By Something women should pay close attention to
It was downhill for me when I began my first menstrual period. Heavy, prolonged and painful periods were something that plagued my lifetime. When I think back, I don’t know how I coped. It didn’t even cross my mind that there may have been something wrong. My constant discomfort would reveal itself when I began to prepare for conception. Without success for several months, I consulted a doctor. And through endless tests and assessments, I was diagnosed with severe (grade 4) endometriosis. I have had three laparoscopies to clear the endometriosis throughout my life, and none of them helped — apart from my recent operation. Finally, after all these years of suffering, I decided to have a hysterectomy and rid myself of the problem. I think there comes a time in your life when the suffering is just too great, and as you get older, life becomes too short to suffer anymore. One startling study I came across involved women with heavy, irregular menstrual cycles. Women who have longer or irregular periods are known to the risk of type two diabetes, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease! This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and metabolism. Surprisingly, about 24% of U.S. adults have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (Excess fat that accumulates in your liver) that Alcohol does not cause! NAFL can cause chronic liver damage and a higher risk of death. The only thing that can control NAFL is diet and exercise — there is no other approved treatment to cure this disease. Seungho Ryu M.D. PhD of the Centre for Cohort Studies says: “Our studies show that long or irregular menstrual cycles may be associated with an increase of developing NAFL, and this link was not explained by obesity.
Previous studies have shown that long or irregular menstrual cycles are associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease — but our study is the first to find a hidden link between NAFLD & long or irregular menstrual cycles.” Researchers studied data from 72 092 women under 40 years old to uncover this link. About 28% of those women had long or irregular menstrual cycles, and 7% had NAFLD. Researchers then followed up four years later and found new cases of NAFLD occurring in almost 9% of women. This study concluded an association between irregular and prolonged menstrual cycles in younger — premenopausal women and a higher risk for NAFLD.
Key takeaways
Young women who experience irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles can benefit from lifestyle and nutritional changes, which will help reduce the risk of NAFLD.
Here are some things you can start changing today to cut your risk.
One: Make sure you stay active every single day.
Most people think that working out in the gym for one hour is enough. If you have a sedentary job, that one-hour workout won’t mean a thing for your health. Instead, stay active, use a standing desk, and walk as much as possible.
Two: Weight train:
My all-time favourite activity that not only benefits young but older premenopausal women. Lifting weights will strengthen your muscles and bones and prevent those adverse effects of menopause. Plus, it increases your metabolism.
Three: Eat a diet filled with whole foods, plants and seeds.
If you want to pick a great diet to follow, look no further than the Mediterranean diet. Researchers proved to be the best diet for weight loss, health and weight management.
Four: Get enough sleep
It may be hard for you to sleep (I was there too and can sympathise). Speak to your doctor about some intervention, use natural alternatives, such as magnesium, and indulge in regular massages (and warm baths). Some wholesome foods and tender loving care directed your way with a little bit of activity can combat any chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver. Please check out this research paper if you want to read more.
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