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Friday, February 24, 2012

How to Live to 100

good-news-live-to-100

Good news

Big news for anyone born after the year 2000: They’ll probably live to 100, according to research from Denmark. That’s roughly 20 years longer than the life expectancy of the rest of us. But we could live that long, too, says Walter Bortz II, MD, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University: “What’s holding us back are bad habits.”

Luck and genetics play roles in longevity, of course, but you can’t control that. To hike your odds of hitting 100, focus on what you can do, like loading up on fruits and veggies (add five years), working out five days a week (add two to four years), and cutting down on stress (may add up to six years).
teeth-flossing

Get a hobby

+2 years
Having a pastime reduces stress and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Floss
+6.4 years
Removing harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation cuts the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Take a Vacay
+1 to 2 years
Skimping on leisure time can raise your risk of heart disease eightfold. Solution: Go ahead and get away from it all!
sleep-in

Sleep in

+2 years
The average American is almost an hour short on sleep, which hinders the repair of many cells in the body. Try to get your 7 to 8 hours a night.

Have Sex
+3 to 5 years
Intercourse helps you live longer by relieving stress and releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin. You’ll also burn about 200 calories.
lose-5-pounds

Lose 5 lbs in 5 days

Can’t zip up your party dress? Eat like a star.

This five-day plan from nutrition coach Jackie Keller (who’s helped Katherine Heigl, below, Anna Paquin, and other celebs slim down) includes lean protein plus fruit, dairy, fiber, and whole grains. It’s OK to swap lunch and dinner, but eat these foods every day and add your favorite daily exercise.
menu-five-day

Your five-day meal plan

Breakfast
1⁄2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
1⁄2 whole-wheat English muffin with 1 teaspoon pure fruit spread or natural peanut butter
1 medium-size slice cantaloupe

Morning Snack
1 hard-boiled egg
1⁄2 cup grapes

Lunch
Caesar salad with 3 ounces grilled chicken and 2 teaspoons low-fat oil-and-vinegar Caesar dressing
1⁄2 apple

Afternoon Snack
1 ounce whole natural almonds

Dinner
3 ounces broiled salmon
1⁄2 cup brown rice
1 cup steamed vegetables (any)

Evening Snack
1⁄2 cup juice-sweetened yogurt
http://www.health.com

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Star Chefs Cook Carbs!

Joe-Bastianich

Joe Bastianich's Scoglio (Seafood Pasta)

Joe Bastianich is a judge on the hit FOX series MasterChef and MasterChef Italia in Italy. His newest book, Restaurant Man, is due to be released in spring 2012.

"Carbs—especially pasta—are the fuel my body needs to maintain an athletic lifestyle. This classic Italian dish, loaded with delicious iron-rich shellfish, is both sustaining and satisfying."

Ingredients: olive oil, garlic cloves, whole Italian tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano (optional), spaghetti, scallops, shrimp, thyme, mussels, clams, white wine

Calories: 433
Resistant Starch: 2 grams
Gail-Simmons

Gail Simmons's Individual Spinach and Mushroom Pizzas With Whole Wheat Crust

Gail Simmons is a celebrated culinary expert, food writer, and television personality who has worked in some of the country's most notable restaurants. The host of Top Chef: Just Desserts, she is also a judge on Top Chef Masters.

"Pizza is one of those foods I could never give up. The combination of crispy crust, tangy sauce, and fresh mozzarella is always so satisfying."

Ingredients: yeast, warm water, sugar, whole wheat flour,unbleached all-purpose flour, sea salt, olive oil, cremini mushrooms, baby spinach, whole tomatoes (juices drained), salted mozzarella, garlic cloves, crushed red pepper (optional)

Calories: 418
Resistant Starch: 3.2 grams
Allysa-Torey

Allysa Torey's Date-Walnut Mini Cupcakes

Allysa Torey opened Magnolia Bakery in New York's Greenwich Village in the summer of 1996. She now spends her time cooking and writing on her small farm in upstate New York with her two children.

"The inspiration for this recipe came from my memories of sitting around the kitchen table with my mom as a child and eating date-nut bread with cream cheese. My kids absolutely love these!"

