Category Archive: Women’s Health

B Vitamins and Women’s Health

Portrait of girl preparing meal with mother at home. Smiling woman is teaching daughter to prepare food. They are sitting at kitchen island.

B vitamins are vital in maintaining good health.  They help promote a healthy metabolism, play a significant role in nerve function, help in the formation of red blood cells, and are linked to a reduced risk of stroke.  Certain B vitamins are essential for normal brain development and for ensuring the immune system functions properly.  Eight B vitamins make up the B Complex.  All of them work together and are necessary for our well-being.

Importance for pregnant women

pregnancy, healthy food and people concept – close up of happy pregnant woman eating vegetable salad for breakfast in bed at home

Vitamin B9 is essential during early pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.  Doctors often prescribe a prenatal vitamin supplement to ensure women are getting enough.  B vitamins can also help reduce PMS symptoms, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and improve memory.

B vitamins are water soluble, meaning they are not absorbed and stored in fat cells in the body.  Excess amounts are eliminated in the urine.  Many women don’t get enough B vitamins in their diet, although most are readily available in common foods.

The 8 B vitamins

Here are the eight B vitamins, ways the body uses them, and how to incorporate them into our diets.

B1 – (thiamin)  Helps the body properly use carbohydrates.  Found in whole grain cereal, nuts, beans, and meat.

B2 – (riboflavin)  Necessary for normal cell growth and function; boosts the immune system.  Found in eggs, dairy products, meat, nuts, and green vegetables.

B3 – (niacin)  Improves cholesterol levels; boosts good HDL and lowers triglycerides.  Found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and greens.

B5 – (pantothenic acid)  Necessary for hormone production; helps the body properly use carbs, proteins, and lipids.  Found in organ meats, vegetables, cereal grains, eggs, dairy products, and legumes.

B6 – (pyridoxine)  Necessary for proper growth and development of the brain, nerves, and skin; helps the body use sugars, fats, and proteins.  Found in cereal grains, bananas, beans, spinach, lentils, eggs, and meat.

B7 – (biotin)  Helps break down fats and carbs.  Found in eggs, dairy products, and bananas.

B9 – (folate and folic acid)  Involved in the production of genetic material, DNA.  Found in leafy vegetables, okra, bananas, orange juice, and tomato juice.

B12 – (cyanocobalamin)  Helps maintain healthy metabolism, blood cells, and nerves.  Found in organ meats, beef, tuna, salmon, clams, sardines, and dairy products.

Vitamin B deficiency can result in symptoms that include anemia, fatigue, depression, eczema, hair loss, muscle cramps, and loss of appetite.  Talk to the health care providers at RMD Primary Care to learn more about B vitamins and women’s health.

Can Your Diet Reduce Inflammation?

Smiling Woman on a diet eating healthy

Inflammation is a response from the body’s immune system to fight off infection.  This is one way the body protects itself.  Chemicals from the white blood cells are released into the blood or tissues.  The blood flow to the infected or injured area is increased to promote healing.  Inflammation can be acute, or short-lived, and chronic, meaning long lasting.  Unfortunately, people can have excess inflammation in their body without even realizing it.  Certain autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can lead to chronic inflammation.  Other medical conditions that are linked to chronic inflammation include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and kidney disease.

Symptoms of inflammation

Man with inflammation in armCommon symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, warmth, and joint pain.  Other notable symptoms include muscle stiffness, fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches.  Chronic inflammation in the body can cause damage to the joints, the digestive tract, the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Medical treatments

A number of over-the-counter drugs can treat inflammation.  Common medications that treat inflammation include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.  These are known as NASAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  There are prescription drugs that also treat inflammation.  A physician can prescribe the appropriate ones, based on what type of underlying condition is being treated.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Healthy food for anti-inflammatory dietLifestyle changes can be effective in reducing inflammation.  Doctors may advise their patients to modify their diets to include foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory.  An anti-inflammatory diet would eliminate many processed foods and include more fresh fruits and vegetables.  Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards would be included in an anti-inflammatory diet.  Tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, and cherries are healthy additions.  Many of these foods are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation.  Beverages like coffee and tea, especially green tea, are also rich in polyphenols.  Healthy oils, like olive oil, and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, tuna, and sardines may help manage inflammation.  Whole grain breads and pasta, almonds, walnuts, and spices like ginger and turmeric also aid in fighting inflammation.

