Today’s active woman has mastered the ability to balance family,  work, and social responsibilities. This unending to-do list, coupled  with constantly evolving nutritional needs, can be emotionally and  physically draining. In order to function at the top of her game, it  is vital that she provide her system with the compounds needed to  stay healthy, energized, and strong. Let’s review some of the most  fundamental aspects of women’s health, as well as some of the most  effective support supplements.

Energy

Considering how on-the-go today’s woman is, she can’t afford to be  lacking in the energy department. Some of today’s most effective  energy-support supplements include B complex vitamins (which also  support healthy hair, skin and nails), as well as Green Tea—a potent  antioxidant. MCT Oil (medium chain triglyceride) serves as an  excellent source of instant energy that also provides the body with a  readily utilized source of beneficial fatty acids. L-Carnitine is another  ideal supplement for energy. This amino-acid like compound transports  fat into the mitochondria of cells, where it is then converted to energy.

Fitness

In addition to the obvious cosmetic appeal, maintaining a lean, healthy  figure offers many important health benefits. In order to achieve this, it  is important for busy, active women to consume a healthy diet, exercise  regularly, and ensure that her body has all the tools needed to stay fit.  Without adequate protein intake, the body will not have the building  blocks needed to maintain lean muscle, produce hormones, increase  strength, and stay focused. Consuming a quality protein supplement  in between meals, or as a meal replacement, is an easy way to make  sure that her protein needs are being met. Soy protein is high in  phytoestrogens, which may support healthy estrogen levels.

Cognitive Support

The brain, like every other organ in the body, is constantly in need  of nutrition. When the nutrients it needs are not being provided, the  brain can’t do its job properly. Choline and Inositol are two unique  members of the B vitamin family that help support healthy cognitive  function. Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is an effective phospholipid  that helps relay messages throughout the body, while utilizing its  antioxidant properties to protect neural cells. Some users combine PS  with Ginkgo Biloba extracts for additional cognitive support. Studie have shown that the active compounds  in Ginkgo may help support healthy  neural activity and circulation.

Stress Management

Stress is a normal part of life, and  a defense mechanism that prepares  the body to deal with potential  threats. Chronic and long-term stress,  however, can snowball throughout  the body, negatively impacting the  normal function of several major  systems. In addition to practicing stress  reduction activities, such as exercise,  meditation, and yoga, a number of  dietary supplements have been shown  in studies to help support a healthy,  balanced mood. These include GABA,  Relora®, St. John’s Wort, Kava, and  Valerian root extract.

Healthy Bones

Women are four times more likely  to develop osteoporosis compared to  men, and one in two women over  the age of 50 are expected to suffer a  related fracture. A growing body of  experts believes that these statistics  may be directly related to deficiencies  in key nutrients such as vitamin D,  vitamin K, and calcium. Some studies  have suggested that supplementation,  especially among women who do  not get these nutrients from their  diet, may benefit significantly from  supplementation.

Hormonal Support

Throughout her life, a woman’s  hormone production and activity  will undergo many changes. The  nutritional sciences have helped us  better understand which nutrients  and natural compounds can be  taken safely to ensure balance and  healthy hormone levels. Herbs such  as Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Dong  Quai, Wild Yam, Red Raspberry,  and Chasteberry have been shown  to support a wide range of female  health concerns, including several  associated with menopause. Also,  natural Progesterone lotions are  becoming a more popular alternative  to conventional hormone therapy.

References

NOW Foods Inc. (n.d.). Women’s Health. Retrieved from http://www.nowfoods.com/idc/groups/public/documents/digital_asset/078588.pdf