Ingredients: pitted dates, light brown sugar, light unsulphured molasses, unsalted butter, unbleached all-purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, salt, egg, vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest

Calories: 110
Resistant Starch: 0 grams
lewis-poliafito

Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito's Holiday Sugar Cookies

Co-owners of Baked, a New York City–based purveyor of outrageously delicious desserts, Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito are also the authors of two celebrated cookbooks, Baked: New Frontiers in Baking, and Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented.

"For us, it is essential that sugar cookies taste as good as they look. Our whole wheat sugar cookies hold their shape well, and they have a wonderful nutty note via the whole wheat flour."

Ingredients: all-purpose flour,whole wheat flour, salt, baking soda, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg white, vanilla extract, almond extract, powdered sugar, pasteurized egg whites, lemon juice

Calories: 126
Resistant Starch: 0 grams
Longing for something yummy? Get your fix and stay slim anyway with these smart snacks from the CarbLovers Diet.
http://www.health.com

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

10 Ways Your Job Can Hurt Your Heart

jobs-that-harm-heart

Your job, your heart

By Amanda Gardner
Although most people don't think of heart disease as an occupational hazard, certain characteristics of your job may be upping your risk for heart attacks and other problems.

Some work-related factors—such as sitting long hours at a desk, stress, irregular work hours, and exposure to certain chemicals or pollution—could also harm your heart.

Here are some jobs and job characteristics that could be upping your risk—and what to do about it.
all-day-office-desk-job

Desk jockeys

People who are sedentary at work have a higher risk of heart problems than those in more active jobs, says Martha Grogan, MD, a cardiologist with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and editor of the book, Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!

It's not clear why, but prolonged sitting may cause a drop in insulin sensitivity and enzymes that normally break down fat, she says.

Standing up and walking around once in a while or working at a standing desk may help.
fire-fighter-stress

Emergency responders

Jobs that combine inactivity with bouts of high stress activity—like fighting crime or fires—aren't that great either. About 22% of on-the-job deaths in police officers and 45% in firefighters are due to cardiovascular disease compared to 15% in other jobs.

Long hours, shift work, unhealthy eating at work, stress, exposure to carbon monoxide or other pollutants, as well as high rates of other risk factors, like hypertension (which have been documented in emergency responders), may play a role.

If you can't change your job, focus on things—like healthy eating, exercise, and lowering blood pressure—that you can control.
stressful-bus-driver-job

Bus drivers

Bus drivers are more likely to have hypertension than other workers, says Peter L. Schnall, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine.

It may be because it's a sedentary occupation that requires vigilance to avoid accidents and keep passengers safe, which can stress your system, he says.

While you may not be able to control stress or pollution, you can address other risk factors.

In one study, 56% of bus drivers in Taipei had hypertension compared with 31% of other workers. They also had higher cholesterol, body weight, trigylercides, and heart disease rates.
emergency-responders-stress

Shift workers

Rotating shifts, a schedule common for doctors, nurses, and others, is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Shift work itself may disrupt circadian rhythms, the "body clock" that plays a role in blood sugar, blood pressure, and insulin regulation.

But lifestyle may be a factor too. Night-shift workers seem to be more likely to smoke, says Nieca Goldberg, MD, medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. And short sleep duration is linked to greater heart risk (5 to 6 hours per night vs. 7 to 8 hours).
http://www.health.com

Monday, February 20, 2012

13 Things You Should Know About Stomach Flu

over-counter-bepto

OTC tummy remedies may help

There is no treatment for viral gastroenteritis, besides time and symptom relief. (Antibiotics are useless, so don't be surprised if you don't get one from your doctor.)

Over-the-counter remedies that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) may help for simple diarrhea.

Antidiarrheal medications may also help ease cramps and diarrhea, but you should avoid them if you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever as it can make the illness worse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
call-doc-stomach-flu

When to call your doctor

If you see blood in your stool or vomit, call your doctor right away. Diarrhea on its own is not a cause for alarm, but call your doctor if you also experience extreme lethargy, confusion, or otherwise altered mental status, or a lack of urine (or dark and concentrated urine), which are signs of serious dehydration.