Foods to avoid

The following foods should be eliminated as much as possible from the diet, as they may actually increase inflammation.  These include white bread and rice, red meat, processed meats, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, processed snack foods, foods high in sugar, and foods containing trans fats including processed baked goods and fried foods.  Cooking oils and margarines that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, including corn oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil should also be eliminated.  It’s important to read food labels.  Excess alcohol is discouraged, and sugary beverages like sodas should be replaced with water.

If you would like to learn more about how an anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial to you, contact your healthcare provider today.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Women in car with a urinary tract infection - UTIA urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection occurring anywhere in the urinary tract.  Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, which cause inflammation in the urinary tract.  The most common site for infection is the lower urinary tract, which involves the bladder and urethra.  Upper tract UTIs, involving the kidneys and ureters, are less common but often more serious.

Although both men and women can develop a urinary tract infection, the incidence in women is much higher.  More than 50% of women will develop a UTI during their lifetime.  Up to 30% of women will experience recurring infections.  UTIs account for many doctor visits each year.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are easy to recognize and generally unpleasant.  When the upper tract is infected, the patient will feel pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides.  This may be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.  Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include increased frequency of urination and a feeling of urgency to urinate without passing much urine.  There is typically a burning sensation when urinating.  There may be blood in the urine, and urine may be cloudy or dark colored.  A strong odor may be present in the urine.  Women may experience pelvic pain, while men may have rectal pain.

A person who suspects they have a urinary tract infection should see a doctor.  During the examination, the doctor will ask about symptoms and collect a urine sample.  The sample will be tested for the presence of white cells, red cells, and bacteria.  Additional tests may be ordered if the patient has recurrent infections.

Home remedies are not usually successful in treating UTIs.  Most patients will need an antibiotic.  The patient should finish the entire prescription of antibiotics, even if the symptoms are gone.  Drinking lots of water is recommended to flush the bacteria from the system.  Over-the-counter medications can be taken to reduce pain.

The following tips may help prevent a UTI.

  • Drink lots of water and urinate often. Do not hold urine for long periods.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These drinks can irritate the bladder.
  • Wipe from front to back after urinating.
  • Urinate following sex.
  • Avoid the use of diaphragms or spermicide for contraception.
  • Avoid scented feminine hygiene products.
  • Wear cotton underwear, which helps keeps the genital area dry. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions.

Have You Scheduled Your Mammogram?

Doctor helping patient get a mammogramA mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages.  The procedure utilizes low-dose x-rays that help radiologists identify changes in breast tissue even before a lump or mass can be felt.  Early detection of breast cancer makes the disease easier to treat.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October serves as a reminder for women to talk with their doctors about scheduling a mammogram if due for one.

A woman who does not have any breast issues or cancer symptoms will be given a screening mammogram.  The procedure can pinpoint any areas of the breast that appear abnormal.  Comparing the new mammogram to any previous mammograms on file allows the radiologist who reads the x-rays to see changes in the breast tissue.  Changes such as calcifications, cysts, and masses will indicate a need for further testing including a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.  A 3-D mammogram (breast tomosynthesis) shows advantages in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts.  However, not all medical facilities offer 3-D imaging.

Some women may experience brief discomfort and pressure during the mammogram.  A little tenderness following the procedure is normal.  Over the counter pain relievers will ease the discomfort.  Since many women feel breast tenderness right before their menstrual period, it is often better to schedule a mammogram for the week following their period.

The American Cancer Society makes the following recommendations regarding mammograms.

Women ages 40 to 44 – may start having an annual mammogram if they wish.

Women ages 45 to 54 – should have an annual mammogram.

Women age 55 and older – can continue with annual mammograms or may have one every two years.

Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about their risk for developing breast cancer.  The patient and her doctor should make an informed decision regarding the appropriate timing for her screening tests.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hispanic women holding breast cancer awareness ribbonsEach October women are reminded of the importance of early breast cancer detection.  Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, following skin cancers.  A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer in the early stages, when it is easier to treat.  Women of any age can develop breast cancer, so it’s important to be aware of risk factors and proactive about health care decisions.

Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.  However, a woman’s risk does increase if she has a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer.  Having multiple other family members with the disease on either the mother’s or father’s side of the family also increases the risk.  Given this family history, even very young women can develop breast cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), other risk factors for developing breast cancer include the following:

Age–  The risk increases after age 50.

Taking Hormones–  Hormone replacement therapy during menopause can raise the risk.

Reproductive history–  Having a first pregnancy after age 30 or never being pregnant increases risk.  Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) exposes women to hormones longer, increasing their risk.

Dense breasts–  Dense breast tissue makes cancers harder to detect and raises the risk level.

Genetic mutations–  Inherited changes to specific genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increases risk.

The best breast cancer screening tool is a mammogram.  It can detect cancers that are too small to be felt or cause symptoms.  The American Cancer Society recommends that women of average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 45.  Some doctors recommend mammograms at age 40, depending on risk factors.  After age 54, a woman who has not had any abnormal mammograms can continue to have a mammogram every other year through age 74.  Women who have higher than average risk factors for the disease should follow the recommendations of their health care provider.

Osteoporosis – The Silent Disease

Osteoporosis patientOsteoporosis is a disease affecting approximately 10 million Americans.  The disease causes the loss of minerals from the bones, leaving them vulnerable to fractures.  Osteoporosis is more common as we age, because new bone is not being made as quickly as old bone is breaking down.  Although both men and women can develop the disease, it is more common in women.

There are no early symptoms of osteoporosis, so it is sometimes called the silent disease.  Many people do not realize they have bone loss until they experience a fracture.  Later symptoms of osteoporosis include loss of height, a stooped posture, back pain, and bone breakage.  The most frequent fractures occur in the hips, wrist, and spine.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, having a smaller frame, family history, white or Asian women past menopause, having thyroid or bowel disease, and taking certain medications.  The reduced level of estrogen in post-menopausal women is a strong risk factor.  Long term use of prednisone and cortisone also increases risk, as does thyroid hormone medication.

Lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.  A diet of calcium rich foods including dairy, salmon, and dark green leafy vegetables promotes bone health.  Calcium supplements may be appropriate if someone does not get enough calcium in their diet.  Vitamin D improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium.  Eating protein helps the body build strong bones.  Maintaining appropriate body weight is important.  Regular exercise can help slow bone loss.  A combination of strength training, weight-bearing, and balance exercises works best.

The National Institutes of Health recommends women should have a bone density scan at age 65.  The scan estimates bone mass and determines whether bones are thinning or weakening.  If bone density is good, women should be rescreened in 2-3 years.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that anyone who breaks a bone after age 50 have a bone density scan.

There is no cure for osteoporosis.  Treatment of the disease includes lifestyle changes such as modifying diet and exercise routines.  Doctors may prescribe medications that slow the breakdown of bone or help promote bone formation.

Women and Thyroid Disease

female thyroid patientAccording to the US Department of Health and Human Services, women are more likely to develop thyroid disease than men.  The risk for women increases right after a pregnancy and following menopause.  One in eight women will be diagnosed with thyroid problems during their lifetime.

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.  It’s a butterfly shaped gland located in front of the neck.  The thyroid produces a hormone that controls the body’s metabolism rate.  The thyroid can affect a woman’s weight, heart rate, cholesterol levels, and menstrual cycles.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is one type of thyroid disease.  If the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones, the metabolism slows down.  Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, tiredness, joint or muscle pain, dry skin and hair, depression, and slow heart rate.  Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.  Treatment includes taking manufactured forms of thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism is another type of thyroid disease.  The thyroid becomes overactive, producing too much thyroid hormone.  Symptoms can include weight loss, irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, lighter menstrual periods, increased sweating, and trembling in the fingers and hands.  Treatments may include medications, radioiodine, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.  Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

A thyroid nodule is a swelling or growth that can develop on the thyroid gland.  There may be one or more nodules that can be solid or filled with fluid.  Ultrasound tests can be used to evaluate nodules.  Most nodules are not cancerous, so the doctor may just decide to watch and wait.  If the nodule is large or cancerous, it may be surgically removed.  Women are three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer.

September is thyroid cancer awareness month.  When found early, thyroid cancer is usually treatable.  A physician can perform a simple check of the thyroid gland during a routine physical examination.

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