Nutrition for Menopause
For everyone, proper nutrition is essential to a healthy lifestyle. But for women approaching premenopause, it is fundamental in reducing unnecessary symptoms. Dietary importance should be placed on whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and healthy oils such as flaxseed and fish oils (which contain Omega-e fatty acids). Foods to avoid include the whites—salt, sugar and white flower. Reduce or minimize your animal fats and caffeine intake.
For a natural menopause remedy, soy products containing phytoestrogens that act like estrogen in the body may help. Research also suggests that 40-80 mg per day of soy may improve the symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and possibly help reduce cholesterol.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent heart disease, which menopausal women are at an increased risk for. Before a woman reaches menopause, the higher levels of estrogen protect against LDL ("bad") cholesterol. During menopause, this protective effect diminishes and the level of HDL ("good") cholesterol decreases.
Herbal Medicine
Studies have found the herb Black Cohosh to be effective in relieving menopause related symptoms including night sweats, hot flashes and depressed mood. When considering the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and natural hormones, it is important to weigh individual risks and benefits before deciding which route to take.
There are many factors involved in reducing menopause symptoms, so it is important to seek the advice of a qualified and knowledgeable health care practitioner before using any herbal medicines.
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