Also get help if your symptoms aren't getting better after three days, you have prolonged vomiting that prevents liquid intake, or if you spike an oral temperature over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
child-stomach-flu

The old, young, and sick are at greatest risk

Young children's developing immune systems make it harder for them to fight off viral infections, while their smaller bodies are also at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. Elderly people are also more prone to coming down with viral gastroenteritis, and take longer to recover afterwards, Dr. Rogg says.

Anyone with a chronic illness, such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, or kidney disease, or who has HIV or is taking medications that suppress the immune system, should check with a doctor if they come down with the stomach flu.
stomach-flu-soup

Take it slow on the road to recovery

When you stop vomiting and your diarrhea subsides, you're probably going to feel pretty hungry. But wait a few days before you celebrate with a feast, Dr. Rogg warns. "Don't eat as if you were well until you've felt fine for a couple of days," he advises. "Eat smaller meals, and drink in smaller volumes. Basically, you'll want to avoid eating or drinking in a way that will distend the stomach." Overloading the stomach too soon may make you feel sick all over again, so skip fatty foods and stick to light, easy-to-digest meals.
 http://www.health.com

Sunday, February 19, 2012

5 Fresh Main-Course Salads

corn-chicken-salad-20500726

Toss around these salad ideas

Honey-Chile-Ginger Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
Perfect: If you crave grilled goodness

Ingredients: honey,fresh ginger, Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such as Huy Fong), canola oil or olive oil, skinless, boneless chicken breast, Cooking spray, kosher salt, shucked corn, peaches, watercress

Calories: 325
tomato-sausage-salad-20500726

Tomatoes With Sausage and Green Goddess Dressing

Great: When you’ve been to the farmers’ market

Ingredients: Dressing: cup reduced-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, white wine or tarragon vinegar, canned anchovy fillets, fresh tarragon leaves, chopped chives, fresh flat-leaf parsley,ground black pepper Salad: dried quinoa, low-fat chicken sausages, mixed salad greens, tomatoes, small red onion

Calories: 409
steak-noodle-salad-20500726

Curry-Coconut Steak and Noodle Salad

Excellent: When you’re sick of takeout

Ingredients: rice-flour noodles (ban pho), green curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen), light coconut milk, fresh cilantro, divided Zest, lime, kosher salt, ground black pepper, beef sirloin fillet, scallions, carrots, seedless cucumber, chopped peanuts, fresh mint

Calories: 405
farro-salad-20500726

Tasted Farro With Roasted Vegetables and Fennel

Ideal: For a veggie-loving crowd

Ingredients: dried farro, roasted bell peppers, sherry or red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, Cooking spray, zucchini, fennel bulb, butter beans, sliced Parmesan

Calories: 480
shrimp-salad-20500726

Chopped Taco Salad With Shrimp

Great: If you long to healthy-up taco night

Ingredients: Cooking spray, lemons, limes, fresh oregano, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, romaine lettuce, large shrimp, corn tortillas, tomato, avocado, Cotija cheese

Calories: 362
http://www.health.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

14 Health Products You Probably Don't Need part 3

anti-wrinkle-cream

Anti-wrinkle creams

At the first sign of wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots, many women are quick to splurge on anti-aging creams, salves, and serums that promise to stop the clock.

Still, the reality is that most have little to no evidence backing up their results. Consumer Reports tested a variety of products in 2010 and found the effects to be inconsistent and minor. Plus, many anti-aging solutions charge big bucks for their "miracle" results.

If you’ve got your beauty regimen down pat, continuing to use these products shouldn’t hurt. But don’t expect to turn back time. "Miracles do not exist," says Dr. Wolfe, "at least in the medical world."
thermal-suit

Thermal suits

When wrestlers or boxers need to make weight, they’ll get in a quick and sweaty workout to drop a few pounds—of water weight. That weight quickly comes back once they rehydrate.

In a similar way, everyday dieters try thermal sweat suits, thinking that they will get weight-loss results.

In reality, the vinyl suits won’t help you lose body fat any faster, and they could even make you feel tired quicker from the inability to regulate your body temperature. Worse, excessive dehydration can lead to kidney failure, heat stroke, and heart attacks.

