Wouldn’t it be great if you asked your doctor how to deal with menopausal symptoms and she told you to eat plenty of chocolate and blueberry scones, and then wash it all down with copious amounts of red wine?
Unfortunately, we’ve all lived long enough to know that life doesn’t work out that way, and when it comes to combating the effects of menopause, you’ll be advised to eat different kinds of foods, namely those that are healthy. Yes, menopause may bring a gaggle of gruesome maladies, including hot flashes, dull skin, memory loss, and flatulence, but chocolate, flakey baked goods, and dry wine won’t do anything to ease the pain (at least in the long run).
| FREE REPORT: 5 Proven Remedies to Stop Hot Flashes and Hormonal Night Sweats During Menopause. Download it today to discover proven remedies to stop hot flashes, hormonal night sweats, and other menopause symptoms. |
Fortunately, there are some foods that will. Here are some ways to use good foods to boost your menopausal body.
| 1. Increase your soy intake. Recent studies indicate that middle-aged women who consumed at least three soy products a day reported positive benefits for their hearts and bones. Soy protein also can improve skin, hair, and nails. Once considered a tasteless waste of chewing, today’s soy products include flavorful foods, such as soy cereal and roasted soy nuts. Soy products also can reduce hot flash frequency. |
 |
| 2. Fish fat makes you fabulous. Studies show that middle-aged people who consumed omega-3 fats on a regular basis scored higher on memory tests. These fats can be found in flaxseed, salmon, sardines, tuna, and in fish oil supplements. |
 |
| 3. Drink green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea is good for strong bones and a healthy heart. Studies show that several cups of green tea every day can decrease the risk of stroke by 69 percent. You’ll also get your exercise by running to the bathroom all day. |  |
| 4. Cool it on the hot sauce. If you live anywhere south of the North Pole, you’ll probably suffer from hot flashes and night sweats. To help alleviate the problem, eliminate spicy foods and caffeine from your diet. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit, and don’t go to bed on a full stomach. |
 |
| 5. Fight flatulence. Sudden and uncontrollable flatulence is another cruel trick from Middle-aged Mother Nature. To help control symptoms, reduce the consumption of gas-producing foods such as green vegetables and beans. Don’t gulp food because you swallow air and it has to get out somehow. Also, don’t drink too much soda because the carbonation will create little tubas that like to toot every time you bend over. |
 |
| 6. Hydrate your health. Drink six to eight glasses of water every day to help keep your skin clear and supple. Water also can reduce problems associated with cramping and constipation. And, nobody wants to be remembered as the cramping, bloated, wrinkled old woman who didn’t drink enough water. |
 |
| FREE REPORT: 5 Proven Remedies to Stop Hot Flashes and Hormonal Night Sweats During Menopause. Download it today to discover proven remedies to stop hot flashes, hormonal night sweats, and other menopause symptoms. |
I agree you shouldn't "keep reading" but I don't believe in moving on to the next chapter if I speed-read the last one without comprehending it. Then I agree, move on, the better for having analyzed. Sometimes we stick with the old chapters because t
I love anything and everything related to food (growing food, eating food, learning about food)....I think you would LOVE my sister's book (1st place winner of 2012 Gourmand Magazine award in the Fund Raising, Charity and Community division for a USA
If you keep rereading the last chapter, you will never get to the next one..get on with your life.
Do not hide your light so that others won't feel insecure around you. And as you let your light shine, you unconsciously give others the right to do the same.
Organic coconut oil. I was introduced to it by a VN sister a while back. It makes my skin SO smooth and it is great for my thick, curly hair! It has a hundred uses (just look it up online) and it costs so little.
I’m with you, except for soy. It isn’t a good choice for all women, especially those who have dealt with breast cancer or have thryoid issues.
I agree. Anyone who’s read “The Dark Side of Soy” knows to take it easy on soy, if consuming it at all. Many people are allergic to it as well, due primarily to GMOs.
Thanks for this! I am experiencing menopausal symptoms big time right now. Biggest problem is swelling. I feel like a bloated balloon all the time. Trying to drink more water but having a heck of a time giving up my coffee! Was just diagnosed with thyroid disease and have started on the lowest dosage of Synthroid. Hoping that helps. Between the extra 10 lbs I’ve put on in the past year, the night sweats, the flashes at my desk (secretary bought me a HUGE remote-control fan..helps a lot!), and, oh yes, the flatulence (not good in yoga class, folks!), I’ve been close to miserable! These hints will help. Thanks.
Hi, I was told to take Synthroid. I am afraid of the side affects. Are there ? The Hot flashes are terrible. I don’t know what do at times. This site helps me a great deal. I am not alone. Good luck!
I can’t agree with soy. In the US now, all soy is genetically modified unless you buy organic. There are no tests on humans for any long term health effects, but many tests have been done on animals and it’s not pretty. Soy is Roundup Ready, meaning every cell on that plant is a living pesticide factory. It is one of the foods that has been pointed to be causing so many allergies in our kids, but no one can test for it. The benefits do not outweigh the advantages. I also can’t agree with the statement “dont drink too much soda”. Don’t drink any! Again, high fructose corn syrup (GMO) and chemicals – forget the flatulence – learn what’s IN your foods and try to distinguish that just because we CAN eat it doesn’t mean we should. Soda is not even a food: has absolutely NO health benefits or nourishment.
