5 Essential Vitamins and Minerals Women Often Lack: Expert Nutritional Advice from Naturopath Belinda Kirkpatrick on the Importance of a Healthy Diet for Women’s Well-Being

by time news

2023-04-23 10:00:44

If you eat according to a balanced diet, you will get most of the vitamins and minerals. However, it does not mean that you do not run the risk of shortages. For example, the average woman’s diet does not always contain enough of the following vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional advice

Nutritionist and naturopath Belinda Kirkpatrick encourages women to take time for their own well-being. And where better to start than with good nutrition? The health industry is bursting with nutritional advice. However, we often forget that what is good for one person may not be so good for another. There is certainly a difference between men and women.

Women generally need a lot fewer calories than men. To compensate, we need more minerals and vitamins. Women generally burn fewer calories than men and they also struggle with hormones that fluctuate back and forth.

Attention to a healthy diet is therefore very important for women. For example, it promotes weight maintenance and supports a healthy mood. Curious about which nutrients you should pay more attention to? We list them.

1. B complex vitamins

These nutrients become “depleted” during stressful times, making them very important for women. They can increase energy, relieve stress, increase concentration and reduce anxiety and depressed feelings.

2. Iodine

Although eating seaweed is becoming more and more popular, we still eat it too little. We can also do iodized salt and eating egg yolk more often. Because we eat so little of this, an iodine deficiency is common. Iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid health. Not getting enough can lead to swollen thyroid glands, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin and fatigue.

3. Vitamin D

Sitting in the sun is nice (don’t forget to apply your SPF) and it also activates your body’s vitamin D production. This vitamin helps our body to absorb calcium and thus contribute to strong bones. In addition, vitamin D is super important for a healthy immune system. For example, it may help prevent some cancers and improve your mood. Most women do not notice if they are deficient. Symptoms are fatigue, muscle aches, cramps and feelings of depression.

4. Calcium

Calcium is key to strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium is also needed for strong and healthy teeth, the brain and nerves, blood clotting, muscle contraction and a healthy mood. Calcium that comes from food is very important for your body, but be aware that coffee and salt can reduce the absorption of calcium.

5. Iron

Women menstruate every month. This is simply a monthly cycle that we can (almost) do nothing about. However, this cycle puts us at risk of iron deficiency, which is not good for our well-being. Iron is very important because it provides energy, but also for a good mood, ovulation, sleep and the prevention of hair loss.

Breed scala

It’s good to know that disordered eating often manifests itself as ‘super healthy eating’. However, this is not the case. It is very important to get a wide range of nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. A limited intake of food can lead to hormonal problems, fatigue, poor sleep, and so on.

Bron: Body and Soul | Beeld: Adobe Stock

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