Ladies, it’s time to invest in learning about these 5 common health problems you can face. Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics, Fitness & Nutrition Expert shares insight.
Ageing is a process that comes with a host of added changes – both in diet and lifestyle. Maintaining a proper diet and healthy lifestyle becomes of paramount importance during this period, especially for your mother if she is over the age of 50 or 60. As the body’s metabolism and lean body mass begin their degeneration process, care must be taken to counter its effects.
Invest your time in learning these 5 common health problems your mother will face:
- Menopause: Menopause is when a woman stops menstruating or having her period. For most women, it usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can also develop before or after this age range. Some symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, night sweats, poor concentration, vaginal dryness, anxiety, mood swings, etc. Loss of calcium following menopause can cause osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues. Hence, establishing good sleeping habits and getting plenty of rest is a must. In order to help maintain bone strength and bone density, and prevent osteoporosis, women should eat meals rich in Calcium, Vitamin D and Magnesium. Breathing exercises and meditation help to relax the body and mind and are an important aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Thyroid: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate and maintains the health of our heart, muscles, digestive system, brain and bone structure Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet i.e. food and supplements. Any malfunctioning in this can cause the body to undergo intense fluctuations. Feeling sluggish, experiencing weight loss resistance and hair loss are all symptoms of thyroid. Including foods like eggs, avocados, berries, yoghurt and other green leafy vegetables in the daily diet help in lowering stress and addressing mineral deficiencies; the root causes of thyroid imbalance.
- Diabetes: Patients with Type 2 diabetes generally rely on oral hypoglycemic drugs to maintain blood sugar levels. Evidence suggests that certain foods can help control sugar spikes and help in improving insulin resistance which may eventually reduce dependence on medicines. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables helps in controlling blood glucose. Along with balanced meals, well-timed snacks are an important way to regulate blood sugar in women with diabetes. Consume more home-cooked meals, check food, and try unsweetened teas and coffees. Reduce salt and use black pepper, and use herbs and spices in their place to add extra flavours to the food.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure occurs when the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. This can result in damage to blood vessels, the heart, the brain, and other organs. Women, especially those over 35, can suffer from this disease due to hypertension, stress, and a poor diet.
- Breast Cancer: Risk factors for breast cancer include increasing age, family history, early menopause after 55 years, obesity, etc. Encourage your mothers to self-examine regularly. A yearly mammogram should begin at the age of 40 in addition to this.
There is no doubt that women are more susceptible to certain diseases and illnesses than men. A majority of women tend to ignore their health in favour of the health of their families. Thus, it’s necessary to pay attention to your mother’s health early on.
