Women have specific health issues that are different from men. Although as children, boys and girls have similar ailments, once puberty has taken hold the problems change significantly.

The female body begins to ready itself for motherhood at the time of menstruation. From that early age and for years to come, we are plagued with cramps, bloating and tender breasts. But there are things you can do to help ease all of this discomfort.

You can prepare yourself each month by eating a diet low in sodium, especially a week or two before your cycle. This will significantly cut down on the bloating, which in turn helps with the cramps.

Avoiding alcohol and caffeine as well as cutting down on your salt intake can reduce the pain you feel from tender breasts.

Just a few simple changes in your diet can make all the difference in the world with how you feel. Remember, you are what you eat. Food is much more than the taste in your mouth. That’s why it is important to pay attention to what you are feeding your body.

I know, because before I started really eating healthy and exercising, my hormones were completely out of balance. By eating a diet low in fat and sodium but loaded with fruits and vegetables, I feel absolutely great every day of the month.

It is also possible to alleviate some of your discomfort by exercising and staying active throughout the month. Strengthening your back and stomach muscles will relieve some of the cramping. However, if you have a heavy flow, you may want to consult your physician about your level of aerobic activities on those days.

Make sure you get plenty of rest. Not only during your cycle, but every night of the month. An adequate night’s rest gives your body a chance for restoration and rejuvenation. Believe it or not, women need more sleep than men–and it’s not just for beauty either!

Listen ladies, the better care you take of yourself today, the better you will look and feel tomorrow and for the rest of your life. A healthy diet, together with an active lifestyle will provide benefits today and every day.

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Taking a good multi-vitamin each day covers us for the days when we don’t get proper nutrition. As much as possible, I prefer getting my vitamins and nutrients from healthy, great tasting foods. But I still believe that multi-vitamins are a great way of supplying us with a sort of safety backup to keep us fortified in case of a stressful event. A vitamin supplement, whether your diet is balanced or not, can add a significant advantage to your way of life.

Women can benefit from taking a good multi-vitamin with iron, particularly those of childbearing age who are slightly anemic. Having a low red blood count will cause you to become anemic. This condition sometimes occurs during the menstrual cycle when iron levels may dip lower. By taking a multi-vitamin supplement with iron, you can raise your red blood count and the added iron will help you feel more energized.

Many women find vitamin E supplements to be helpful in easing the discomfort of tender breasts. Women who take 400 IU (international units) per day of vitamin E, report significant relief from breast discomfort without the unwanted side effects of irritability, bloating and oily skin.

Do you have a family history of osteoporosis? Are you taking calcium supplements? If you are over the age of thirty-five, you need to take extra calcium every day. Women, from the age of thirty-five until menopause, need 1,000 mg of calcium every day. 1,500 mg per day is needed after menopause. Women who take estrogen after menopause only need 1,000 mg per day because of the effects of estrogen on their bodies they will not require the extra calcium.

Excessive amounts of vitamins should not be taken. Overdoses of vitamins A, D, E, and K can be dangerous. Treat vitamins as you would any other medication and take only as directed by your doctor or the manufacturer’s directions.

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Did you know that some foods can enhance a woman’s beauty? Foods high in anti-oxidants and vitamins have anti-aging properties that benefit the complexion. A variety of other foods help to minimize wrinkles, improve eyesight and whiten the teeth.

Berries, especially strawberries are excellent sources of polyphenols, anti-oxidants that help to re-build collagen for increased skin elasticity. This helps to keep your face from sagging.

Leafy greens such as spinach help to fight acne. High levels of iron and zinc make this veggie a must for a pretty face. Iron helps to alleviate dark circles under eyes while zinc is beneficial in breaking down old collagen leaving room for new collagen to form.

Ripe red tomatoes are packed full of high levels of the antioxidant vitamins A and C as well as skin cancer-fighting chemicals. Vitamin C helps keep skin elastic and prevents bruising. Vitamin A aids in healing acne from the inside out by boosting our resistance to infection.

Sardines are teeming with face-friendly omega-3 fatty acids that are responsible for doing everything from attacking arid areas to deflating inflamed zits. These essential fatty acids battle collagen-damaging free radicals and help smooth out fine lines. Dermatologists recommend eating fish three times a week. If you don’t like seafood, you can try a fish-oil supplement for some of these benefits. Or try adding flaxseed (alsi) oil and nuts to your diet. Fatty fish and nuts also contain zinc, which helps control acne flare-ups and encourages cell growth.

Crunch into a carrot if you want clear eyes with minimal wrinkling around the edges. Chock full of beta-carotene, carrots as well as sweet potatoes and other orange fruits and vegetables help to control dry, flaky skin, too.

Oatmeal is a wonder source of fiber and helps to rid your body of toxins. Rich in vitamin B, this tasty cereal can keep your complexion clear and pretty.

Soy is a super skin saver. Loaded with vitamin E, which boosts the growth of new cells. It’s full of chemicals that act like estrogen in the body, helping to rid the skin of acne for a clear complexion.

Have you been eating any of the foods that make you pretty?  What’s your experience been?  Tell us and our readers about it in the comment space below: