A Balanced Menopause Diet Can Greatly Reduce The Severity Of Symptoms
Menopause is a stage of life that can be difficult for many women; for psychological reasons but also for the many physical symptoms that are uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to endure. These symptoms could also go on for many months or even years before a woman is completely post menopausal, so learning to control them is a crucial factor. Maintaining a balanced menopause diet is one of the best ways to control the different symptoms and stay sane during a very uncomfortable period.
Common signs of menopause, other than the slowing or irregularity of your menstrual cycle, are symptoms like weight gain, mood swings and hot flashes, but luckily the foods you eat can help control some of these effects. Hot flashes are probably the most uncomfortable symptom since they can occur anywhere at any time and can be very noticeable. Night sweats can also seriously jeopardize the amount of sleep you can get which can lower your immunity and tolerance for other things.
There are foods that trigger hot flashes though and should be avoided to reduce your frequency. Less caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea or soft drinks, alcohol and spicy foods are all things to consider changing to avoid frequent hot flashes. Also reduce your intake of corn syrup and other refined sugars, as they can also make hot flashes worse.
Additionally, you should add things to your diet, like reaching your recommended 8 glasses of water a day and eating foods that contain plant estrogens or phytoestrogens. These foods include apples, potatoes, carrots, beans, soy and seaweed.
The diet you eat also plays a vital role in the mood swings you have, and with the wrong diet, you can easily dip into a depression during this period. You need to raise your seratonin intake, since a deficiency can cause depression. Carbs will do this, so try adding whole grains, cereals, bagels and bread to your menopause diet.
Finally menopause and weight gain seem to go hand in hand, and many women are very concerned about losing their figures at this time in their lives. It is bound to happen due to hormone fluctuations and fat redistribution as a result of a loss of estrogen, but it can be managed. You need to start changing the types of fat you consume and concentrating on healthier fats like canola oil, olive oil or flaxseed oil. Change the way you cook, by grilling and boiling more than frying, and definitely drink more water. Try to eat 3 balanced meals a day and be consistent in your diet.
In general the menopause diet you keep is very important and strongly effects the severity of your symptoms. Additionally, menopause can cause an increased risk in things like heart disease, so staying healthy and consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables and oily fish is another smart lifestyle change. What you eat really does define who you are, and if you want to prevent crazy mood swings, excessive hot flashes and the dreaded weight gain, making these diet changes should start even before you reach menopause, reducing your symptoms before they even start. Menopause doesn't have to be unbearable if you make the right diet choices.
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