diet help to nourish our beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting digestion, assimilation of nutrients and immune health.
Green powdered drink mixes, preferably organic (as greens that are not organically grown will carry higher concentrations of petrochemicals) are super foods, and excellent for people of all ages who may desire more energy and a fast way to enjoy their green foods every day. Try mixing the powder with almond, hazelnut or rice milk.
Stay away from refined sugar, flour and junk food, as much as possible. (Special occasions are ok, but do your best to make it an occasional treat and not an every day feast.) We do not need to give up all of our favorite treats. We should just be sure to enjoy them in moderation as we eat plenty of fresh (and cultured) vegetables and nutritious, whole foods.
Prepare lunches and snacks at home whenever possible, and bring them with you to work or play. This is an effective way to consume high quality, nutritious foods while away from the home.
One of the most powerful medicines we have is food!
