Nutritional Imbalance: Female Reproductive

Problems of the reproductive organs, both male and female, often are rooted in nutritional deficiencies.

If your sexual energy (libido) is low, there is good reason to believe that your body is sending you a message that your diet is generally insufficient and, in particular, is not supplying the full range of nutrients necessary to support the biological functions of the sex glands and leave enough energy left over for sex.

A nutritional supplement program, the correct diet and stress reduction can help reverse and solve many problems of the sexual/reproductive system.

Female Reproductive System Recommendations:

The quiz does not pinpoint disease, but a high score suggests that your reproductive organs may need some extra nourishment and nutritional support. A well balanced diet is crucial for the health of your reproductive system.

First, begin to correct any nutritional deficiencies (see the other specific recommendations shown on your chart).

Try to eat 5-6 servings (half cup each) of fresh vegetables daily (especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, winter squash and leafy greens like kale, collards, beet greens and salad greens) -- steamed, raw, stir-fried and in soups, casseroles, pastas, etc. Eat brown rice often, as well as whole grain pastas, breads, cereals and legumes. If you are also interested in weight control, note that these foods are, in a sense, fat-burning foods since they burn almost a quarter of their calories before storing them as fat, unlike fatty and sugary foods which burn only about 2% of their calories.

Eat more foods containing the omega-3 fatty acids needed by the ovaries for hormone production (salmon, cold water fish and flax seed or flax oil).

Cut back on red meat and other animal protein. Get plenty of vegetable protein and B vitamins from food sources such as soy foods, lentils, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, sprouts, brown rice and wheat germ. Soy foods are especially important as they also contain high levels of phytoestrogens which are natural hormone balancers. Try a cup of miso broth (2 to 3 teaspoons of miso in a cup of hot water) as a before-bedtime drink and add more tofu to your diet.

Keep your overall fat intake low. In addition to the high levels of saturated fats, most commercially raised meat and poultry contains added hormones which contribute to glandular and hormonal imbalances. Also cut back on caffeine, salt, cheese and sugar. Remember to drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day.

Relaxation techniques such as regular massage therapy, yoga and biofeedback are all effective in balancing hormones.

The best time to exercise to boost circulation and metabolism, improve glandular health and to promote deep sleep is in the early morning. Early morning sunlight is also very beneficial. Even your liver depends on a steady supply of oxygen to function well. A daily walk is ideal.

Sluggish thyroid and/or adrenal glands are often a factor in women's health problems. Also, see the PMS and menopause recommendations for more information.