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Top 10 Health Tips for Women

Let’s face it, ladies: Doctor visits are short. And they’re getting shorter. What if your doctor had more time? She might tell you the same things that OB-GYN Alyssa Dweck, MD, co-author of V Is for Vagina, wants you to know.

Consider Dweck’s tips your prescription for a lifetime of wellness.

1. Zap your stress.

“The biggest issue I see in most of my patients is that they have too much on their plates and want to juggle it all. Stress can have significant health consequences, from infertility to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find the stress-reduction method that works for you and stick with it.”

2. Stop dieting.

“Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to forgo your favorite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber.”

3. Don’t “OD” on calcium.CONTINUE READING BELOW

“Too much-absorbed calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re under 50, shoot for 1,000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1,200 milligrams per day mainly through diet — about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds.”

4. Do more than cardio.

“Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is really important to a woman’s mental health.”

5. Think about fertility.

“While many women have no problem getting pregnant in their late 30s and even into their early 40s, a woman’s fertility may start to decline as early as 32. So if you want to have kids, talk to your doctor about options, like freezing your eggs.”

6. Appreciate birth control.

“Birth control gets a bad rap, but not only can it keep you from getting pregnant before you’re ready, studies show it can lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as regulate your cycle.”

7. See your doctor every year.

Make sure you get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every 3 years if you are 21 or older. If you are 30-65, you can get both a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. Older than that, you may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you are low risk. If you are sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis yearly. Take an HIV test at least once, more frequently if you’re at risk. Don’t skip your yearly checkup. Your doctor needs to annually assess many other issues such as potential infection, your need for contraception, and sexual complaints.”

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8. Have good sex.

“Sex reduces stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease — but only if you enjoy it. If anything prevents you from sexual fulfillment, such as dryness or pain, talk to your doctor to find a solution.”

9. Get more sleep.

“Sleep needs differ, but if you have trouble getting out of bed, tire easily, or have trouble concentrating, you likely aren’t getting enough. Recent studies suggest this can put you at greater risk of heart disease and psychological problems.”

10. Consider genetic testing.

“Doctors can now screen people with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and chronic diseases to assess their risk — and then consider preventive measures.

Food Habit That Are Very Help full

Green leafy vegetables: Enriched with iron content, green leafy vegetables like spinach have natural source of calcium, which are good for your bone strength. Not just this, these leafy greens are loaded with magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C and phytonutrients that provides a package for your bone health.

Whole grains: Including whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, bran flakes and whole-grain breads increases the fibre content in your body. Another reason you should add whole-grains in your diet is that it improves the digestive problems. If your digestive system is clean, you can prevent flatulence, constipation and even colon cancer.
Nuts: This delicious food is known as the powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. They are good for your bones and make your memory sharp. Almonds are loaded with bone strengthening minerals like magnesium and are a great source of calcium too. Walnuts contain excellent source of omega-3 fats, which result in preserving and strengthening bones. Pistachios are not only delicious but are high in magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6. So, eat a handful of nuts every day and improve your overall health.

Eggs: Eggs provide a source of non-dairy calcium. They are enriched with vitamin D which promotes overall health.

Onions: Onions have an amazing bone strengthening potential as they contain a certain type of polyphenol which boosts bone health. According to a study, eating onions once a day or more helps in improving your bone mass by 5 per cent. A study conducted on women above the age of 50 showed that those who ate onions regularly had a 20 per cent lower risk of suffering a hip fracture than those who didn’t eat onions regularly.

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Blueberries: Want to slow down your ageing process? Then add blueberries to your diet. Blueberries contain an amazing anti-ageing property, called asanthocyanins. They also prevent memory loss, maintain blood pressure levels and improve motor skills. High in antioxidants, they fight against free radicals and wrinkles.

Yoghurt: One of the oldest health boosting foods, yogurt should be eaten regularly. The ‘probiotics bacteria’ in yogurt helps in digestion, reduces inflammation and builds immunity. Yoghurt also has bone strengthening component – calcium and helps in reducing problems linked with irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal infections, inflammatory digestive tract disorders and stomach ulcers.

Tofu and soy milk: A highly nutritious food, tofu is enriched with protein and iron. It also contains other minerals such as manganese, phosphorous and selenium which strengthen bones. You can also include soy milk in your diet as both these food items are an excellent source of non-dairy calcium.

Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is a good source for calcium. And if you’re watching your weight, add parmesan cheese in your diet. It is lactose-free, easy to digest and enriched with phosphate.

Oats: Kickstart your day with a bowl of oats. Oats help in maintaining your cholesterol level as they are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Losing weight, maintaining cholesterol levels and improved digestion are some of the benefits that you get from eating oats.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes help in preventing breast and cervical cancer. They promote heart health and protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Milk: High in calcium, potassium, vitamin B12 and riboflavin, milk also gives you healthy bones, teeth and a glowing skin. Milk can lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer too.

Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium which maintains the body’s circulatory system. They are a great source of natural energy as they contain various vitamins, minerals and carbs. Bananas promote bowel health and relieve you from constipation.

Cranberry: Cranberries contain a compound known as proanthocyanidins. This compound helps in preventing bacteria from growing in the walls of the bladder. Cranberries naturally prevent urinary tract infections and helps in promoting heart health.

Broccoli: Another superfood, broccoli contains compounds that helps in preventing breast cancer. Enriched in vitamin C and A, it has low calorie content. Broccoli also have high dose of fiber, potassium calcium, and iron.

Salmon: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon promotes the health of the membrane of each cell in the body. Eating salmon protects us against various health problems such as heart disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Apples: Apples contain quercetin – an antioxidant which helps in boosting our body’s disease-fighting abilities. Apples sharpen brain and those who want to shed extra weight, should add apples in their diet as they help to satisfy your hunger.

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They have a disease-fighting compound called lignans and are considered as one of the best ingredients for women. They help to cut down hot flashes and lowers bad cholesterol. It also helps in fighting against breast cancer.

Carrots: Carrots are a good source of complex carbs. They provide energy to muscles and potassium to control blood pressure. Enriched with vitamin A, carrots promote glowing skin, and slows down ageing.

Avocados: Avocados are rich in the heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which help in reducing belly fat. Avocados are loaded with potassium, magnesium, folate, protein, and vitamins B6, E, and K.

Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has heart-protective antioxidants which helps in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. It is also loaded with bone strengthening compounds like magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and phosphorus. Dark chocolate helps in hydrating your skin, lowers blood pressure and boosts your memory.

Green tea: Green tea helps in fight cancer and heart diseases. It also prevents dementia, diabetes and stroke. Keeping your body well-hydrated, it helps fight fatigue.

Water: Keeping metabolic processes in our body intact, water is an essential component of our daily diet. Water helps in improving energy, removes toxins from the body and keeps the skin radiant and healthy. So drink at least 8-10 glasses a day and keep your digestion system intact.