Mature women, especially those experiencing mid-life change due to
menopause, require vital nutrients—a nutrient “kick” if you will—to address
their health concerns. Time and time again, we hear of the importance of calcium.
Obviously, its benefits in helping to reduce the risk of developing
osteoporosis are now well-known. But rather than just being used as a
preventative measure, keep in mind that adequate calcium means strong bones,
and strong bones may be used for strong exercise—one of the best ways of
combating some of the stresses of menopause!
Calcium-rich foods and supplements are a good idea if you plan to have an
active lifestyle during menopause. Calcium is particularly effective when
combined with other vitamins and minerals like magnesium and vitamin D, which
promote good skeletal health. These should be the “backbone” of any healthy
woman’s diet—not just those experiencing menopause.
Whereas calcium plays a pivotal role in later years, folic acid (vitamins B6
and B12), helps to control homocysteine levels, which at high amounts, could
lead to heart problems. Folic acid, then is not only important for women of
childbearing age, but also for those experiencing menopause. It’s not just for
mommy anymore.
Obviously, to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, women experiencing
menopause need to keep the heart–the most important muscle in the body–healthy.
Omega-3 fatty acids, then, play a pivotal role. They are necessary for normal
growth and development as well as good vision. Researchers have found that
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce fatty triglyceride levels in the blood,
which can build up in the arteries and cause heart attacks. In the menopausal
years, many women's bodies undergo a change in the distribution of body fat,
and this in turn, has been associated with an increase in heart disease,
uterine cancer and diabetes. Maintaining healthy levels of the vitamins and
minerals mentioned so far, then, even through supplementation if need be,
becomes crucial.