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Creative Commons License photo credit: Feline Groovy   

Go nuts and boost your heart health. Studies show that the humble nut can lower triglycerides and provide individuals with heart-protective nutrients. These include copper, magnesium, arginine, vitamin E and folate, along with fiber. Now that’s good news for many nut-loving women experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart problem.

Participants in one study who ate 1.5 ounces of pistachios each day for a month, then ate three ounces daily for another month actually experienced a nine per­cent drop in LDL cholesterol. That was after following the low-nut diet. The decrease in unhealthy cholesterol was greater after eating more pistachios.

There are other great-tasting foods that women who are prone to heart problems can savor to their hearts’ content. Topping the list are blueberries (which may be added to whole grain cereal, pancakes or salad) and salmon. Drinking red wine has likewise been associated with a lowered rate of heart disease.

If there are two things woman constantly battle with, it would have to be yeast and urinary tract infections. With some foresight and natural preventive care/remedies, females can crack down on such women’s health issues

Vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections together affect an estimated one billion women each year. If they are recurrent, they may signal underlying health problems. Hence, medical consultation is important. A doctor will be able to help affected women identify the causes of chronic yeast infections, which may range from taking birth control pills to poor diet & hygiene.

To ward off UTI, the doctor will most likely advise you to avoid simple sugars and include garlic and onions in your diet, and drink lots of water; wear cotton underwear so as not to trap moisture; practice good hygiene; and always urinate before and after intercourse. To prevent yeast infections, get ample sleep and engage in regular physical activity; eat one-half cup of yogurt each day; avoid refined carbohydrates and alcohol; avoid perfumed body soap; wear loose-fitting cotton undergarments; and make sure your partner has clean genitalia before a sexual encounter.

How many Brad and Jens do you see?
Creative Commons License photo credit: NYCgal    Ever wondered where women get their health updates? From fellow women, of course. Then, there’s the internet, which is teeming with health news & studies. There are also books and magazines replete with articles and photos of women who look great after trying one great dietary tactic or another.

If fat’s the issue, women’s health information resources run the gamut from consumer product brand brochures to emailed health updates, to word-of-mouth advice and doctor’s recommendations, to printed literature. 

Women who are forever on the go and tend to feel anxious or emotionally aroused on matters concerning health may end up confused with all the information overload. The best way to go about it is to check with your doctor first before trying anything. Self-medicating may be fine but only to some extent. Read as many materials on the same subject matter to educate yourself and learn how to judge the value of any new health information you come across.