Different types of vitamins and supplements are important for optimum health because they provide essential substitutes for nutrients which your body needs but may not be getting due to a poor diet. When your body is going through tough or physically demanding times such fitness training; stressful times due to work or money matters, or if you are having a cold or a flu, your body needs certain essential vitamins to help it function properly.
Although everyone needs these supplements, they play a particularly critical role in women’s health. These days, women have the most demanding day to day activities, both at home and at work. At home, a women’s role involves juggling being mom, a wife, keeping the house clean and cooking for the whole family. Everyone’s health and well being at home, from the husband to the kids, are all key concerns for the wife and mother.
In the corporate world, women can have very challenging jobs that come with high responsibilities. These jobs can be quite stressful. All these responsibilities means that a women’s body needs to be at its optimum condition at all times. Although most women are careful about what they eat, sometimes a good diet may not be followed due to lack of time. This makes it very important for women to take some vitamins which can make sure that the body has all the nutrients it needs.
During her lifetime, a female’s body undergoes many physiological changes. These include pregnancy and child birth. At later stages of one’ life, a women goes through menopause during which significant changes occur in the body. Hence, in order to deal with these changes, the body must have proper nutrition. If proper nutrition is not available or is not followed, then some supplemental nutrients can be used.
Discussed below are few stages in women’s life where proper nutrition is essential:
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): During PMS, women undergo mood swings and pains. A good dose of vitamins can help them in relieving the pain associated with PMS. Vitamins A, B6, E, pantothenic acid, calcium and magnesium can give relief from all problems that occur during PMS such as bloating, mood swings, stress, and cramping and muscle tension. These vitamins can also help to control the imbalanced in estrogen levels and increase a woman’s immunity.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, a woman needs a lot of vitamins such as Vitamin A to have strong bones and teeth, Vitamin E for the formation red blood cells and muscles, Vitamin C for healthy immune system, and Vitamin B1 to regulate the nervous system. Sufficient quantities of Vitamin K can also help in building the bones of the baby.
Nursing: It is true that mother’s milk has abundant nutrition for the baby. However, breast milk can be deficient in vitamin D, which can be improved by consuming cod liver oil during the pregnancy phase.
Menopause: As women reach the stage of menopause and beyond, they should take essential vitamins like Vitamin E, because they prevent skin damage, aging, heart problems and various types of cancers.
It is recommendable for every woman to take supplements everyday to keep her energized throughout the day. The modern woman is busier than ever before. She has not only to hold on to her career, but also she has to manage her family and run her home. Also she has to make sure she is fit and healthy. Due to lack of time, women may end up not following healthy and adequate diets, and sometimes they eat unhealthy fast food. As a result, they end up with sensitive or aging skin, hair thinning problems and lethargy among others.
Dietary supplements are therefore good for women who cannot meet their dietary requirements through organic sources. However, it is always better to eat organic sources of vitamins like fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy products.
Women should also include in their diet foods such as lean meat, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are very good for your skin and hair health. Vitamin B5 from whole grain cereals can prevent hair loss and graying of hair. Women should also avoid stress, minimize exposure to the sun, stop smoking and alcohol consumption, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly.
As discussed in this article, it is very important for every woman to have adequate supplements that are important for health and general well being.
