As a woman, how do you stay healthy all month long, and not just when you’re on your period?

Your period probably only lasts from three to 10 days, but the state of your health, including your mental health, all month long, affects it. Increasingly, experts are realising the importance of women supporting their health all the time, and not just when menstruating or during pregnancy. But how do you go about it?

1. Eat Well
Diet is the foundation of good health. By eating balanced meals, which include a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables, good carbohydrates, protein, fibre, good fats and adequate amounts of vitamins and nutrients you can keep both your health and your mood in good stead. Avoid high fat, processed foods, and limit the amount of sugar and salt you eat. Try to eat natural foods and snacks, and make sure to have at least three meals per day.

2. Get Enough Sleep
The importance of sleep in staying healthy should not be underestimated. Sleep improves your brain performance and effects your mood, and your health. Not getting enough good quality sleep regularly raises the risk of numerous diseases and disorders, ranging from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia. Aim for a minimum of eight hours shut-eye per night.

3. Drink Water
Water is vital to our health. It brings nutrients to the cells, gets rid of waste, protects the joints and the organs and maintains body temperature. In addition, it helps rid the body of toxins. It’s recommended that women drink approximately 2 litres of water today and pregnant women should drink more.

4. Exercise
Practising regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy all month long. It not only helps to maintain weight, it strengthens the muscles and the bones, reduces the risk of disease, strengthens the heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and triglyceride levels, and improves the function of the brain. In addition, exercise leads to the release of ‘feel good’ endorphins which improve your mood and also helps to relieve pain, including period pain.

5. Limit Alcohol
Heavy drinking increases the blood pressure and over time can lead to heart attack, stroke or liver disease. It’s also linked to digestive problems and cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and the rectum. In addition, it effects the quality of our sleep and can be detrimental to fertility, resulting in irregular menstruation cycles and ovulation patterns. Women are advised to drink no more than 14 units, or one alcoholic drink per day.

6. Take Health Supplements
Your Omega 3 DHA levels increase slightly when you’re on your period, so it helps to take a supplement to regulate it. Cleanmarine PeriodPlan supports your mind, skin, energy, and hormones, not only on your period, but all month long. Its synergistic formula contains Omega 3's DHA, which contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function, as well as vitamin B6, which helps to regulate hormones. Vitamins B2 and B6 increase your energy levels, while Vitamin B2 will ensure your skin stays glowing.