We live in a youthful society, or rather, youth is venerated, perhaps more than it should be at times. I guess it’s easy to understand why as time is the most valuable commodity we have. Young people have plenty of it and largely fritter it away as George Bernard Shaw and many before and after him have noted. So when you get into your 40′s and on, looking young and, more importantly, feeling young starts to play on the mind. What can be done about it ?
Your Changing Lifestyle
Post the big four o (and even prior for that matter), you should start to think about lifestyle changes.
Burning the candle at both ends will start to show if it isn’t already.
This doesn’t mean drastic changes.
Simply changing your diet will have an effect.
Doing exercise a few times a week will also help.
Getting on top of your stress levels will also be a boon.
But outside of these things, you can address some common and direct problems that women over 40 are likely to face with supplements. In fact 3 supplements might be really handy for you.
Glucosamine
The cartilage in joints begins to thin out after 40 as the body’s ability to make it goes into decline. Thus the cartilage in the body will steadily erode (and wear out if you like). The result of this is inflammation of the joints (knees in particular), pain and lessened mobility.
A solution to this is to take glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride. It generally comes in tablet or capsule form and should be taken daily. Daily dosage is 500 mg per day. This supplement is safe to take and easy to get. You will probably find it in most supermarkets in the personal hygiene/health aisles.
Many people take it as a compound or multi-supplement with key anti-inflammatory and cartilage-stabilizing natural agents (such as MSM, Bromelain Enzymes and Quercetin) to protect joints from osteoarthritic changes.
In addition to chiropractic joint care, these agents can help fight age-related conditions that lead to osteoarthritis. Daily intake at this level is also known to reduce stiffness, inflammation, and pain in those who already have mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance found in cells, is vital in order to convert food into Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP) during metabolism. This is the energy that powers cells in the body, particularly the heart, kidney and liver cells (and as a consequence, the heart, kidney and liver themselves).
Studies show CoQ10 is only manufactured in the human body in optimal amounts up to the age of twenty. After that, there is a decline in CoQ10 synthesis, which starts to become significant by about age 40-45. Based on these findings, women (and men) are advised to take 30 mg of CoQ10 in supplements daily at age 45.
CoQ10 deficiency results in poor cell function. This deficiency impacts the mitochondria which is exposed to massive free radical creation during food metabolism. CoQ10 can help neutralize free radical damage to the mitochondria.
Poor mitochondria and cell function hastens the aging of the cells which hasten the aging of the organs made up of these cells. This is thought to be responsible for increasing the risk of congestive heart failure, leads to a decline in brain function and a weakened immune system that is associated to cancer risk. Recent studies also suggest that lack of CoQ10 production is a factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease and high blood pressure.
Some literature recommends that CoQ10 be taken with supplements that contain flavonoids such as hawthorn. Hawthorn is believed to enhance the ability of the heart to generate energy for its pumping action and to dilate the coronary arteries for better flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Female Support Nutrients for Women at Fifty
When women reach the age of fifty they embark on a particularly challenging phase in their lives. At this age, women often need menopausal and post-menopausal supplements to preserve good health.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the options during this time but it is still considered to be controversial. Some studies suggest that it may lead to increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Consequently, if health care providers do prescribe HRT to manage severe menopausal symptoms, they often prescribe the lowest possible doses.
With this in mind, there are natural alternatives in the form of anti-aging supplements for women.
Many of these supplements are mainly designed to provide relief from insomnia, irritability, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and migraines. Among the natural (and supposedly safe) alternatives to HRT are don quai (angelica species), red clover, and licorice. Also popular in the market are black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and gamma-oryzanol.
How To Get The Best Out Of Supplements
Supplements aren’t going to make your feel a million dollars overnight. It will probably take a few months and even then the changes might not be noticeable. If you decide to take a supplement see it out. Make sure you take the required daily dose everyday. This is the only way you will truly benefit.
Also remember that taking a supplement is no excuse to not eat well. You should try to get all your essential nutrients from the food you eat. Supplements are just the top up if you like.
One more thing, always consult with your health care provider if you are going to start taking a course of exotic supplements. Chances are they will be fine but it’s sensible to get a second opinion and it may impact some prescribed medicine that you may be taking. Use your common sense on this one.