Whether it’s your very first period or you’re struggling with something more serious, at some point in the course of being a woman, you may feel embarrassed, frustrated, confused or scared!
If you’ve wondered about what every woman should know about her body, whether they’re things you think everyone knows—or only you, then wonder no more. From the mysteries of your menstrual cycle to the musings of your vaginal health, this is the go-to guide for your important questions, compiled by Create Health Gynaecology.
Your appetite will fluctuate
There’s a reason so many women complain about their appetite. Studies have shown that even with the “same” diet and exercise, appetite levels fluctuate the most in women than they do for men.
In addition to how much you eat, the amount of food you need depends on other factors as well, including your age and activity level. As a woman, your appetite may fluctuate at different times in your cycle, and in the years after menopause, due to hormone changes. In general, adult women with healthy bodies will usually eat fewer calories and feel fuller longer than men. This is because women usually have less muscle and more body fat. Muscle tissue takes more calories to maintain than body fat does. Women also tend to have less stomach capacity
In general, some days you will feel hungry, others not as much. That’s normal. But if you’re going all day without feeling hunger, or eating tiny amounts, it’s time to talk to a doctor because it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Weight gain happens over time, not overnight
This might seem obvious but what we don’t like to talk about is that gradual weight gain and loss is a normal part of life for most women, especially after periods of stress, illness, or even being pregnant. That’s why you have to know your number before you can alter your future!
And there are no quick fixes for weight loss. If you have tried all kinds of ways to lose weight, and still not been able to shed those extra pounds, it is because the underlying cause of the weight gain is recurring, and not because you are weak-willed or ignorant as to how to get rid of them. Weight gain can happen over time even if one eats a healthy diet and exercises.
Eat more “real” foods
Eating the right foods will help you maintain optimal health and feel good about yourself, both inside and out. As a woman, how can you make sure that you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to perform at its best? By eating real food.
“Real” food that doesn’t come from a box, and made from only plant-based ingredients. Real food is nourishing, tastes delicious and doesn’t require a recipe or instructions on how to heat up in order to taste better. It’s better for your teeth too. The food you eat is key to oral health and keeping your existing teeth. If you do need to replace your teeth, ensure the health of your whole mouth by opting for dental implants over and above any other teeth replacement options. Implants allow you to eat more ‘real’ foods, while looking after the health of your jaw and gums at the same time. Dental Artistry has a comprehensive guide to dental implants for those interested. If you aren’t getting the vitamins and nutrients you need from your diet, you may want to consider supplements or an Arizona Drip IV. Treatments can rehydrate you and restore low levels of essential vitamins to help you feel your best.
Sleep 7-8 hours a night
The National Sleep Foundation reported that on average women need more sleep than men. Sleep is just as important to your health as diet and exercise, yet many people are unaware of how much they should be getting. Majority of women only sleep 6-6.5 hours every night which is roughly 500 hours of sleeping less than what her body really needs over the course of a year.
The number one reason why you need to grab a few more hours of sleep at night is so that you can be your best. You’ll perform better, think quicker, remember more and feel happier if you have the right amount of sleep every night.
Your size doesn’t determine your health
The words “fat” and “healthy” seem like they should never be in the same sentence. And yet… Oftentimes, this is what women hear: “You’re fat… but it’s fine because you are healthy.” This statement might seem like a compliment. After all, you were just told that you are not fat, disgusting, or unhealthy. But there is a deeper message at play here: Fat women can’t possibly be healthy.
It’s widely known that conventional wisdom doesn’t always align with reality. For example, people think that a person’s size is an accurate reflection of their health. However, many slim and healthy individuals are forced to battle this outdated mindset every day, while the obese are ignored because of their weight and not their ailments. With healthy eating, exercise and a positive attitude, you can control your own health regardless of your weight or size.
Listen to your body
When you’re a woman, your body is telling you something every single day. Your brain is wired differently than a man’s, and having a child only makes this complicated wiring even more complex.
The body is capable of amazing things. When you’re a woman, there are times when your body isn’t feeling its best. But your body knows exactly what it needs to feel better again. You are the expert on how your body feels. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
The mainstays of being a woman are: breastfeeding, cramping, and birthing babies. These are just a few reasons why women’s bodies were designed the way they were. Seems like it would be logical to listen to them.
Move at least 20-30 minutes every day
Every day, we are bombarded with articles on how to lose weight and be happy. Most of these articles focus on women. Nothing wrong with that, but most ignore the fact that there is a specific need for women to exercise.
According to a new study, moving at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes by as much as 30%.
To stay active, keep moving. It’s the easiest — as well as the most cost-effective — way to stay strong and healthy throughout your life. Plus, exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, release endorphins that make you feel good and strengthen your bones and muscles for a pain-free life. Moving isn’t just good for your health, it can also make you happier.
Drink more water
As a woman, you’re likely already well aware of how important water is. It softens your skin, keeps the hair flowing and more. Water even helps your body flush toxins to not only make you look great, but feel great too.
Hydration is key to health and vitality. Keeping your body properly hydrated keeps you at your best throughout the day.
Conclusion
For centuries, the female body has been explored, celebrated and dissected in increasingly innovative ways. It is time for women to have an honest conversation about that most fascinating and complex of topics: the female body.
From breast cancer to the side effects of contraceptives, it’s worth taking a look under the hood. Discover what your doctor might not be telling you.