Three Keys to a Woman’s Wellness …

May is National Women’s Wellness Month, and it has been said that women rule the world. There are a myriad of differing opinions on both sides of this provocative statement, and understandably so. However, the critical role that women play at home, in the workplace and society, in general, cannot be overstated and minimized. Women everywhere are challenged daily with balancing ever-changing “hats” of responsibility, often more so than men, which can generate a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety that can produce unintended and harmful health issues.

There are three key preventive steps that women can take to help maintain healthier and happier lives while working to balance the complexities and challenges they face. They are …

1. Reducing Stress: Women, especially those that tend to take care of everyone else first, are notorious for waiting until they are at the breaking point before attempting to reduce their stress. Ideas for reducing stress include making better food choices, as food plays a huge role in stress. Selections that cause inflammation, deliver chemicals to the body or are hard to digest, cause enormous stress on and in the body, making it harder to handle life’s stressors. One should start by cutting out processed foods, which contain inflammatory dyes, preservatives and chemicals. Eliminating toxins also helps reduce stress. Lifestyle choices and the environment contribute daily to one’s toxic load. Ways to reduce exposure include exercise; ample hydration; and adding dark, leafy greens to one’s diet. Far infrared sauna sessions (offered at About Your Health) can also help to eliminate toxins stored in fat cells and remove many fat-soluble toxins that disrupt hormo

nal processes. Another alternative treatment method that can be therapeutically effective in stress reduction is emotional freedom techniques, or EFT (often known as tapping or EFT tapping). It is a universal healing tool that can provide impressive results for physical, emotional and performance issues. Qualified therapists at About Your Health, in Columbia, often utilize EFT when treating patients. Other methods of stress relief include meditation and yoga.

2. Finding Hormonal Health Balance: Achieving and maintaining hormonal balance is critical. Those interested can take a home saliva hormone test to know and understand exactly what may be needed. Maintaining good liver health is also important in the pursuit of hormonal balance. When working properly, the liver can rid the body of excess hormones. Castor oil packs and greens with fiber and herbs help to detoxify the liver and maintain hormonal balance while supporting uterine and ovarian health.

3. Maintaining Heart Health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and the thyroid is considered a key component of heart health. Ladies should monitor and periodically check the health status of their thyroid. Known as the “master gland,” it regulates numerous systems within the body. Thyroid deficiencies can lead to hardening of the arteries—a decrease in heart contractility—preventing the heart from pumping blood with sufficient force, leading to insufficient circulation, particularly to the brain. Iodine, like in sea vegetables or an iodine supplement, is a great supporter of thyroid health. Food plays a large part in heart health. Women should eat lots of green foods and remove hydrogenated fats and processed vegetable oils. These cause inflammation in the body.

Women everywhere should celebrate Women’s Wellness Month by achieving optimal health, marked by an enhanced and empowered lifestyle. These three keys are a great start to a very successful journey.

About Your Health is located at 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy. Ste. J, Columbia. Schedule an appointment today. For more information, call 803-798-8687 or visit AboutYourHealthSC.com