Supplements for Women

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle Magazine in connection with Natural Health Week

Whatever your time of life there is something to help...

PMS, Conception and Pregnancy

Chasteberry (agnus castus) has shown itself effective for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, also try black cohosh. Evening primrose oil and vitamin B6 relieve breast tenderness and mood swings in some women, while calcium and magnesium supplements can help ease cramps.

Supplement with folic acid for three months before conception and continue during pregnancy.

For morning sickness try ginger or acupressure wristbands.

Eat oily fish or take a fish oil supplement (not cod liver oil) as the essential fatty acid they contain is vital to brain development in your growing baby.

Raspberry leaf tea can help prepare you for labour but should only be drunk in the last couple of months of pregnancy.

Specially-formulated pregnancy supplements are available that provide the combination of nutrients needed to help ensure a healthy mother and baby.

Menopause Moments

Black cohosh is useful for mood swings and night sweats; evening primrose oil or borage oil for breast pain and fatigue; agnus castus, which helps stabilise hormone levels; red clover and soya for their phytoestrogens; and essential fatty acids for mood swings and concentration.

Get Good Bones

Eat calcium-rich foods (for example green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach) and consider a calcium supplement combined with vitamin D.

Other items of interest

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The minerals boron, magnesium and zinc are also necessary for bone health so consider supplementing with an appropriate multi-vitamin and mineral formulation.

Glucosamine has been shown to maintain healthy joints.

Weight-bearing exercise - such as walking, aerobics, running - is also important as it strengthens your bones while stimulating the creation of new bone.

Stresses of Life...

Do you smoke? Take at least an extra 200mg vitamin C daily (smoking Increases body requirements for vitamin C).

Do you drink? Consider milk thistle and dandelion to detox your liver and kidneys, vitamin C and a fish oil supplement to improve your concentration.