Deficiencies in Working Women:

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Deficiencies in Working Women:
Are nutrient deficiencies affecting your health?
By: Kathy G. Wise, RD, LD

Today's working woman face greater challenges meeting their daily nutrient needs then they did ten years ago. Women are doing more. And in many cases they are expected to do it all without missing a beat. Hectic lifestyles, stress, and time restrictions may not allow for healthy eating which may leave women lacking important nutrients. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to mood swings, metal and physical fatigue, sleeplessness, frequent infections, colds and other health problems.

Getting the Facts
Being deficient in even a single nutrient can devastate immune function and cause fatigue. Most researchers, however, are convinced that adequate but less than optimal nutrition also have a negative effect on immunity. And most believe that a balanced diet is the best way to get the right mix of nutrients and phytochemicals for peak immune function and overall good health.

The immune system is the body's primary defender. It fights off most intruders while we are blissfully naive of the battles raging from within. Although immunity naturally declines with age, there is much you can do to preserve this disease-fighting arsenal. Certainly, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, stress management and a smoke free environment affords powerful protection. But the nothing boosts and defends the immune system like a diet laden with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Vitamin and Minerals:
The key players vitamin C, E, D,
beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron
At the forefront of protective nutrients are vitamins C, E. and beta-carotene. They are very strong antioxidants and the major players in the war against disease and aging.

Vitamin C minimizes damage caused to white blood cells and although it cannot prevent a cold it can help bolster your immune system to resist and lessen the effect of the virus.

Vitamin E is well recognized for its antioxidant properties in helping fight against heart disease and certain cancers. Now research is showing that vitamin E helps relieve many symptoms related to PMS including mood swings.

Next in line is vitamin D which helps regulate immune system functions and influences bone strength.

Then rounding out the protective pack are calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron. These minerals have been in the background until recently, but now are standing up to be noticed. Calcium has long been recognized for its bone protective properties, but did you know that it might alleviate symptoms from PMS and help maintain a healthy blood pressure? Magnesium works with calcium to keep bones strong and aids in the function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm. While zinc is needed for immune response, wound healing, tissue growth and repair, it also helps remove carbon dioxide at the cellular level among other things. And finally, boron is getting its overdue recognition. We have known the existence of boron for a long time, however, only recently were the health benefits of this trace mineral discovered. Boron helps prevent bone loss by enhancing the utilization of vitamin D and modulates immune and inflammatory processes. Boron also seems to help the body's ability to hold on to natural estrogen, which may play a factor in reducing symptoms related to PMS. The plus of looking to foods for boron is that foods high in boron are also rich in phytoestrogens (plant estrogen).

So what is a busy woman to do?
It is simple eat Natural Fast Foods. What are natural fast foods? Fruits and vegetables of course! They can be eaten raw, cooked, hot or cold. They come in a variety of colors and flavors. They are packed in their own containers and do not need refrigeration. What could be faster or easier than that? So start munching and enjoy good health.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. Please consult your health care provider if you suspect you are ill, or have questions about your condition.