Free Secrets to be a Healthy Women

Herbal Remedies for Osteoporosis causes and symptomsOsteoporosis is characterized by exaggeration of this process, because of an imbalance between the activity of osteoblasts (bone cells that provide training) and that of osteoclasts (cells that ensure the destruction of bone): for a same volume, the bone is less dense, therefore more fragile. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones begin to lose their density, placing the sufferer at increased risk of a fracture or break. It’s a condition that typically occurs as we age when the body is less able to regenerate healthy new bone.Osteoporosis or porous bones is a disease that affects primarily white and Asian women. After menopause, the ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen that affects the calcium content of bones. As the bones lose calcium, they become thin and brittle. Although men may also suffer from osteoporosis as they age, women are more vulnerable because they have less bone mass.Causes – The causes of osteoporosis are multiple. The most common is postmenopausal osteoporosis. At menopause, estrogen levels (hormones patrons of bone) suffer a collapse, while that of corticosteroids (hormones that increase bone resorption) remain constant. Senile osteoporosis is observed particularly in women past 60 years, the frequency increases with age. It is favored by the inactivity of the absence of exposure to natural light (which allows the skin to synthesize vitamin D), from a system low in calcium and protein. Osteoporosis can be and endocrine or drug origin: excess thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism or related to a bad treatment of a hipotiroidii dosed) or parathyroid (presence of a parathyroid adenoma in one), corticosteroids (Cushing’s disease, treatment corticosteroid), etc.. The osteoporosis may occur at any age.Symptoms and signs – Fractures are the main manifestations of osteoporosis. Place of production varies with fracture reduction as bone density affects cortical bone or spongy bone.Some natural and herbal remedies for osteoporosis:Eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Exercise regularly and cut down on alcohol and cigarettes. For good source of calcium have low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, and orange juice, green leafy vegetable like spinach, cereals and breads.A twenty minute walk three to four times a week may help you tremendously. You can also go biking, swimming or join aerobic dancing classes to improve the bone condition. Engage in weight-bearing exercises as these help in strengthening the bones. If you have a swimming pool or a beach around your house, go walking in chest deep water for 30 minutes at least three days a week. This prevents stress on your bones hence there is less erosion.A cup of milk has 100 international units of vitamin D. Four cups a day could be your daily dose of vitamin D. Studies have also shown that post-menopausal women can have supplements containing manganese (5 mg/day), copper (2.5 mg/day), and zinc (15 mg/day) in combination with a calcium supplement (1,000 mg/day). It is termed to be more effective than having the calcium supplement alone.Consume less salt and avoid food products which have more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. Stay away from carbonated beverages like cola and soft drinks. The phosphoric acid present in carbonated drinks contains phosphorus, which if had in excess, can cause elimination of calcium from the body.Women are more prone to osteoporosis than men.- Increasing age- Hereditary- Low estrogen and testosterone level in women and men respectively.- Thin and frail body structure or suffering from anorexia nervosa- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency- Lack of exercise- Smoking and drinking alcohol has adverse effects on the bone density.- Use of certain medication or drugsA little exercise can go a long way in avoid osteoporosis, a crippling bone disease that influence 200 million people worldwide.

Serious adverse reactions noted in 4 patients included pneumonia and gasteroenteritis. From New Zealand – While calcium is often recommended for post-menopausal women to prevent the development of osteoporosis and bone fracture, it may also increase the risk of heart attack. In a randomized clinical trial of over 1400 post-menopausal women, those who received regular calcium had a greater than 50% raised risk of heart attack. It is possible that raised blood calcium could hasten …

Menopausal women may experience ailments associated with that stage of their lives. But with the right exercise, diet, and the proper management strategies, they can look forward to menopause as a welcome change.

Among the many healthy foods out there, soy offers multi-dimensional benefits. Aside from containing more protein than milk without saturated fat or cholesterol, soy is considered a complete protein because it has all eight essential amino acids. It’s actually a healthy source of nutrition for anybody. But more than that, soy alleviates some of the ailments associated with menopause.

In Japan, where soy consumption is high, women have minimal menopause problems and only about 16 percent of Western rates of breast cancer. Clinical studies show significant reduction in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancers in women eating high amounts of soy.

As little as 25 milligrams of soy protein a day may decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Soya reduces “hot flushes” and the incidence of osteoporosis. In one study, the addition of 45 grams of soy flour reduced the number of hot flushes by 40 percent.

