We all know that dealing with menopause symptoms can be one of the biggest challenges of midlife.  From hot flashes to dry skin to weight gain, most of us suffer from some if not all of these pesky complaints.  But, did you know that there could be some help in eating more of certain foods?

Fran Messersmith shares with us some interesting dietary changes that may help provide relief.

Because of our preference for quick-fix methods of handling pain and discomfort, we have become a pill-popping society. Lately, though, a number of dangers have been highlighted regarding prolonged consumption of medicines. There is now an increasing demand for alternatives to pills, capsules and tablets.
 
Many alternatives are readily provided by nature, itself. Following a balanced diet, you should be able to add a few extra nutrients that are required to deflect the negative symptoms.
 
Regarding a menopause diet, a plant estrogen, called phytoestrogen, is plentiful in the plant kingdom. Rather than going through synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy), consider eating more of those vegetables and fruits which have a high concentration of phytoestrogen such as soy, pomegranate, etc.

Making the Menopause Diet a Success

Heart problems and osteoporosis are the main diseases that attack women who are going through menopause. To help prevent vulnerability to these diseases, women should follow a diet which is high in calcium, magnesium, omega3 fatty acids, plant estrogen, and vitamin E, to name a few. Please note that this is not a complete list.

Calcium - the menopause diet must include supplements of calcium, as it is first thing that is depleted during menopause. Good sources of calcium are, low fat milk, leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, cheese and curd. The brown inner skin of salmon has a high content of calcium. Do not skin the fish while preparing it.

Magnesium is a mineral that aids in the absorption of calcium. It also provides a calming effect that helps menopausal women sleep. The best source of magnesium is nuts (cashews, walnuts, almonds, etc).

Omega3 fatty acids are the best heart disease prevention agents. An Omega3 also works as a good antidepressant. You will find these mostly in fatty fish like salmon.

Lignans is the plant estrogen which humans can absorb easily which fights against hot flushes. No menopause diet can be complete without this. The best source for lignans is flaxseed, though you can find it in many other foods, such as soy, pomegranate, and lentils.

Fran Messersmith has been studying  early menopause symptoms for over twenty years. Read more at  Menopause Care Info. 

Source:  Articles Tree

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