Staying healthy and feeling great is not always easy; however, many proven-safe vitamin and herbal supplements can normalize a woman’s system and help her feel her best each day. Continue reading for an introduction to some great supplements, especially for women.
Calcium is a good supplement for anyone, but especially for women. As women age, their body needs more calcium to fight off osteoporosis. Older women with calcium deficiencies start to develop hairline cracks in their bones. They suffer more breaks and fractures, which can be life-threatening in later years.
Iron is an important supplement to help stave off anemia. Excessive fatigue is one of the hallmarks of anemia, and a doctor can easily diagnose the condition and provide a dosage recommendation for iron.
Vitamin D, especially D3 (cholecalciferol), is important for women who do not spend much time in the sun. A shortage of this vitamin can cause insomnia and impaired bone mineralization. This makes bones soft, and can lead to several health problems.
Vitamin C is a champion vitamin for many reasons. The human adrenal system uses a large amount of vitamin C to produce the hormones that help women deal with daily stress. Additionally, vitamin C is well-known as an immunity enhancer. Supplements are easy to find, and this water-soluble vitamin is safe in relatively high doses.
Folic acid is an important nutrient for women who are thinking of getting pregnant, or already pregnant. A folic acid deficiency is known to cause serious birth defects such as neural tube defect. Additionally, as women age, folic acid combined with B6 vitamin helps control levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can indicate a higher risk of stroke or heart attack.
Ehcinacea is a great herb that has a reputation for helping women build strong immune systems. Naturopathic doctors recommend this herb to help fight and avoid colds, flu and other ailments.
Some women consider black cohosh to be a miracle herb, because it has a way of putting and end to “hot flashes.” Black cohosh can also help normalize menopausal or peri-menopausal hormones, helping women feel more energetic. Formulations containing black cohosh and other beneficial herbs can help women slow down hormone-related hair loss, insomnia and other issues.
Ginger is a well-known herb for cooking, but it has also been used for years as a treatment for easing queasy stomachs. Ginger works well for pregnant mothers enduring morning sickness; it also helps alleviate motion sickness when taken one hour before travel. Ginger is slightly stimulating and good for the circulation, and also works for nausea caused by other supplements, such as B vitamins.
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that many women take to improve their memory. Hormonal changes and age can contribute to difficulties with memory. Gingko biloba may increase cognitive ability by increasing blood flow to the brain. Studies are mixed in terms of how much gingko biloba helps, although it is undergoing studies for Alzheimer’s treatment.
Glucosamine is a fluid that occurs naturally around the joints in the human body. Glucosamine sulfate helps ease pain in the joints by increasing the amount of fluid and cartilage surrounding and cushioning the bones. Researchers also believe that glucosamine acts to protect against further deterioration in cartilage and fluid.
The huge variety of supplements available can be overwhelming. Women should speak with their doctor about supplements that make sense given their current health profile, and focus on supplements that have adequate tests and clinical trials to establish safety and effective dosages. Supplements can ease many pains and sleepless nights, helping women stay active and happy while enjoying their busy lives.
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