Certain studies into animal obesity seem to indicate that soy may stimulate the metabolism and may assist in weight loss. According to soy researchers at Iowa State University, “Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause.” Thus, soy may assist weight management and control during menopause.

Achieving the right weight and posture leads to better health during the menopause years. Eating soy together with the right diet and exercise are some strategies for menopause management. And for keeping you weight in check, use Zalestra, the most complete hormonal balancing/weight control compound specially developed for pre-menopausal and menopausal women. Visit http://www.zalestra.com for more details.

Osteoporosis is caused when bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily due to calcium loss. It can occur at any age but is most common after 60 when one in two women and one in three men will suffer an bone fracture. Breaks are most common in the spine, hip and wrist and often occur after only a minor fall. Post menopausal women are particularly susceptible when there is a period of rapid bone loss due to oestrogen deficiency.

So what can you do to stop bone loss and increase bone mass?

Fortunately there are simple lifestyle changes and specific treatments available. Here are a few:

WEIGHT BEARING OR RESISTANCE EXERCISES.

Early research suggested that walking was a great way to improve and maintain bone density.

Dr Robert Newton, Exercise Science Professor at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, says studies revealed this popular exercise alone is not enough.

The load on the skeleton while walking was not at the intensity needed to encourage its millions of receptors to retain sufficient bone tissue or replace that lost in the aging process. You also need to do strength training with resistance at least twice a week.

He warned that lifting light weights in fast repetitions had little effect on bone density. To encourage the bone’s receptors to generate more bone, the weight has to be at a load of at least 10 RM [repetitions maximum] meaning it can only be lifted 10 times before fatigue sets in.

As bone formation only increases at the exact site where the load was greatest, it’s also important for you to include different strength training exercises for areas of high fracture risk including the hips, spine and wrist.

Other researchers have studied the effects of different activities and they’ve found that one of the best bone building activities is gardening. Their studies indicated that gardening was more effective than almost all the other activities.

Perhaps a combination of all 3 is the way to go. They form an important part of my exercise program. To these I add tennis twice a week and the occasional game of golf. Sadly my standard of golf seems to involve a lot of bush walking!

An added bonus for resistance training, is its importance in most fat loss programs. Resistance training increases lean muscle mass and reduces body fat. Stronger muscles provide more support for your bones and less weight means less bone stress.

CALCIUM.

Bone is made up of calcium and other minerals, such as magnesium, phosphate and collagen[protein]. Calcium is needed for the functioning of organs. If blood calcium levels fall due to inadequate calcium intake, your body will compensate by drawing more calcium out of your bones.

It is important therefore, that your diet includes calcium rich foods and supplements. Calcium occurs naturally in a range of foods. Some of the best sources are salmon, sardines, soy products, milk, yoghurt, fetta and ricotta cheese, almonds, green vegetables and sesame seeds [or tahini,sesame seed paste]. If you have an intolerance or allergy to milk or soy products, you fortunately have other options.

For optimum bone health, calcium cannot work alone. There are more than 28 different nutrients needed, including magnesium. If you take a calcium supplement, it is important that it includes magnesium as magnesium helps the absorption of calcium into the bones. The recommended calcium/magnesium ratio is 2:1.

MAGNESIUM.

Magnesium is an important body nutrient and bone strengthening mineral. It helps outer tooth enamel to harden and resist decay and is needed for the absorption of calcium into the bones. The best food sources of magnesium are almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, fresh green vegetables, soy beans, sesame seeds, parsnips and wholegrain cereals.

VITAMIN D.

This important vitamin is essential to bone health. It also assists calcium absorption and one of the best sources is sunlight. Simply taking a walk or gardening will boost your vitamin D intake. If you live in a high latitude area or experience a winter where your body is rarely exposed to sunlight, a cod liver oil supplement, high in vitamin D, may be needed to compensate for calcium loss.

VITAMIN K.

According to Dr Alan Gaby, author of “Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis”, vitamin K stimulates a permanent chemical change in the bones that causes them to actually attract calcium. The best sources are dark green leafy vegetables, including spinach and lettuce.

BUILD UP YOUR STOMACH FLORA.

As we get older, our stomach loses some of its ability to properly absorb these nutrients. One of the biggest villains is antacids as they can destroy the stomach acids needed for complete digestion.

Both calcium and magnesium require a strong acid presence in the stomach to be absorbed. If they are not properly absorbed as a result of regular antacid use, osteoporosis can develop.

