The International Day of Action for Women’s Health or International Women’s Health Day is celebrated on May 28 every year since 1987. It is a special day to raise awareness of the issues related to women’s health and well-being, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
On this occasion, India’s leading Dietician and Nutritionist Avni Kaul shares four power nutrients that every woman should try to take ease PMS, boost sex drive, and keep your system strong.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to relax body muscles and it helps to relieve cramps. It is also required for proper heart and kidneys functioning. The mineral also helps build teeth and bones. The mineral also balances insulin levels to help conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Foods that are rich in magnesium are whole wheat, spinach, almond, cashews, peanuts etc.
Vitamin D
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection that affects nearly 1 in 3 reproductive-aged women and it is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to scientific studies, Bacterial vaginosis along with yeast infections, urinary tract infections are highly associated with deficiency of Vitamin D in women’s body. Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
Iron
Women with heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency anaemia because they lose blood during menstruation. As blood contains iron within red blood cells, so when the body loses blood, it loses iron too. Hence, maintaining a healthy iron level in body essential for every woman, especially if she is pregnant or suffer excess bleeding during her periods. Food rich in iron is spinach, pomegranate, raisin, beans, cereals, whole grain, and dates.
Fiber
Commonly people perceive fiber is essential mainly for healthy digestion process, but this nutrient also helps pull excess estrogen from the body, which can reduce PMS and may even prevent uterine fibroids. Food rich in fiber are bananas, oranges, apples, mangoes, carrots, beets, broccoli, cucumber, spinach
Avni Kaul is Founder of Nutriactivania with Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from University of Delhi and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and International Diabetes Federation. She is a Leicester Mammas Ambassador trained in Lactation Counselling with NHS United Kingdom. Mammas support pregnant and new mothers and their families. Specializations of Avni Kaul Include Infant and Young Child Feeding Practises, Pre and Post natal diets, Fat loss, Muscle Gain and Holistic Health and Nutrition