Let us ask you a question… How well do you know your body?
Yes, the physical structure that engulfs many organs and performs various functions every day is a familiar sight to all of us. Moreover, we women constantly worry about it, too-from weight gains to getting those curves, cuts and abs. Correspondingly, based on our focus on our bodies, you might feel the question to be irrelevant.
But it’s not because despite being aware of it, there are a few things that we still don’t know. So, let’s get started on 5 facts women should know about their bodies–
- Sun is a friend and a foe of your skin
Summer is the time for beaches, enjoying the water, and levelling up the Vitamin D of the body. After all, being in the sun comes with its advantages of building the immune system, making nutrients essential for your bones and blood cells and the season of changing the wardrobe. In fact, the first thing most females do is shed overcovering clothing for sleeveless tanks and dresses. Though these are the perfect apparel for the scorching heat, it also reveals the arm and legs to the sun. This exposure is a bad sign for the skin, leading to aging and inducing wrinkles. Furthermore, excessive exposure to UV rays damages and kills the skin cells’ DNA, which is dangerous and can cause cancer. Hence, enjoy the sun only after applying sunscreen, which should be anywhere between SPF 30 and SPF 50.
2. The body relies on water for better functioning.
We often hear drinking water is essential for the body, and rightly so; the human adult body is nearly 60% water. But yet, we do not always give it its due attention. Staying hydrated is essential for the body to maintain its temperature. For instance, during the day, when we do physical activity or are roaming in the sun, we keep losing water through sweating. People assume that this raises the body temperature, which is untrue. In fact, sweating helps cool the body and not hydrating causes it to heighten as it loses electrolytes and plasma when in the state of dehydration. So, when sweating, drink plenty of H2O. Apart from that, it protects body organs and tissues, helps transfernutrients and oxygen to cells and even lessens the burden on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products.
3. Hot showers exhaust the system
Hot showers feel relaxing, especially on a long tiring day. But this soothing technique is certainly not good for the skin as it softens the oils and makes it dry and itchy. Alternatively, if you have oily skin, it can still be severely dried while resembling an oil rig. If not humidified, it may worsen the issue and cause rebound acne. So, limit the hot water bathing time, and enjoy them occasionally.
4. Nutrients fill the gap of the extra requirement
Though every women’s body is designed differently, some nourishment requirements are similar, though doses will vary. For example, Vitamin D is one such nutrient needed by all, and there is no food source to provide it except sunlight. Thus, most of us are deficient in it, making it vital to either increase sun time or opt for dietary pills. Iron deficiency is another similar concern in females, mainly because of periods and pregnancies. Though red meat is an excellent source to make up for the shortage, it’s rarely possible as the amount consumed is usually insufficient to restore it. Consequently, check your iron levels if you notice symptoms like fatigue, low energy, hair thinning, and muscle aches and do consult a doctor.
5. Menstruation changes with age
Menstruation is a normal part of many women’s lives. However, as the human body evolves, this process goes through many changes. Giving an example of this, the starting age to start menstruating in the 1800s was 12 compared to 17 years. Improved nutrition is a significant reason which is helping the fat cells make more estrogen. This component triggers the start of the menstrual cycle. Similarly, the period flow that is more consistent in the 20s and 30s starts fluctuating in the 40s as the body goes through many changes, including perimenopausal hormonal or a precursor to menopause.
