The Kidney Foundation of Canada says Canadian women make about 500,000 visits to doctors each year to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). For years, scientists knew that cranberry could help prevent UTIs but could not explain why. Then in 1984, a researcher...
women’s health
Probiotics key in avoiding yeast infection
Dietary strategies to prevent and treat yeast infections include eliminating sugar intake while increasing intake of whole grains, vegetables, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc. Other highly recommended nutrients for yeast infections include digestive enzymes,...
B-vitamins lower breast cancer risk
A comprehensive review by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that folic acid and vitamin B-6 can help protect women against breast cancer. While several studies have shown that a diet rich in B-vitamins may help reduce breast cancer risk,...
Calcium, body mass affect bone health
Researchers at the University of Tennessee report that adequate calcium intake, lean body mass and physical activity are the three most important factors in maintaining healthy bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC)—both factors in determining...
Iron ensures mental and physical energy
Iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, is a condition common to women of childbearing age. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and decreased immunity. A woman’s risk for anemia can increase during pregnancy, from vigorous exercise, or if the...
Magnesium intake critical in pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that causes pregnant women to retain water and swell at their ankles, hands, feet and face. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, headaches and light sensitivity. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia may result in vomiting, convulsions...
Cut breast cancer risk
A new study provides evidence that certain nutrients found in vegetables may help protect against breast cancer. Women with high blood levels of several different carotenoid substances faced up to two times lower breast cancer risk than women with low levels,...
Life after HRT: many natural options
Just as the largest number of North American women in history are reaching menopause, the medical “treatment of choice” is being called into question. One of the largest and best designed studies on the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was recently abandoned...
Vitamin C: Protection during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, you may want to look into your daily intake of vitamin C. According to a recent study, women with the lowest intakes of vitamin C are at greater risk for suffering a ruptured membrane and going into premature...
Good iron intake can banish fatigue
Many women are plagued with constant fatigue, sluggishness and “brain fog.” Thyroid problems, insomnia or menopause are some possible causes, though iron deficiency may also be at the root of these symptoms. Iron is the mineral used by the body to transport oxygen to...