The Menopause Diet
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s
life when the female reproduction cycle ends. The body will begin to
produce less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which
then triggers the ovaries to begin to shut down. Once the ovaries stop
functioning, menstruation will also end. Menopause is considered officially
reached after the end of your last period.
Menopause is usually reached between
45 and 55 years of age, although some women experience menopause at
40 or even younger. The symptoms of fluctuating hormones and estrogen
reduction can be felt up to ten years before actual menopause. This
is a phase of life known as perimenopause or premenopause, which literally
means “before menopause”.
The frequency and intensity of menopause
symptoms are different for each woman, but the most common symptoms
are hot flashes and night sweats. Other common menopause symptoms include
aching muscles and joints, gastrointestinal disturbance, incontinence,
insomnia, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, fatigue, anxiety, depression,
irritability and mood swings.
Eating a well-balanced, low-fat, high-fiber
diet is essential for maintaining weight and creating optimal health.
This becomes even more essential as you enter menopause. However, did
you know there are certain foods that can aid in menopause relief and
successfully treat menopause symptoms? There are many natural foods
that can combat the symptoms of menopause. Many of these contain phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that
are very similar to the estrogen found in the human body. These produce
an estrogen-type affect that can help manage the symptoms of menopause.
You can find many fruits that contain high amounts of phytoestrogens
including plums, prunes, strawberries, red raspberries, grapes, grapefruit,
oranges, pears and apples. Beans, wild yams, potatoes, carrots, beets,
bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, lettuce, onions, cabbage
and cucumbers are all vegetables containing phytoestrogens. This natural
estrogen is also found in soy, tofu and wheat.
Beans are a great menopause diet food.
Not only do they contain phytoestrogens, they are also rich fiber, folic
acid, protein, Vitamin B-6 and calcium. Calcium is another essential
ingredient in menopause treatment because of the high risk of osteoporosis.
You can add additional calcium to your diet in milk, cheese, leafy green
vegetables and broccoli.
Leafy green vegetables also contain
vitamin E. Vitamin E has been proven in studies to be successful in
providing menopause relief. Others sources of vitamin E are almonds,
peanuts, kiwi, mango, spinach, broccoli and sunflowers seeds. It is
recommended highly recommended that you take additional vitamin E in
the form of a daily supplement.
A complete menopause diet should also
include additional vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition as well
as herbs and supplements known for menopause relief. Black cohosh, Don
Quai, false unicorn, squaw vine and blessed thistle are all known to
have properties that effectively and reliably reduce menopause symptoms.
All of these supplements are included in Women’s Natural Balance.
Women’s Natural
Balance™ (click here to view)
is a daily supplement designed in the treatment of the many distressing
symptoms of menopause. It contains the additional benefits of red raspberry
extract, licorice extract, soy isoflavones, red clover and sage extract.
Red raspberries and soy contain phytoestrogens, while black cohosh,
Don Quai and red clover are all known to be beneficial in the treatment
of hot flashes and night sweats. Don Quai is also well known to create
better overall hormonal balance.
You can successfully treat menopause naturally through a healthy diet and lifestyle complete with essential vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements. Women’s Natural Balance will provide hormonal balance and emotional support while boosting energy, vitality and your overall sense of well-being. You can find menopause relief through a healthy, phytoestrogen rich diet as well as with other essential supplements designed for natural menopause treatment.