Just crank up the speed on the treadmill and break a natural sweat.
skechers-shape-ups

Shoes with a workout

Whether they’re Reebok’s Easytone sneakers ($100), FitFlops ($57 to $210), or Skecher’s Shape-ups ($95 to $105), some shoe brands claim to come with a built-in workout.

While a little extra walking—in any shoes—will help work your abs and legs, toning shoes won’t deliver miracle results, according to a recent study by the American Council on Exercise.

They might help motivate you to move more, however. These shoes can be a fun and comfy way to add a little boost to your daily routine. A little motivation is a good thing no matter what, but chances are you could find a more wallet-friendly one.
fast-abs

Fast Abs

Wouldn’t we all love a quick fix for flabby abs? Fast Abs—and its not-so-distant cousins the Ab Sonic, Ab Tronic, and Ab Energizer—claim to build muscle and reduce body fat by electrically stimulating the muscles with a massage belt worn around the middle.

As much as we’d like to sit still and jiggle away the pounds, a 2002 study failed to show that electrical muscle stimulation has these desired effects.

Even if a few calories are burned by electrical stimulation, that doesn’t result in fat melting off of one particular area.
ear-candle

Ear candles

Sure, earwax is kind of gross, but even cleaning it out with a Q-tip can cause problems, so why risk using a burning candle to get rid of the gunk?

There’s no proof whatsoever that these fiery contraptions will actually draw the wax out of your ears. Instead, users are likely to end up with burns, middle-ear damage, or even eardrum perforation that can lead to ear infections and hearing problems, says Dr. Raj.

Not to mention, isn’t it just common sense not to put a burning candle near your face, hair, or ears?
http://www.health.com 

Friday, February 17, 2012

6 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts part 2

gluten-flour

Gluten intolerance

Some people react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease.

“The gluten causes damage in the small intestine,” explains Dr. Alaradi. “The small intestine doesn’t work normally, it doesn’t absorb nutrients.” Experts and patients are becoming more aware of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, which causes gas, bloating, mild-to-severe pain, and fatigue.

The small intestine’s inability to absorb nutrients may lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and even malnutrition.
endometriosis-women

Endometriosis

Endometriosis only affects women. It’s a condition that occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus escape and start to grow in other parts of the body, usually somewhere in the pelvis.

Pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility can result. Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose, says Dr. Kaul, and often requires a referral to a gynecologist and a pelvic ultrasound.

If the endometriosis is confined to one small area, surgery may help. Otherwise it is treated with pain medication and hormone therapy, as the menstrual cycle tends to drive painful symptoms.
thyroid-problem-stomach

Thyroid problems

Even though the thyroid gland is located in the neck, it can cause problems lower down in the body.

“The thyroid regulates several functions in the body and the digestive tract is one of the systems,” explains Dr. Alaradi.

If the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), it speeds up the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal cramps, he says.

On the other hand, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows down the digestive tract, potentially leading to pain from constipation and gas.
man-swim-lake-parasites

Parasites

No one wants to think that stomach symptoms are due to a parasitic worm or other creature. But it happens.

There are many types, but the most common in the U.S. are Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which you can get by swimming in contaminated pools or lakes or drinking contaminated water. (Or in some outbreaks, unpasteurized cider). The tiny protozoa cause cramps, diarrhea, and nausea about 2 to 10 days after exposure (for Crypto) or 1 to 3 weeks later (for Giardia). Other types of parasites can be picked up in undercooked or contaminated food.
appendicitis-symptoms

Appendicitis

Most people who have appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, experience sudden pain that’s bad enough to warrant an emergency room trip.

Appendicitis is more common in children and young adults (though it can happen to older adults) and usually starts with pain in the mid-abdomen, progressing into the lower right part of the abdomen. (Check out 9 Symptoms of Appendicitis.)

If the appendix isn’t removed, it can burst, leading to potentially life-threatening peritonitis.
stomach-ulcer-drawing

Ulcers

Peptic ulcer disease, or ulcers in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), is a common source of abdominal pain, says Dr. Alaradi.

Pain usually strikes the mid-upper abdominal area and sometimes occurs after meals, he adds. People with duodenal ulcers can wake in the middle of the night due to pain.

