NutritionA balanced diet seems to be difficult to achieve. However, nowadays for
all of us it is possible to buy a large variety of food low in saturated
fat and high in whole grain, vegetables, and fruits. In case you like Asian
foods this may help to increase your daily amount of vegetables.
Women approaching menopause and beyond may want to consider what is best
for their heart and bone health and what may help them lower their relative
risk of cancer, i. e. colon cancer.
Heart disease is the most common disease in women growing older.
Please check whether your daily amount of animal fat (saturated fat) should
not be lower. Check the oils and fats you use for cooking and salads.
Check the amount of salt you use for your meals, too much salt may become
a problem in terms of the risk of high blood pressure.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential to maintain healthy bones.
Apart from milk, cheese, and sea fish, just few examples, there are many
other products including some green vegetables and certain mineral waters
to help you with your daily calcium and vitamin D intake.
You may wish to ask your doctor whether you should take a supplement in
case you find a calcium-rich foods unacceptable for you. Daily sunlight
is also helpful to allow your body to produce vitamin D.
Observational studies suggest that it may help to reduce your risk of
certain types of cancer, i. e. large bowel cancer, if you eat vegetables o
n a regular basis.
Author:
Martina Dören
Gynaecologist
Last Review: 21/02/2003
Smoking To stop smoking will not only decrease your risk of acquiring lung
cancer but also decrease your risk to develop heart disease.
Smoking also has a negative bearing regarding the likelihood women and
men develop cancer.
So please try to quit.
Because this may be very very difficult please ask your doctor or your
health insurance company for specific programs to help you quit smoking.
About Menopause
Your Health in your Hands