Diet for Menopause:

Menopause occurs towards the end of every woman’s reproductive life and is a perfectly natural process. Ovulation ceases and menstruation stops and the hormonal fluctuations may go on for a couple of years before the endometrium remains thin and the bleeding stops. The production of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone go down.  Although oestrogen is an important sex and reproductive hormone, the body also uses it in bone development, heart, breast, liver and bladder function and to keep the skin moist as well as healthy. As the oestrogen levels go slower collagen production is affected causing the skin to dry up, lose elasticity, become more prone to bruising and cause itchiness. Menopause is symptomised by night sweats, hot flushes, insomnia, palpitations, vaginal dryness and headaches. In the long run, the body may suffer from cardiovascular problems, heart disease, osteoporosis, vaginal complications and tooth decay.

Diet plays an important role at this stage and there are certain food items that need to be avoided. Beverages that contain high amounts of caffeine and carbonated beverages that are high in phosphorous need to be avoided as these can increase bone loss. The level of sugar intake must be cut down as it will limit the liver’s ability to metabolize oestrogen as well as impair the immune system. The consumption of commercially raised meat products such as chicken, beef and pork must be cut down to a great extent as they contain huge amounts of saturated fats and decrease the ability of the body to metabolize oestrogen. Soy that contains phytoestrogens can be consumed in large quantities as well food items such as brown rice, tofu, whole grains, oats, cashews, almonds, fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Apart from these food items, you can try crushed flaxseeds, green beans, garlic, sesame seeds, anise seeds, pumpkin seeds, papaya, oats, olives, olive oil, peas, cabbages, beets, cucumbers and yams to increase the oestrogen production in your body. Natural menopause therapy involves battling conditions like hot flashes by drinking more water and wearing light clothing preferably made of cotton. In case there is a chill outside, layer your clothing such that it is easy to take off the layers if a hot flash comes on. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and drink unsweetened cranberry juice on a daily basis to aid the body during this period. It would also do good to consult one’s personal health care provider to keep a track of the symptoms.