’s Health And Nutrition
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Eating the right foods and taking the proper supplements is an
important blend in addressing women’s heath and nutrition
needs. One particular staggering statistic is the increase in
osteoporosis. It is estimated that one out of every two women,
over the age of 50, will experience some type of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that especially affects older women
and is characterized by a decrease in the density of the bones
of the skeletal system. The resulting effect, of this
condition, causes brittleness of the bones and makes the
individual more susceptible to fractures.
Women are more prone to osteoporosis because of menopause.
Following menopause there is a decrease in the estrogen hormone
which affects the density of the bones that comprise the
skeletal system. It is therefore important as part of a woman’s
health and nutrition program that the proper dosages of calcium
are taken on a daily basis.
The Importance of Calcium for Women
The importance of calcium in contributing to women’s health and
nutrition is the role that calcium plays in maintaining and
building the density of the bone. Calcium citrate and calcium
carbonate are absorbed from food and supplements via the
intestines. These minerals are then transported through the
bloodstream and help to maintain the integrity of the skeletal
system.
Women’s health and nutrition should start at an early age.
Therefore, it is important that young women begin at an early
age to receive the proper doses of calcium. Proper nutrition
will help in the early stages of their physical development and
will carry on throughout their life through learned nutritional
processes.
Dosage
Women’s health and nutrition needs should take into account the
proper daily dosage of calcium. The daily dosage of calcium is
dependent upon a number of factors. Those factors include the
age of the individual and the condition of the individual.
For example, those young ladies who are between the ages of 11
and 24 should receive a recommended daily dosage of 1200 to
1500 milligrams. Women who have reached the age of 25 to 50
should receive a daily dosage of 1000 milligrams.
In addition, women who are 50 years of age or older and are not
taking a hormone replacement should receive a daily dosage of
calcium in the amount of 1000 milligrams. Also, women who are
pregnant or who are nursing a child should have a daily calcium
intake of 1200 to 1500 milligrams. Finally, those women 50 years
of age and older and not on a hormonal replacement should
receive a daily dosage of 1500 milligrams.
Sources of Calcium
When considering women’s health and nutrition, the dietary
needs of women will come to mind. In regards to receiving the
proper dosages of calcium there are a number of options that
are available.
There are many schools of thought that revolve around receiving
the proper daily dosage of calcium. However, it seems that the
best source of ingesting calcium is through a proper diet.
Eating the right foods and in sufficient quantities should
provide the acceptable dosages of calcium required to maintain
the health of the women’s skeletal system.
Dairy products are always a good source of calcium, but the
possibility of being lactose intolerant may preclude women from
receiving their daily calcium through this type of food. In
addition, dairy products contain undesirable quantities of fat
and therefore may not be conducive to weight control.
Therefore, other foods that are rich in calcium content per
serving include broccoli which has 36 milligrams of calcium,
sardines contain 420 milligrams, shellfish and various types of
greens hold 90 milligrams of calcium. Additionally,
calcium-fortified orange juice contains 320 milligrams per
glass.
Supplements
Supplements can also be part of a woman’s health and nutrition
program; however certain precautions need to be identified.
Associated with the taking of calcium supplements may be the
development of kidney stones or distress experienced in the
digestive system. Also, there may be possible adverse
interactions with other medications that are being taken by the
woman.
Therefore, in considering taking these calcium supplements, it
is important to consult with your physician. It is important to
remember that when taking calcium supplements the daily
recommended dose should be adhered to.
About The Author: Monica Washington is an online researcher
based out of Los Angeles, Calfornia. For free tips and
resources covering Women’s Health and Nutrition, please visit:
http://www.resourceforwomenshealth.info/WomensHealthandNutrition.html
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