In order to ensure complete digestion and absorption of minerals, if you are over 40 you may need to supplement with digestive enzymes at meals, in order to offset the natural reduction in stomach acid that occurs with age.

BEWARE HOMOCYSTEINE.

High levels of this amino acid have been linked to osteoporosis, according to research by Dr Kilmer McCully of the Harvard Medical School in Boston and author of “The Homocysteine Revolution”.

His research is supported by other studies in Germany and the Netherlands. Patients with high homocysteine levels demonstrated a higher risk of bone fractures due to the way this amino acid appears to hinder the absorption of calcium and other minerals into the bones.

A simple blood test can indicate whether you have a high homocysteine level and if you do, a simple solution is to increase your intake of B group vitamins, particularly B6, folic acid and B12. An added bonus is that by increasing your intake of these vitamins, you can also reduce your risk of heart disease according to Dr McCully.

Never start a new treatment before consulting your doctor, especially if you are currently taking medication. The information published in this article is not intended as a substitute for personal medical advice from your physician or other qualified health-care practitioner.

Its Coming…..whether you like it or not if you are a woman in you mid forties or early fifties. You may start to notice that your body is changing, and not sure why. It may be that your periods are not the same or you are not sleeping as well as you used to. The changes may be subtle and you probably aren’t paying much attention to them until one day, if you’re like many women, it happens-a hot flash! It will catch you by surprise and leave you thinking, “I am too young for this”. Then it will hit you, could this be the start of MENOPAUSE????

Menopause is an important part of a woman’s life. It is characterized in stages – premenopause, perimenopause , menopause and post menopause. It is essential to understand the body’s changes during this phase of life in order to ease the transition, and equally important, better prepare yourself to safeguard your health during your later years.

Stages of Menopause.

1. Premenopause Premenopausal or Early Menopause typically happens before the age of 40. The signs of Premenopause are similar to Menopause. You may experience hot flashes, emotional problems, vaginal dryness, and decreased sex drive. Unfortunately for some women premenopause symptoms can be quite severe. Also the chance of chances of getting osteoporosis and breaking a bone are much greater during this stage. Women in this stage tend to get weaker bones faster. A common suggestion is to increase the consumption of calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese, and green, leafy vegetables during this stage.

2. Perimenopause – means “around menopause” and marks the interval in which your body begins its transition into menopause. It includes the years leading up to menopause – anywhere from two to eight years – plus the first year after your final period. Perimenopause is usually experienced by women from 35 to 50 years of age. During this stage your estrogen level rises and falls unevenly. Your menstrual cycles may lengthen or shorten, and you begin having menstrual cycles in which you don’t ovulate. It’s only during cycles when you do ovulate that you can become pregnant. When perimenopause starts and how long it lasts varies. It’s a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.

3.Menopause – Menopause, or the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, is a natural biological process, not a medical illness or a disease. Menopause is caused when your body decreases permanently or to low levels the production of estrogen and progesterone. Your ovaries will stop producing eggs and you will no longer be able to get pregnant naturally at least. As your body is going through “The Change” this may result in Menopause symptoms. Many women wonder if these changes are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms. You can feel better by learning all you can about menopause and treatments available. A common recommendation for this stage is to make sure you are eating healthy, exercising, and living a healthy lifestyle.

A sign that you have reached Menopause is when you have not had your period for 12 months in a row and there is no other reason for this happening.

4. Post Menopause -Is the stage after menopause has occurred. It is generally believed that the postmenopausal phase begins when 12 full months have passed since your last menstrual period. You may notice your hot flashes are milder or non-existent now and energy levels may be back to normal. It is important to continue a healthy lifestyle during menopause and there’s no reason to stop after. For many women Post Menopause constitutes a second stage of life, Enjoy it!!!

Now that you have read this article you should have a better understanding on what is menopause and the stages your body goes through. As mentioned the process is unique for each individual and for some it may bring hot flashes, sleepless nights, weight gain and more.

Most important, even though menopause is not an illness, you shouldn’t hesitate to get treatment if you’re having severe symptoms. Many treatments are available, one of the most popular is the Natural Supplement, To find out more information head over to Menozac

Our skeletal system consists of bones of a variety of different shapes and sizes. It serves many different functions including providing a framework for the body in which to support the tissues and protect the vital organs. It acts as levers, working with the muscles to produce body movement. It also works to produce red blood cells within the marrow and serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium is one of the primary minerals required for normal bone formation as well as for many of our biological functions. As we grow, the body uses calcium to create new bone. At around the age of around 35, we achieve peak bone mass. After that, bone mass gradually and steadily declines and which if left unchecked can cause our bone tissue to become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone or when too much calcium is reabsorbed back into the body to support its necessary biological functions or both.

