Foods That Should Be Eaten Regularly During Menopause

[lisianacarter]

Due to the uncomfortable symptoms that can develop during menopause, and potentially harmful changes to the body such as decreases in bone mass, what a woman chooses as a part of her diet can play a pivotal role in her future health and well being. There are certain foods that should be consumed regularly as a part of the diet to help lessen the impact of troublesome physical and emotional conditions which may arise, but knowing why they should be eaten is important as well. Having the understanding of the changes taking place, and nutrients that help the body safely and more comfortably adapt to the changes aids in making better dietary choices.

Physiological changes in the body

The decrease in estrogen production during menopause causes a chemical imbalance within the body and can stimulate a range of symptoms of varying intensity such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings, depression, weight gain, as well as vaginal dryness and the loss of bone mass. Every woman is an individual and may experience some, most or all of them, to varying degrees. In order to lessen the impacts of the symptoms and avoid illness and injury due to bone loss, making changes to the diet can help to alleviate symptoms, and strengthen bones.

Boosts for replenishing Calcium and Iron

Often during menopause, women tend to become low in iron and calcium. Consuming two to four servings of calcium rich foods daily is recommended. These may include low fat homogenized dairy products, broccoli, legumes and fish with bones, e.g. sardines. Eat a minimum of three servings of food containing iron. Good choices for iron are lean red meats, leafy green vegetables, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, and enriched grain products. Sticking to a regime that includes these foods in moderation will help you to keep your bones from becoming fragile, and help to battle fatigue by keeping up your iron levels.

Combat depression, insomnia and mood swings

Decreasing the amount of sugars, alcohol,fats and caffeine in your diet are ways that you can lessen the impacts of hormonal imbalances. Excessive sugar and caffeine consumption can cause intensification of hormone based symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue and weight gain. While caffeine gives an immediate lift for those suffering from fatigue, it can also cause sleepless nights, resulting in a deprivation of quality rest, creating a cycle of insomnia.

Use nature's estrogen replacement to ease symptoms

Phytoestrogens are compounds that are remarkably similar to estrogen,and can trick the body into thinking that it is once again producing the hormone. Eating a balanced diet that is chock full of phytoestrogens eases the transition phase that your body is going through during menopause. Soybeans are high in this natural compound, and soy based products can easily be added to your diet through supplements, powders, soy energy bars, and other products with soy as the first ingredient listed on the label.

Boost your mental and emotional well being

Brain chemistry is enhanced by the addition of foods rich in Omega 3s. Salmon, tuna, sardines, flaxseed, and nuts are foods which are high in Omega 3. This addition will help you to have a sunnier outlook on life by lessening depression, mood swings and irritability.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for all people at every age. The special health concerns which accompany menopause cause changes in the body chemistry and in turn, dietary needs change. Understanding these changes, and learning which foods contain the essential nutrients that your body needs at this stage of life is a must. Including the foods that will improve the quality of your life is a simple way to address the challenges of menopause, and keep you on track for a healthier and happier life.

What Do Women Have To Eat In Her Menopause Stage To Stay Healthy? Get its answer here

consumerhealthdigest.com/me...

[LeilaBrickell]

During menopause, you should eat a variety of foods to get all the required nutrients you need. Women's diet in many instances are low in iron and calcium. That is why you have to eat and drink two to four servings of calcium-rich foods a day. For the iron, at least three servings of iron-rich foods a day. Also, add in fiber, fruits, water(8 glasses). Limits trans fat and saturated fat and high levels of nitrates. Take supplements to support your body and take control of it(especially during hot flashes).

[lowtide]

Soy CAUSES BREAST CANCER.

While it is true that if you begin eating soy foods as a child and continue throughout puberty the breast tissues you create during your adolescence will be highly resistant to cancer until after menopause. However, if you begin eating unfermented soy (tofu, soy milk, and the like) after puberty, your risk of breast cancer increases. (Science News, 4/24/1999)

The active ingredient in soy - isoflavone - when given to breast cancer cells in petri dishes causes them to grow rapidly. (Extracts of dong quai and licorice have a similar effect.)

susunweed.com/Article_Preve...

[Eiri]

Last year at the age of 49 I had both ovaries removed and was thrown into surgical menopause over night. The doctor was reluctant for me to go on HRT so I embarked on a new journey of nutrition and excercise. I now eat smaller portions but eat more frequently.I eat smaller portions of bread,potatoe,rice etc but have increased my intake of fruits and vegetables. I eat nuts and seeds in in between meals and have cut down on sweet cakes etc. I have cut out caffeine as I found It was increasing my spikes in blood pressure. I have found that hot flushes have now almost stopped altogether and my cholestoral levels are down to 0.4 and I have lost 3 and a half stone.I try to excercise most days with the odd day off.