Women have unique dietary needs. Right food can not only improve mood, boost  energy and help maintain a healthy weight. Also it can provide benefits through different phases of women life. When puberty begins, women need unique nutritional requirements like high calories diet 2200 calories per day plus food rich in iron, calcium, vitamins and micronutrients like zinc. Similarly post menopausal women need more grain foods, calcium rich foods, high fiber diet, and low sugars. During pregnancy women needs calcium, iron, vitamin A, C, D, B6, B 12 and folic acid as per ACOG guidelines. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women. During breast feeding proper quantity of calcium, protein, fluids and iron is needed. Regular check up with doctors after attaining menopause is beneficial as most of them needs HRTs for better quality life.

Dr Masood Rashid

Critical Care Expert J&K Health Services