A woman’s risk for depression is higher during pregnancy, but this risk may be lowered by ensuring an adequate intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids, report researchers. Omega-3s are found in cold water fish, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flax seeds....
women’s health
Boost Calcium Absorption: Vitamin D an important counterpart
Not only is it important to get enough calcium in the diet, but vitamin D levels in the body are essential to regulate the absorption of that calcium. New research demonstrates that supplements of vitamin D can increase calcium absorption by up to 65%, even when the...
Better Bladder Control: Study finds magnesium helps incontinence in women
For women dealing with a condition known as urge incontinence, or “overactive bladder,” help may be as close as your health food store shelf. A recent study shows that magnesium, a relatively inexpensive mineral supplement, may significantly benefit the condition. In...
Low Iron Common: Women and children especially at risk
Women and young children are most at risk for iron deficiency, but most are unaware they are anemic until diagnosed by a physician, according to Nancy Andrews, MD, an expert in iron metabolism. Iron-deficient anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood...
Plant Power: Omega-6 oils increase heart benefit from fish oils
Combined fish (omega 3) and plant (omega 6) derived fatty acids are more effective for combating heart disease in women than fish oils alone, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (77, 1:37-42,2003). The study was carried out...
Vitamin C may help boost fertility
Women that are having trouble conceiving due to luteal phase defect may be helped by supplementing with vitamin C, according to researchers. Luteal phase defect is marked by insufficient progesterone levels during the luteal phase, the time between ovulation and the...
Calcium plus exercise for top bones
According to researchers at the University of Arizona, exercise combined with calcium citrate supplementation provides a significant improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) for postmenopausal women. Building BMD is important in avoiding osteoporosis, the gradual...
Soy isoflavones reduce breast cancer risk
In a public health study in Japan, researchers found that regular consumption of soy isoflavones could reduce the likelihood of breast cancer. The researchers at the National Cancer Center Research Institute in Tokyo followed a group of 21,852 Japanese women, aged 40...
For women, fatigue may signal low iron
Iron is a critical nutrient needed to supply oxygen to the cells and tissues and to help produce brain chemicals, amino acids and hormones. Iron deficiency can result in anemia, a condition that causes fatigue, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. The General...
Ovarian cancer and diet
New research on ovarian cancer, one of the five most deadly cancers among women in developed countries, suggests that a balanced plant-based diet may help in its prevention. The National Cancer Institute says this strategy is important since ovarian cancer often...