Often thought of as a women’s disorder, osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease, a disease in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Many times individuals who have decreased bone density don’t even know it. Progressing gradually over many years, often times the first indication of a problem is when a bone suddenly breaks such as in the hips, wrists or spine. The truth is, any bone can be affected and activities as insignificant as laughing, coughing or light lifting can cause a fracture.

There are two different kinds of osteoporosis – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Osteoporosis is only found in post-menopausal women and is directly related to estrogen deficiency. Type 2 osteoporosis can be found in both men and women and is due to both aging and a prolonged calcium deficiency. Other causes of osteoporosis can include Cushing syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, being confined to bed, bone cancer and a family history of osteoporosis.

If you smoke, have an eating disorder, have low body weight, consume a low calcium diet, consume alcohol in excess, experienced early menopause or are taking certain medications including steroids and anticonvulsants you may also be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. 

Osteoporosis is not a new health disorder and there are a large number of tried and true natural and alternative health remedies that can be used to prevent or minimize bone loss.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor about having a bone density test done, especially if you are a woman over the age of 50.

Consume a diet of calcium rich foods. Calcium can be found in all milk products as well as in tofu, salmon, sardines (with the bones) and dark leafy green vegetables.

Supplement your daily food intake with supplemental calcium to ensure you are getting the recommended amount of calcium daily.

Go outside and get some sun. Exposure to the sun causes our body to produce vitamin D – a vitamin that aids in calcium absorption. If that’s not possible, add a vitamin D supplement to your daily health routine.

Start an exercise program. The best exercises for bone health are weight-bearing exercises which force you to work against gravity. Activities such as lifting weights, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs and dancing are all excellent for your bones.

Quit smoking, eliminate caffeine and carbonated soft drinks and reduce your salt intake, each of which enhances calcium loss from the body.

Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use can lead to decreased bone formation.

Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to help prevent bone loss and increase bone density.

Some studies indicate that foods such as spinach, chard, beet greens and chocolate! Contain substances that can prevent calcium absorption.

Herbs such as horsetail, oat straw and alfalfa have been traditionally used in North America as effective remedies for osteoporosis.

Studies suggest that magnesium may help to improve bone density and assist in calcium absorption. If blood levels are low, magnesium supplementation may be helpful.

The mineral zinc is required in a number of biological processes which include the formation of a strong bone structure. Scientists have discovered that individuals with osteoporosis often have low zinc levels.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – www.soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.

Researchers recommend physical exercises for women in the first years of menopause for maintaining health status, stronger bones, lower cholesterol, better moods, slimmer waists, fewer migraines, stronger muscles, reduced insomnia. Exercises are said to have antidepressant effect. The studies have been done for a period of 3 years. Women with osteopenia(first sign of thinner, weaker bones which appears before osteoporosis). Those women could eat what they wanted to but they were given calcium and vitamin D supplements. The exercise rutine consisted of 1-2 hours of exercises four times a week two at home and two in supervised group setting.

After warming up women did aerobic exercises: dumbbells, elastic belts for strength and resistance trening, calisthenics, and stretched, jumped rope.

Bone mineral density was stable after three years of exercises, in the control group who wasn’t training at all a progressive decrease in bone mineral density took place. Also there has been observed endurance and muscle strength improved in the exercise group and the women boosted their aerobic capacity.

In the women who practiced sports has been observed a decrease in the fatty tissue and hip size. Total cholesterol and blood fats called triglycerides also attained normal values. Because their diet wasn’t changed those effects were attributed completely to the physical exercises.

The improvement in some menopause symptoms was also observed, insomnia disappeared, fewer migraines and mood changes compared to other women who hadn’t exercised.

Some women feel better when taking vitamin E although studies haven’t shown a reduction in hot flashes, is recommended to take it during the menopausal period.

Soy has been found as having positive effects, but others suggest that hasn’t any effect at all. Soy isoflavones are also contained in one cup soy milk, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/2 tempeh,1/2 cup green soybeans (edamame), and three handfuls of roasted soy nuts. Natural progesterone cream reduces significantly hot flashes and has effects on most women, it si important to see exactly what’s the quantity of progesterone contained in the cream because it varies considerably from 5 mg to more than 400 mg progesterone per ounce.

