omega-3 intake for the baby are widely anti-inflammatory prostaglandin levels body at this time, which is most com-
accepted — docosahexaenoic acid and prevent against the development of monly addressed with HRT (hormone
(DHA), in particular, is well known for pre-eclampsia. replacement therapy). Because of the
the critical role it plays in brain cell de- risks associated with long-term HRT
velopment. Less well known, perhaps, Coping with Change (increased incidences of breast cancer,
is the link between the omega-6 fatty In every woman’s life, there comes a blood clots, heart disease and stroke
acid GLA and pregnancy-induced high point when the body can no longer have been reported), many women turn
blood pressure. bear children. Menopause involves the to a more natural therapy to aid in the
physiological cessation of menstrual alleviation of symptoms.
Pre-eclampsia, as it is commonly cycles and is normally (although not
known, is thought to occur in approxi- always) associated with advancing age One effective approach that has been
mately one in 10 women and leads to in women. Like the commencement of identified is the use of lignans — natu-
circulation problems which cause high the menstrual cycle, menopause brings rally occurring substances found in
blood pressure and swelling.
2
At its along its very own list of uncomfortable plants that have been shown to balance
most dangerous, this condition can and sometimes embarrassing symp- estrogen levels in the body. Flaxseed,
result in blood clots that may even- toms. Experiences range from those which contains a significant quantity
tually cause a stroke. Research has women who display no symptoms, of lignans, has demonstrated great po-
indicated that one possible cause of to those who suffer multiple prob- tential in the treatment of menopausal
pre-eclampsia could be a deficiency lems, some of which may include hot symptoms. They are thought to be
in the beneficial (anti-inflammatory) flushes, night sweats, increased facial particularly effective in the alleviation of
prostaglandins that are produced from hair, memory difficulties, depression, hot flushes and night sweats. Both flax-
GLA. This means that supplementation migraine and urinary tract infection seed and flaxseed oil are rich sources
with evening primrose oil or borage to name but a few. The symptoms of of the essential omega-3 compound,
oil, which are both rich in GLA, could menopause are attributed to imbal- alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is well
help pregnant women to build their anced hormone levels in the female known for its heart health benefits.
www.nutraceuticalmag.com may digital 2007 nutraceutical business & technology 21
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