Browsing all articles tagged with menopause
Jan
16
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Maca’s Many Health Effects

Author admin    Category Supplements     Tags , , , , , ,

Maca Root is a type of vegetable which is imported from the Peruvian Andes.  This Cruciferous vegetable grows at an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level which makes it one of the few plants that can grow in the highest elevations in the world, where there is significantly less oxygen.

Maca has been in use in Peru for at least 5000 years, though it went through many periods in history where it was used exclusively by those in power.. Maca was thought to be popular amongst certain tribes living in the Andes in early B.C. When the Incas took over the region, they were given this herb (maca is technically an herb), as the people they conquered sent it to them as a tribute. And when the Spanish conquered the Incas, the Incas gave it to the Spanish. And the Spanish sent it on over to Europe.

However, the popular use of Maca, both in Peru and throughout the world, was forgotten until recently. In fact, Maca was nearly extinct in Peru up until 1992. But the rediscovery of Maca’s medicinal properties has led to the creation of a thriving local industry, as well as giving Maca a renaissance in both its home country and worldwide.

Maca Benefits

Maca has been called Peruvian ginseng because of its effects on stamina, and is longstanding amongst the Peruvians, and without any known side effects.  Maca Root is used traditionally as both a food source and for medicinal purposes. It’s worthwhile noting that when the Peruvians use Maca in a traditional way, it is first dried then rehydrated when needed. Historically, it was cooked in earthen pits or boiled, mashed, and rolled into balls. It wasn’t consumed raw, and given that scientists now know that Cruciferous vegetables, which Maca is, have substances in them which can be toxic,elements which are destroyed or inactivated with various cooking methods, maybe the ancients intuitively knew this.

Positive attributes of Maca Root include the following:

* Improved sex drive
* Fertility improvements
* better energy and endurance
* Easing of PMS and menopause symptoms

Maca has in fact been very successfully used by many women suffering quite severe pre-menstrual symptoms. Whilst it is not the only PMS remedy anecdotally the indications are that it is one of the most effective.

Maca’s ability to regulate hormones means it actually benefits many female (and male) hormone problems. Women have described trying many medications, including natural progesterone, without great improvement, then going on Maca for a few months and discovering things like their uterine fibroids had dissolved. And one woman who was worried about the link between breast cancer and HRT, stopped taking the HRT she had been on for many years when she discovered this menopause herb. And unlike the other natural menopause treatments she had tried, within a few days of taking Maca she had complete relief of symptoms.

While there are many positive effects with using Maca Root, there are some potential problems which should be considered.  Such things would include the following:

* There has been no significant testing for interactions between Maca Root and pharmaceutical medications for birth control or heart medications
* Maca Root should not be given to children as it increases energy and children have plenty of it
* Combined with caffeine the root causes nervousness and hyperactivity

As long as Maca is used sensibly, the effects of it are more positive than negative.

Oct
11
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Women, you can stop the middle age spread

Author admin    Category Dieting Analyzed     Tags , , , , , ,
Women beginning to start menopause often hear about the middle age spread. Around this time in a woman’s life, her body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. These changes usually began to take place during a woman’s early to mid-forties. When menopause starts, the metabolism begins to slow, and people put on pounds. Thus begins the dreaded middle age spread.

The most obvious affect the middle age spread has on women is the signs of an increasing bulge surrounding their stomach and waistline areas. Though this is often uncomfortable and unattractive, this should be the last thing a woman should be worried about. The middle age spread is associated with a plethora of other risks. Because the weight gain is in such close proximity to so many vital organs, it leaves many vulnerable to many health issues. These risks include heart disease and diabetes, but can be avoided if the proper steps are taken to avoid the middle age spread to begin with.

The two best ways to combat the middle age spread is, not surprisingly, through a healthy and light to moderate exercise. The biggest thing to keep in mind as menopause starts is that women will burn anywhere between one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty calories less per day. Cutting out those extra few hundred calories per day will go a long way and help to make sure your body is able burn all the calories you consume on a daily basis.