NSAID medications and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are major causes. Antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs are often used to treat ulcers caused by bacteria.
 http://www.health.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Get Gorgeous Hair With Conditioner

woman-staring-white

The secret to soft hair

We?ve all been there: standing at the drugstore in front of rows of conditioners, wondering what to buy. From daily conditioner and heat-protecting leave-in mists to deep conditioners and keratin masks, the options can be daunting.

The truth is, "all conditioners smooth the cuticle, soften hair, add shine, and restore moisture," says celebrity hairstylist Juan Carlos Maciques of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. "But using the right one is the best way to keep your hair healthy and your style looking great."
conditioner-hair-dry

Use conditioner even when you skip shampoo

Everything your hair is exposed to can dry it out. "Using daily conditioner adds a layer of protection that guards against harsh products, hot tools, and everything else that’s doing a number on your hair," says Tresemmé celebrity hairstylist Jeanie Syfu.

Dry hair? You may even want to use conditioner in place of your shampoo once or twice a week. "Some shampoos contain strong detergents that can strip hair of moisture," Syfu says.

Swapping in conditioner helps hair retain moisture and makes it easier to detangle, Maciques adds, "but it shouldn’t fully replace shampoo, which does a better job of removing buildup."
style-hair-mirror

Honor your hair’s texture

"Most women who think conditioner makes their hair flat are using the wrong formula," says Damian Santiago, owner of Mizu Salon in New York City. The key is to pick one based on your texture.

"Women with fine strands benefit from a volumizing conditioner, which adds body," Santiago explains. "Those with thick hair need deep conditioners that contain fatty acids (look for almond, coconut, or jojoba oils) to take strands from dry to shiny."

Curly hair is almost always dry because oils from the scalp don’t travel as easily down the hair shaft as they do with straight hair, so people with curls should use an ultra-moisturizing conditioner.
color-dye-hair-women

Color-treated hair

"When you color, the cuticle has to open and close to allow pigment in, which weakens strands over time," explains Francis Mousseron, a colorist at Frederic Fekkai Salon in New York City. "Adding protein strengthens hair, so it better withstands harsh chemicals."
painting-hair-mask

Make a mask your new must

Masks aren’t just for dry, damaged hair—every head could benefit from a moisture surge once a week. To get the most out of your mask, look for keratin, amino acids, or essential fatty acids, suggests Garnier hair-stylist Marc Mena.

You can also boost hydration with hot oil treatments or create a DIY mask from food (avocados and mayonnaise are both high in fatty acids).

Microwave a thin damp towel just until warm, then wrap it, turban style, around your head after applying your mask. Leave on for 20 minutes, Mena advises, then let strands cool completely before you rinse, "or the cuticles will still be ‘open’ from the heat and you’ll wash away most of the nutrients."
spread-brown-hair

Skip your roots—really

If your style requires volume or you find that the hair near your scalp gets oily quickly, avoid moisturizing there.

"Hair at the roots is conditioned on its own by the natural oils from your scalp," says Kattia Solano, owner of Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. "It’s also healthier, as it hasn’t been exposed to as much heat styling and coloring."

When applying daily conditioner, start at the ends (where most damage occurs), then run what’s left on your hands through the rest of your hair, avoiding the first two inches at your scalp. Leave on for at least three to five minutes before rinsing.
 http://www.health.com

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

4 Ways to Overcome Orgasm Roadblocks

couple-making-out

Where did your O go?

Overcome (ahem) the most common peak problems with this roadblock-busting advice.
woman-staring-butt

You’re having a bad butt day

Regardless of how body confident you are normally, "once a seed of insecurity has been planted in your head, your arousal starts to wane, and you lose the momentum you need to climax," explains sex therapist Gloria G. Brame, PhD, author of The Truth About Sex.

How to get over the hump: Drown out those body-conscious thoughts with your own moans. It sounds a little silly, but making some serious noise "will redirect your focus from the visual to the auditory, so you can revel in what your body is doing, rather than how it looks," Brame says.
woman-lingerie-man

You’re trying too hard

Your man’s been going to town for what feels like forever, and you’re determined to make it worth all the effort. But the longer you both work at it, the further away your O seems to be.

