Healthy Habits For Women

By Holly Dunbar, CMT, RH (AGH)

New Moon Body Work and Botanicals

. http://www.newmoonbody.com

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Healthy Habits For Women

Eat Well Eat food that is close to the source, whole, organic whenever possible, and lovingly prepared. Eliminate refined foods, highly processed foods, and fast food. Most importantly, do not skip breakfast.

Drink Pure Water Cultures living near good water sources have long life spans. Over 95% of our bodies are comprised of water, so this is an important element not to ignore.

Learn To Listen To Your Body An essential part of maintaining good health is knowing what our bodies need and not ignoring subtle messages. Many illnesses can be avoided by listening to our inner voice before things get out of hand. Instead of grabbing for a stimulant when tired, take a quick “power nap” or a brisk walk. Eat when hungry, sleep when tired.

Take Good Care of Your Liver The liver has an essential role in women’s health. The liver breaks down excess hormones, including estrogen. An overburdened liver, be it from environmental or dietary overload, cannot take on the additional burden of breaking down these hormones. Excess estrogen has a role in PMS, fibrocystic breasts, fibroids, breast cancer, and endometriosis. Liver health is promoted by eating lots of green, leafy vegetables, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, and herbs such as dandelion, artichoke leaf, milk thistle, chamomile, and gentian.

Become Familiar With Gentle Herbs Proper use of herbs is another preventative approach to health. Using gentle herbs daily can promote good digestion, help with mood changes, improve energy and immunity, and prevent illness. Get to know these herbs raspberry leaf, nettle, dandelion root and leaf, reishi mushroom, red clover, chamomile, mints, lemon balm, and ginger, to name a few.

Get to Know Essential Oils Essential oils are pure, concentrated plant oils, which are diluted in some way to be applied externally. They enter our systems via their small, molecular structure and have different effects depending on the oil used. They have tonic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties, as well as a host of other benefits.

Essential oils should be used only with knowledge and respect for their contraindications. Several oils to “get to know” that are of particular interest to women include lavender, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, and rose.

Make Relaxation and Fun a Priority Women are taking on increasingly diverse roles in both the home and at work. Schedule time-outs for yourself and do what makes you happy. Relaxed women are more productive women.