The next best thing to consider when maintaining a healthy diet to avoid the middle age spread is portion control. Most restaurant meals portions are considerably over the FDA’s recommended sizes. This makes it seem difficult when ordering out as even the healthiest meal can contain double or even triple the recommended portion size.

Many women beginning menopause will also start with a calcium supplement on a daily basis. This not only helps to prevent osteoporosis, but has also been shown to help minimize the weight gain associated with the middle age spread.

Of course with the middle age spread and all diets the biggest key is to eat smart. There are many ways to avoid foods that will cause biggest weight gains. Cutting out all white, processed foods and breads a great way to start. Switch white bread for whole wheat, high fiber breads. Try to prepare foods naturally instead of frying or sautéing, which adds calories. Eating fruits and vegetables, particularly those high and switching the dairy in a diet to low-fat and fat-free versions will really help. Often times the little changes made to a diet will have a more permanent effect and better results than a crash diet.

This article was written by Marc Hill. As always, I am looking for the whole mind/ body approach when it comes to solving life’s problems. My review of weight loss programs can be found at: ksnreview.com

Sep
9
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Conquer Menopause Symptoms With Essential Oils

Author admin    Category Dieting Analyzed     Tags , , ,

Most women actually start to experience perimenopause in their thirties however they may not be aware of changes going on their bodies until the signs and symptoms become pronounced usually by the time they are in their forties. The onset as well as the severity of the signs and symptoms is of course dependent on the individual themselves and is greatly influenced by genetics, over all health, and environmental influences.

It is becoming much more common for women to use natural remedies to help them through this process. Many prefer to use alternative methods as there as numerous options available. If you have already made the necessary life style changes and you are still experiencing signs and symptoms that you wish to get under control the use of essential oils and aromatherapy may be of interest to you.

There as several essential oils that can be used for menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, the choice of which one is right for you is a personal choice as you must enjoy the scent of the oil you plan to use. The following is a list of a few of the possible essential oils that you can utilize and the specific applications for each:

1. Chamomile known as the great relaxer  as it has a very calming effect on the body and mind. This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops of the plant Ormenis multicaulis. To use this calming essential oil to lessen the symptoms of menopause, use eight to ten drops in a bath or add a few drops to your diffuser. You may also prefer a massage, use a mixture of eight drops of chamomile essential oil and one ounce of your favorite carrier oil and cover your entire body.

2. Anise Seed has a flavor that greatly resembles black licorice and is part of the parsley family. Anise seed essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the seeds of the plant Pimpinella anisum. An over all body massage is one of the best ways to reap the benefits of this special essential oil.

3. Geranium essential oil is actually know as the “women’s oil” specifically for it’s benefits concerning menstrual and menopausal symptoms.  This exotic floral essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the plant Pelargonium graveolens. Geranium essential oil should be used as a massage application paying special attention to the abdominal and lower back regions. The mixture should contain twenty drops of essential oil with one ounce of the carrier oil of your choice.

4. Clary Sage essential oil known as the “cure all” should not be confused with the sage used in many kitchen around the world. This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops of the plant Salvia sclarea. Clary sage essential oil can be utilized in a bath, use approximately four drops for this application. or if you prefer use direct inhalation by placing two or three drops on a tissue or cloth and inhale.

5. Sage the herb commonly found in the kitchen has been revered for centuries. Sage essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried leaves of the plant Salvia officinalis. If you experience hot flashes and night sweats, use a diffuser nightly with two or three drops of Sage essential oil. This will also help to relieve stress and tension.

6. Neroli essential oil is sweet and floral and is extracted by steam distillation or enfleurage from orange blossom petals of the orange tree Citrus aurantium. This essential oil is especially effective with the irritability, tearfulness and mood swings experienced by many women. To apply use three or four drops in your diffuser, approximately four drops with carrier oil for a massage or eight to ten drops in your bath.  

For more information on the benefits and uses of essential oils visit: Essential Oils|Aromatherapy|Phermones or for more information on menopause visit: Anti Aging Tips|Facts|Products