"This is a form of performance anxiety for women," Brame explains. "They feel pressure to orgasm easily, which only makes it harder to climax."
making-out-naked

Switch it up

How to get over the hump: In order to break the cycle, stop making orgasms your objective. Instead, enjoy the pleasure you’re feeling without focusing on the end game, suggests Vivienne Cass, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of The Elusive Orgasm.

If it feels like it’s not going to happen for you, take a break and switch things up (like just make out for a few minutes). Not only will the pressure dissipate, but when you’re ready to go again, you’ll be more aroused and closer to the finish line.
distracted-woman-bed

Your brain is too freaking busy

There’s no better tension reliever than orgasms—oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which is released in large doses after an O, may even reduce your stress level.

And yet, when your daily to-do’s are consuming your thoughts, it’s difficult to hit the high note: Research shows that it’s easier for a woman to climax if the conscious centers of her brain associated with anxiety literally shut off.

How to get over the hump: Fade out the internal chatter by focusing solely on the sensations. "Tune into what every stroke and touch feels like," Brame advises. "If thoughts from the day creep in, snap your focus back to what’s happening to both of your bodies."
woman-yelling-husband

Your man’s on your $#!% list

Bottled-up anger at your guy can interfere with your ability to finish strong.

"That resentment shifts your attention away from any pleasurable sensations," Cass explains, "which makes it harder to have an orgasm."

How to get over the hump: If it’s a minor issue, try to resolve it before you get busy. "Talking it through can build intimacy, making you more receptive to a sexual connection," Cass says.

When bigger problems are at play, your desire may have vanished altogether. Consider seeing a couples therapist to recover your relationship—and your O’s.
http://www.health.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

8 Tips for Eating Healthy During Menopause part 1

menopause-weight-gain

Staying healthy

By Rachel Meltzer Warren, MS, RD
Good news! Aging does not have to equal weight gain. Women do tend to put on a pound a year in their 40s and 50s, but it’s more likely due to a drop in activity rather than hormones.

However, hormonal changes can shift your body composition, so any pounds you do gain tend to land in your middle.

Find out how to stay slim, reduce menopausal symptoms, and cut the health risks that can rise after menopause.
fish-omega-menopause

Go fish

Heart disease risk is likely to rise after menopause, so you should try to eat at least two servings of fish per week (preferably those with healthy fats like salmon or trout).

“Women may want to give [fish oil] supplements a try if having two servings of fish a week is problematic,” says JoAnn Manson, MD, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston.

Preliminary research suggests that fish oil may also help prevent breast cancer.

Aim for two servings of fish a week—and talk to your doctor about whether or not you should try a supplement.
weight-exercise-menopause

Slim down

If you’re overweight you can minimize menopausal symptoms and reduce the long-term risks of declining hormones by losing weight, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn.

Slimming down not only reduces the risks of heart disease and breast cancer, both of which go up after menopause, says Dr. Minkin, but new research shows that it may also help obese or overweight women cut down on hot flashes.
cup-milk-calcium

Bone up on calcium

Your calcium needs go up after age 50, from 1,000 milligrams per day to 1,200 mg. “With less estrogen on board, your bones don’t absorb calcium as well,” says Dr. Minkin.

If you have a cup of low-fat milk, one latte, and one 8-ounce yogurt, you’re getting around 1,100 mg calcium. This means you need to take only an additional 100 mg of supplements a day—less than one caplet’s worth—to make up the difference.

If you're eating dairy, choose low-fat products. These have roughly the same amount of calcium as their full-fat counterparts, but with fewer calories.
bloating-menopause

Ease bloating

"About 100% of my patients going through menopause complain of bloating," says Dr. Minkin. Although the reasons aren’t clear, fluctuating hormones during perimenopause may play a role.

Dr. Minkin recommends cutting the amount of salt and processed carbohydrates in your diet, as they can make you retain water. But don't skimp on whole grains, which are rich in heart-healthy fiber, as well as fruits and vegetables.

If healthy food, such as apples and broccoli, make you feel bloated, Dr. Minkin suggests taking Mylanta or Gas-X to combat gas buildup.
http://www.health.com

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