Dr. Yim's Top Ten Women's Health Tips

You might be wondering, “How did Dr. Yim come up with these ten particular tips?”  Well, they came to me in a flash of inspiration prompted by Beth telling me she needed an article for the next newsletter and giving me some ideas.  Although there are probably all kinds of other tips that are important, I’m sticking to these ten.

I would venture to say that male readers would also benefit by incorporating 90% of these tips.  You will be able to tell by a quick scan, which one doesn’t apply to men.

1.    Eat foods that contain phytoestrogens.  These are plant molecules that resemble the estrogen found in your body.  These molecules can act as weak estrogens in the body, fitting in the estrogen receptor sites on cells.  This can result in blocking the stronger foreign estrogens (from animal products, plastics, etc.) and the endogenous estrogens like estradiol and estrone.  The stronger estrogens can increase the risk of fibroids, endometriosis, and breast cancer.  Phytoestrogens can decrease the symptoms of PMS, menopause, and osteoporosis.  In men phytoestrogens can decrease the risk of prostate cancer.  Some foods that contains these substances include ground flax, pumpkin seeds, tofu and soy products, and sprouts (soybean, clover, yellow pea, green lentil, chick pea, mung bean, and adzuki).

2.    Eat foods from the brassica family.  These foods contain natural substances that decrease the likelihood of breast cancer and stimulate liver detoxification of estrogen and all kinds of toxins.  Members of this family include: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, kale, kohlrabi, turnips, radish, watercress, and collards.

3.     Work with your naturopathic physician to design a detoxification program that you can implement once or twice a year.  This can boost the immune system, decrease allergies, improve energy, improve mental clarity, and prevent different chronic degenerative diseases like cancer.

4.    Ask your naturopathic doctor if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is right for you. If you are suffering from the symptoms of menopause in spite of eating foods high in phytoestrogens and utilizing herbal medicine, then consider bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  These natural estrogens and progesterone are compounded by special pharmacies, take care of menopausal symptoms, and are very safe.

5.    Supplement with vitamin D3.  This important vitamin regulates the mineral balance of calcium and phosphorus.  Getting enough of this vitamin can prevent osteoporosis.  D3 has been shown to be an important regulator of the immune system, strengthening a weak immune system to prevent infections, and calming it down if it is hyperactive as in allergies and autoimmunity.  Finally, D3 also regulates cell division, decreasing the risk of cancer and skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

6.    Do resistance exercises to maintain strength and muscle mass.  Keeping more muscle than fat on the body can keep the metabolic rate up (more fat burning), improve aerobic capacity, decreases blood glucose and insulin, and increases high-density lipoproteins (decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease).

7.    Increase your glutathione levels.  Glutathione is the most important antioxidant in the body.  Glutathione decreases cellular inflammation (basis of many degenerative diseases), boosts the immune system (prevents cancer), and quenches free radicals and recycles other antioxidants in the body.  A deficiency of glutathione has been implicated in over 70 different disorders and diseases.  Talk to Dr. Yim to find out if it is appropriate for you.

8.    Incorporate more laughter into your life.  Laughter confers more benefits that some of the strongest medicines.  Some benefits include: lowers stress hormones, boosts the immunity, decreases pain, relaxes the muscles, prevents heart disease, decreases anxiety, improves moods, strengthens social bonds and relationships, increases happiness, and so much more.  Unlike most drugs, laughter has no negative side effects.

9.    Develop social networks.  Developing networks of friends and acquaintances gives us a sense of belonging.  This allows us to feel safe in sharing our feelings like our joys and disappointments.  We can build meaningful relationships with people who care about us and may be like us.  This dissolves any sense of isolation, which can accelerate the aging process.

10. Finally, practice Mind Medicine.  Mind Medicine incorporates the principles from mindfulness-based meditation.  Regular practice can decrease stress in the mind and body.  Meditation can boost the immunity and level of endorphins to improve feelings of well-being.  During meditation, insights can appear and creativity is enhanced.  Practice Mind Medicine everyday for health and wellness.

As you can see, these top ten tips are simple things, but so powerful.  Commit to incorporating one tip every couple of weeks and after just half a year, these will become habits, habits that will give you an incredible quality of life.       

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