Healthy habits are the foundation for everyone, regardless of age or gender, but as we age, specifically as women, we encounter new seasons of life where the habits that once worked for us no longer do. Some women even start going through perimenopause or complete menopause in their forties, which is more than just hot flashes and missed periods. Additionally, the weight that used to fall right off with calorie reduction and brisk walks is more stubborn to lose. There are more changes than the aforementioned, but for that reason, there are some health supplements that all women in their forties should be taking. Please keep reading to learn and incorporate them into your daily healthy habit routines.
Calcium
Even if you’re not menopausal in your forties, as we age, and certainly once we hit perimenopause, our bones are more prone to breaking or fractures and harder to heal from. Incorporating Calcium into your diet through dairy products is a great idea, but in your forties, a calcium supplement is essential for bone health.
Vitamin B-12
Over half of American women report feeling fatigued on a regular basis, and they also report anxiety and depression. Depression has been linked to low levels of B-12, but this essential B vitamin is also fantastic for energy. B 12 is responsible for normal blood and brain functions as well, so if you frequently feel brain fog, which can be common in women in their forties, a daily B 12 Vitamin can bring the mental clarity we all deserve.
Probiotics
We all know our gut health’s importance, but taking probiotics for women over 40 is important beyond just regularity and gut health. Probiotics for vaginal health are essential to maintaining the delicate balance “down there.” As we head into perimenopause or menopause, many issues can arise down there, so these probiotics maintain not only your health but comfort.
Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for the healthy function of the muscles, nerves, and heart. Women over forty have a higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Even if you don’t have a family history of heart disease, taking care of your ticker as you age is essential for all women. In addition to cardiovascular health, Magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on your nervous system, so if you deal with frequent stress or anxiety, you’ll benefit even further with a Magnesium supplement.
Vitamin D
Most American adults are deficient in the Magnesium mentioned above and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for more than a strong immune system. Not only does Vitamin D decrease your risk of heart disease, but it can also prevent diabetes, certain cancers, and Multiple Sclerosis. Taking Vitamin D each day can not only reduce the risk of those issues, but it also aids in the absorption of Calcium, as mentioned earlier.
Potassium
The risk of stroke is something that women over 40 (all people over 40) need to consider, and an important supplement that can help prevent strokes is Potassium. It helps keep your blood pressure lower, but it’s a good idea to check your potassium levels regularly with your GP, as too much Potassium can cause other health issues. Don’t let that put you off. However, Potassium is a key supplement the same way regular doctors’ visits are – so get your levels checked and add Potassium.
Omega 3’s
Estrogen levels can be all over the place as you enter and live through your forties. While Omega 3’s have vast benefits like cardiovascular health and blood pressure issues, they also aid in managing estrogen levels. Another benefit to Omega 3’s is an increase in memory function, which you may deal with from chasing kiddos or working long days, but it could also be due to aging. Omega 3’s are easy to get through certain foods, but supplements like Fish or Krill oil are an easy way to get the recommended amount of Omega 3’s women in their forties need.
Forty is definitely the new thirty, and living in your forties doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to feeling or acting “middle-aged,” but time is better for you if you guard your health with the above supplements. Whether you start supplementing with all of them or choose a few, start reaping the health benefits today and make your forties your best decade yet!