Among physical exercises are: aerobic exercises that reduced the severity of hot flashes, strength training, weight training also helps maintaining in a good shape the osteo-muscular system and maintaining the ideal weight. The symptoms in post menopausal women are relieved by physical exercises and the bone achieves greater density and lumbar spine bone mineral also maintains its density. Although studies haven’t shown any results in the post menopausal symptoms may women reported that they have a better state of health after practicing yoga and acupuncture. So specialists highly recommend physical exercises as a mean to improve health status and defeat post menopausal symptoms.

For more resources about menopause or about early menopause symptoms please review http://www.menopause-info-guide.com/early-menopause-symptoms.htm

the role of the pineal organ in humans suggests that any agent that affects pineal function could affect human health in a variety of ways, including effects on sexual maturation, calcium metabolism, parathyroid function, postmenopausal osteoporosis, cancer, and psychiatric disease. SOURCE: National Research Council. (2006). Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards. National Academies Press, Washington DC p221-22. “In conclusion, the human pineal gland contains …

There are several factors that may contribute to a woman experiencing early menopause (menopause before the age of 45), which include premature ovarian failure, surgery, cancer treatment, viral infections, thyroid disease and many others. No matter what the case may be, hearing that you’re going through menopause years before you were expecting to enter this transition can be very scary and intimidating, leaving you with many unanswered questions.
It’s so very important to realize that you can and will continue to be the same person – you’re not going to suddenly transform into an old lady, so don’t allow your mind to believe you will. You may be feeling like you’re less attractive or less desirable, but when these feelings of inadequacy pop into your head, remind yourself that you’re still a young woman and all that comes with it. You’re beautiful, sexy, capable and strong. Yes, your reproductive system isn’t what it was, but keep in mind that you’re much more than eggs and fallopian tubes – you’re a woman with so very much to offer.
Symptoms of early menopause can be uncomfortable, but fortunately there are many remedies that reduce and eliminate the discomforts of early menopause. Just as with menopause in an older woman, younger women experiencing early menopause will notice physical symptoms, such as:
• Irregular periods
• Infertility
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Weight gain (especially around your mid-section)
In addition to the physical symptoms of early menopause, women may also notice some changes in their emotional state, as well. It’s not unusual to experience the following:
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Lowered libido
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Fatigue
Coping with symptoms of early menopause can be emotionally difficult. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and other remedies can significantly reduce the physical symptoms of early menopause. Once you’ve conquered the physical signs it’s quite likely that you’ll begin to feel like your old self again and, as a result, you’ll become more optimistic and emotionally healthy. This is probably why many women choose to make lifestyle changes that have proven to effectively reduce the severity of symptoms associated with early menopause, perimenopause and menopause. For instance, it’s extremely beneficial to avoid triggers that have been known to cause hot flashes, such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and warm rooms.
If your sleep patterns have become disrupted, try to avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Also, it’s a good idea to read or take a hot bath right before bed so that you’re relaxed and more likely to fall into a nice sound sleep.
If you transform your diet into one that is healthy and includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you’ll notice a tremendous improvement in your overall health and just how much energy you have. You’ll want to avoid saturated fats, oils and sugars, and consume approximately 1,500 milligrams of calcium, plus 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D each day. Supplements may be required to reach these amounts. If this is the case, talk with your doctor to be certain you’re getting exactly the right dosages and ensure you’re on your way to as easy a transition as possible.
You’ll be absolutely amazed by what a regular exercise program can do to reduce and even eliminate many symptoms of early menopause. If performed correctly, exercise will protect you from conditions that are common among post-menopausal women, such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. In addition to preventing these conditions, exercise will eliminate the weight gain associated with menopause and will also provide you with energy that you thought may not ever come back. Exercise has also been proven to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.
Hormone therapy (HT) also is quite beneficial in reducing many symptoms of early menopause. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that the risks of HT, which include heart attack, stroke and breast cancer, may outweigh the benefits. While these studies may have changed the course of HT, estrogen therapy remains the most effective treatment for many early menopause symptoms. If you have not done so already, talk with your doctor to find out if a very low dose of estrogen will provide you symptom relief.
Finally, I know that this is very difficult for you and you’re likely very confused. Perhaps you were planning on having children, which may no longer be possible. Even if you weren’t considering a pregnancy, early menopause can be emotionally devastating. Please remember that you are young, you will remain young. You will no doubt get through this, because you’ve shown your strength simply by logging onto the Internet and searching for options and treatments. You’re beautiful and you have a strong resolve; I believe this and I want you to believe it too.

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