The current fashion for slimness means many young women are on diets. It is never acceptable to cut out a food group such as dairy, fat or carbohydrates even for a short while in order to lose weight. This sets the body into stress as it is not getting all the nutrients it needs for energy and repair.
Women are often persuaded to cut down on fat and dairy products which are excellent sources of calcium. If you need to lose weight, email to [email protected] for a copy of my healthy eating plan. Calcium is vitally important for women especially in the teenage growing years and also after having had a baby. Just think of all the calcium stores your body has used up when making the healthy bones for your baby. After having a baby it is wrong to go on a diet you should be thinking about eating healthy so that your body can recover having made a beautiful baby.
Your bones and teeth are living stones and need adequate supplies of calcium to stay strong and avoid diseases that affect women in old age such as osteoporosis. It used to be said that a woman lost a tooth for each baby. Bones are constantly being repaired and reinforced by a range of proteins and minerals, which are absorbed from the bloodstream.
Osteoporosis is also called brittle bone disease and affects one in two women after the menopause in the United Kingdom. Osteoporosis means, “porous bones” meaning the bones become brittle and even a gentle fall could cause a break. The risk of suffering from Osteoporosis increases dramatically if your diet lacks calcium.
The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) is 700mg, which can usually be gained from just three servings of dairy per day.
After the menopause, the body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium, so you may need to up your intake.
Folate is essential during pregnancy to help prevent defects such as spina bifida. Because the spinal cord is formed in the first 12 weeks, folate is critical during the very early stages of pregnancy.
The RDA is 200 micrograms (mcg). Women of childbearing age should take a folate supplement of 400mcg a day (this is contained in good quality vitamins such as Permea Plus so no extra supplement is needed); in addition you need to get 200mcg from your diet.
Iron is essential for the manufacture of haemoglobin. An iron deficiency can make you feel washed out and constantly tired. If you don’t eat red meat and/or have heavy periods, you are at risk of iron deficiency.
The RDA from 11-50 years is 14.8mg. Most women’s need for iron drops after the menopause, but until then it’s important to ensure you get sufficient.
As well as a healthy balanced diet it is also advisable to take a good quality daily supplement such as Permea Plus after your breakfast as an insurance policy so that your body has all the nutrients it needs. And for up to date news and information sign up to receive my monthly HealthLines newsletter by mailing to [email protected].
Taking extra care of yourself is important, including eating a balanced diet and taking exercise. Using Permea Plus Anti-Sal hair products designed for use with desalinated water will stop the damage caused by the chlorine and minerals and you can use the Permea Plus hair repair massage oil once a week; massage it in to the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes or overnight. This will encourage healthy strong new growth but it will take about three months to see a real improvement.
