Agora Health Conversations
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Our Agora Conversations are free, easy-to-read articles on our website, covering a range of health and wellbeing topics. For more in-depth insights, we bring you the latest research and women’s health news through exclusive articles available to members via our app.
Women's Health
Making Science Accessible for Everyone
To truly benefit from science, we must be proactive, staying informed, engaging with the latest developments, and advocating for areas of research that matter most to us.
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Healthy Ageing and Sustainability
In a world facing environmental challenges, fostering habits that support both personal health and environmental sustainability is essential.
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Cholesterol Changes During Perimenopause and Menopause
The hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.
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Mental Wellbeing
Spiritual Growth and Women's Health
Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in integrating spirituality into patient care, fostering a more holistic approach to healing. By acknowledging and respecting patients' spiritual beliefs and practices, they can create a supportive environment that enhances emotional resilience and overall well-being.
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Autumn: Renewal and Self-Reflection
Are there behaviours or thought patterns that are holding you back? Are there habits that make your life feel more difficult or unpleasant? Just as we make room for the changes in nature, autumn calls on us to clear the mental clutter as well.
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8 Habits to Kick for a Healthier Brain This Summer.
Let the sunshine inspire you to make positive changes that will benefit your brain for years to come. Here's to a summer of mental clarity, vitality, and well-being!
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Nutrition
The Power of Hydration.
A Conversation on Health Sunday was National Hydration Day, a timely reminder of how essential water is for life. Every system in our body depends on adequate hydration to function correctly, making it indispensable for our survival. But hydration isn’t just about keeping our bodies running; it’s about replenishing what we lose every day through sweating, urination, and even breathing. Staying hydrated is especially crucial for women, yet many of us find it challenging to drink enough water daily. How Much Water Do You Need? The daily water intake requirement is at least 1.5 to 2 litres per day. This amount increases if you are exercising, sweating more than usual, living in a hotter climate, or breastfeeding. Meeting this requirement is essential for overall health and well-being. To help track your intake, use the same bottle so you can estimate how many litres you are drinking. A helpful tip is to sip water throughout the day to reach your target. This way, you won't even notice you're drinking that much water. Additionally, don't count extra drinks throughout the day, as people often overestimate their water intake because of them. Hydration and Menstrual Health. Staying hydrated is crucial for managing period pain and keeping your energy levels up. Proper hydration supports all bodily functions, including a healthy menstrual cycle, by reducing painful cramps and enhancing overall well-being. Ensuring you drink enough water is key to managing various period-related issues and irregularities. Here's a tip: kickstart your day with a glass of water, it's the first thing your body needs! Hydration and Menopause. Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, bringing both physical and mental changes. Each woman experiences menopause differently; for some, it comes with severe and bothersome symptoms that can drastically affect the quality of life. However, good nutrition and hydration can play a critical role in alleviating some of these symptoms and reducing menopause-related health risks like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis. During menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can trigger headaches, especially when coupled with inadequate water intake. The brain relies heavily on water to function optimally, and even slight dehydration can worsen symptoms like brain fog and irritability. Moreover, common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats can further deplete hydration levels, underscoring the importance of increasing fluid intake to stay adequately hydrated. Also don’t forget that a good level of hydration will help combat vaginal dryness. Nutritional strategies are also essential in our lives and must be tailored to our age, environment, and individual physical needs. Let's explore key recommendations for different phases in a woman's life to ensure optimal health and well-being at every stage. Nutritional Strategies for Menopause Soy Isoflavones: research on soy isoflavones is mixed, but regular consumption of soy-based foods such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and edamame beans has been found to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes. Calcium and Vitamin D: as we age, we start to lose calcium from our bones. During menopause, lower oestrogen levels accelerate this loss. Post-menopausal women should aim to consume 2-3 servings of calcium-rich foods daily, such as dairy products, tofu, tempeh, fortified milks, and green leafy vegetables. Additionally, a vitamin D supplement is advisable for bone health. Balanced Diet: a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fibre, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, fatty fish, cold-pressed oils, avocado), good quality protein, and complex carbohydrates is essential. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake is also recommended. Nutritional Needs During Menstrual Cycles. Period pain is a common issue, and certain nutrients can help alleviate it. Ensuring adequate intake of the following nutrients is crucial: Vitamin D: Adults should supplement 10mcg of vitamin D during the months without sufficient sunlight (usually September to March). Omega-3:Consider an omega-3 supplement, especially if you're vegan or vegetarian. Magnesium: A magnesium salt bath can encourage relaxation and relieve menstrual and stomach cramps due to its muscle-relaxing properties. Calcium and Iron: calcium is essential for overall health, and iron is particularly important during menstruation due to blood loss, which can lead to fatigue. Hydration and nutrition play a pivotal role in women's health, particularly during menopause and menstrual cycles. By staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, women can manage symptoms more effectively and maintain a higher quality of life. Remember, taking care of your body through proper hydration and nutrition is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x
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Delicious Meals Delivered to Your Doorstep
Detox Kitchen is a food delivery service that prepares high-quality, delicious, healthy meals!
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What is Aphrodisiac food?
Researchers suggest that various aphrodisiac food have traditionally been recognised to increase sexual satisfaction. Indeed, the history of aphrodisiac food is rich in myths and legends, where this captivating food often take on the role of protagonist.
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Lifestyle
Restoring Balance After the Festive Season
Detoxing in January isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance. Instead of viewing the process as a quick fix, see it as an opportunity to establish healthier habits for the months ahead.
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Stocking Fillers with a Twist!
Let's make those stocking fillers merry without breaking the bank!
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The True Spirit of Christmas
As we embrace the holiday season, let’s remind ourselves to prioritise what matters most: love, community, and self-care. Perhaps this Christmas, instead of striving for perfection or chasing material ideals, we can focus on creating a space for genuine connection and reflection.
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