We all know that women’s bodies are different than men’s, but to what extent do we fully understand how women can take unique preventative measures to live a long and healthy life?
Here are five health conditions that disproportionately affect women, and how you can take care of yourself now to prevent them from causing you problems in the future.
1. Stress
Stress affects all of us to varying degrees, but in a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 50% of women are likely to report being stressed, compared to 39% of men. Stress can trigger inflammation, high blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and can be a precursor to many, more serious, health conditions. Take care to reduce stress now, before it becomes severe! Get plenty of sleep, eat well, hydrate, address and remove the root cause of your stress, and try deep breathing techniques when you feel overwhelmed. Make ‘rest days’ a priority in your life and practice self-care that feels best for you.
2. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects 44 million Americans, 68% of which are women. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. To slow down or prevent the onset of this disease, ensure a diet rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly high-quality calcium and vitamin D. It also helps to have regular weight-bearing activity to keep core muscles and joints strong, and to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Urinary tract issues
Affecting women more often than men, urinary tract infections (UTIs), incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, uterine fibroids, and related conditions can be uncomfortable to extremely painful. Prevent UTIs by doing kegel exercises regularly, urinating after intercourse, consuming adequate water, relieving yourself when you need to urinate, and staying clean. Avoid processed foods, take probiotics, consume lots of leafy greens and organic foods will also help prevent these infections.
4. Autoimmune disease
About 75% of cases of autoimmune diseases occur in women, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). These include a long list of diseases including lupus, hashimotos thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis. Research suggests that it comes down to the body attacking its own cells and tissues. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are suspected contributors. Eliminating processed food, discovering your food allergies, spending time outside everyday, and being vigilant about getting help are the best strategies for healing. Be especially determined if you have mysterious or persistent symptoms with no clear diagnosis.
5. Breast and cervical cancer
According to the World Health Organization’s latest global figures, around half a million women die from cervical cancer, and half a million more from breast cancer each year. To help reduce your chances, reduce all forms of processed food and increase high-antioxidant rich foods, assess your family history, and get appropriate screenings as needed. Antioxidants in natural foods protect against cell damage and boost our immune system to fight against aging and disease.
You may have noticed a common theme emerging, which is that simple self-care practices like rest, hydration, regular movement, and a nutrient dense diet are your best defense against the onset of many diseases common to women (and men, too!). My approach using integrative and functional nutrition addresses these areas, as well as, looks into underlying nutrient deficiencies that may be overlooked.
We may not always be able to prevent diseases from impacting our bodies, but relatively simple techniques can go a long way in minimizing or staving off health conditions to improve our quality of life!
Feel free to share your thoughts below or contact me here; I’d love to hear from you!
