The more I learn about women’s physiology, the more amazed—and slightly anxious—I become.
Today at the gym, the air conditioning went out due to a power cut. The heat immediately overwhelmed me as I walked out of the bathroom, making me sweat and become irritable in seconds.
In that moment, I remembered my 50-year-old friend who recently shared her struggles with hot flashes due to menopause. She mentioned having six fans and two AC units in her room just to stay comfortable. Imagining her in the same overheated bathroom without any cooling made me think deeply about the level of care women need to maintain their health and balance, especially as they age.
From my observations, many significant changes for women start around age 40. This is considered middle age, a time when the female body undergoes many changes due to hormonal imbalances. It’s a period when being intentional about self-care becomes crucial. This includes proactive measures like regular blood tests and other screenings to detect any potential issues early. The saying “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” is dangerous when it comes to health; staying informed is essential to prevent problems.
Another friend shared her experience of extreme fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Her doctor found she was low in magnesium and needed to improve her gut health, among other recommendations.
Recently, I had a skin issue, and my dermatologist discovered a high yeast load, attributing it to my age. He recommended anti-fungal medications, and my pharmacist advised taking probiotics to support my gut health, especially after the medication. She emphasised the importance of balancing the gut microbiome. Adjusting my diet, including reducing dairy, sugar, and processed foods, along with taking probiotics, brought significant relief.
I’ve noticed a trend: several women have negative reactions to foods they’ve always eaten. For example, one woman could no longer tolerate milk. This didn’t surprise me, as dairy is often considered unsuitable for many people. She switched to soy milk, but it contained milk ingredients, highlighting the importance of reading labels.
If you’re over 40, be aware that many changes occur in your body, and if unnoticed and unmanaged, they can impact your well-being. The good news is that with a bit of proactivity, you can stay ahead of these changes. Educating yourself about nutrition is particularly beneficial, as what we eat and drink has a significant impact on our health. Understanding basic nutrition can help you make informed dietary choices.
For example, a lady recently told me she started reacting to carbs like white rice and spaghetti. I explained that she was likely reacting to highly processed carbs and suggested healthier options like sweet potatoes, plantains, and beans. She’s now doing well with these changes.
In conclusion, as we age, especially past 40, being proactive about our health is essential. Regular check-ups, understanding nutrition, and making informed dietary choices can significantly improve our well-being. By staying informed and taking deliberate steps towards self-care, we can navigate these changes more effectively and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Feel free to reach out to me for assistance with my unique whole food diet plan, PrimePlate. This eating pattern mirrors the Mediterranean diet, considered one of the world’s healthiest, but adapted to Nigerian foods. It helps fight inflammation, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and supports effective digestion.
To all my over-40 ladies, I’m sending you hugs and cheering you on as you navigate the best season of your life.
