From menarche to menopause, a woman goes through several stages of her life which are governed by numerous hormonal interplays. From the time she attains puberty, the different hormones play different roles during her child bearing age and then again when she attains menopause and her menstruation ceases. While her body needs the usual balanced diet and exercise for remaining healthy, there are some special health needs which are characteristic for women only as declining levels of some hormones during her menopausal years make her prone to several chronic ailments like osteoporosis, etc. So calcium supplements and other dietary supplements are necessary for a woman during her advancing years. Here are some tips for women to remain fit and healthy:

     Women by nature and weight watchers. Whatever diet regimen you might follow, remember a balanced diet is essential for keeping good health. While you are foregoing foods which are rich in fats and oils, remember to include foods which are rich in fiber, to keep your bowels clean and keep you fit. Red meat, sugars and fried foods are to be replaced by fruits, vegetables, nuts and milk. It is always wise to consult a dietician or your healthcare provider to chalk out a diet chart for you which will guide you towards the right proportion of the right food to maintain the right weight for your age.

     As mentioned earlier, women go through several phases in their lives which demand special types of food intake. For instance, lactating mothers must increase their water consumption to keep their body well hydrated. In any case, it is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water every day as water is the best tool to flush out all the accumulated toxins in the body, which is the breeding ground for many diseases.

     As far as vitamins and supplements are concerned, these are especially important for women for all ages. Calcium supplements not only add external nutrition to the bones with advancing age, it is also beneficial for women who suffer from cramps and other pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS).  Calcium prevents osteoporosis symptoms for menopausal women. Vitamin E boosts the immune system for women. For menopausal women vitamin E can prevent hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms. Of course, vitamin E also prevents aging symptoms like wrinkles, etc.

     Smoking can do irreparable damage to pregnant women. Over and above the damage it does to the fetus, smoking has been proved to trigger other ailments especially applicable to women. In fact, more women smokers are prone to disease attacks than men.

     Walking everyday, using the stairs in stead of the elevator, doing regular household work are all exercises recommended for women whether they are sit-at-home moms or working women.

     Avoid stress by all means. Women are known to invite stress but there are several ways by which you can remain calm and collected. Being with happy friends, reading books, yoga and meditation, listening to soothing music or simply physically working it out are proven stress busters.