Type-O: The benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages. I type too fast…..
Having gone through menopause 2 years ago, I am dismayed to have started bleeding again.
Once in January and again this month, June. Having had an internal ultrasound that shows a thickening wall in my uterus and a cyst on my left ovary, I followed up with a pap smear and a biopsy. Both came back normal. What is this? Has anyone else had this happen? I loved being done with menopause and having all that freedom. Maybe a few hot flashes and that was it.
I had this exact thing happen to me. Fibroids. Ultrasound came back normal. Doc said to just periodically watch it, but not to worry. I’m thinking this is pretty normal.
I had a similar problem…no medical reason for my regular period returning at the age of 55…….then I decided to have my hormones tested……the Black cohosh herb I had been taking for the hot flashes had raised my estrogen to the point where I started ovulating again and having regular periods…….large amounts of soya can also do this! Had to go on an alternative HRT treatment that boosts testosterone to bring it back down again. So much for natural medicines and treatments!!!!
I disagree with some of the advice given, soya is not a good option for anyone, it has side effects……and as to advising anyone to give up green veggies and beans and lentils…..you would be cutting out food with huge benefits ! Most gas is caused by wheat products and food intolerances to additives….or eating too quickly because you are in a rush.
I get so hungry! Is that part of menopause? Do you have any suggestions for fighting the feeling of hunger?
Many thanks,
These are all good suggestions with the exception of soy, unless you happen to live in Japan… Most of the soy produced in this country has not been properly processed to give the health benefits the US soy industry would like to claim. Decreasing processed grains and carbohydrates will help with weight gain, bloating and hot flashes, as well as help prevent diabetes and high cholesterol.
I agree with April and Tamara. Here is a link to see a short video about it…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aYEOeSpcj4&feature=player_embedded#!.
I also dealt with thyroid disease with fibromyalgia at the same time that I was battling depression andthe menopausal symptoms were at their worse. I was miserable, cranky, faint and gaining weight like crazy. I am also a breast cancer survivor. After ma ny discussions with my doctor, we made a change in the medication I was on for fibro and I decided to change the way I have been eating for years. Ahthough my diet has always been very healthy (most of the time, except with a few cravings for chocolate and pretzel rods), I cut back or eliminated breads, pastas, sugar (I now use Stevia), dairy products and started walking as my exercise. I realize that my metabolism has changed, and I have to make the changes to adjust.
My situation sounds very similar to yours: depression, fibromyalgia, two time breast cancer survivor, weight gain. What did your doctor change your medication to for fibromyalgia? I am currently on Lyrica but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I’m looking to change my diet for life – so you tried cutting out all breads, all types of pastas, sugars, and dairy products? I also seem to have more problems with acid reflux than ever before – could be menopause related as well?
You can include Flax seeds to your diet, which could eliminate 50% of night sweats.
DejaNew
Your right. I only use the Flax seeds when eat my breakfast in the office. On the weekend I don’t use it and than I suffer. Now I’ll use the bag I have at home. Thank you for the tip!
I don’t agree with the soy - I’ve found it negatively alters my mood. Also, with a strong family history of breast cancer, it’s probably not a good idea to make it a regular part of my diet.
I’m also not convinced red wine doesn’t help. How could it not? I don’t remember ever having a hot flash while drinking wine. Chances are if I did, I wouldn’t care anyway.
Elaine–I’m with u with this except studies & reports are showing that consuming the right kind of chocolate is indeed good for you!! Years ago, dark chocolate was used medicinally for so many ailments & in fact the Mayans still drink about 40 cups of cacao a week for their health. Only when dark chocolate was brought to Europe & when they processed, alkalized & roasted it due to its bitterness (the higher u go in dark chocolate the more bitter it is~~but the more the benefits), then added milk products, tons of refined sugar, caffeine, wax, fillers & hydrogenated oils did it become the candy we now see with no nutritional value or goodness to it. But if u look for the right kind–over 70% dark chocolate that has been unprocessed or heated (and there is a company out there that makes a patented unprocessed, unheated 70% dark Belgium chocolate!) u will discover that the studies are showing that it has many health benefits–especially in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It reduces blood pressure due to the flavonoids & because it increases the production of nitrous oxide, a molecule that stimulates the dilation of arteries. It also decreases blood platelet aggregation or blood clots & slows down the development of atherosclerotic plaques. It releases a bliss factor (PEA–phenylethylamine which is a chemical that is similar to those of amphetamines which makes one feel good, euphoric & excited. Researchers also believe the PEA stimulates the production of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure centre. Thus fights depression. It boosts endorphins which also makes us feel good as well as increases serotonins which promote a balanced mood. It contains many healthy vitamins & minerals like magnesium which many of us at menopause are lacking. It contains Bl,2, 3, 5, & 6 as well as vit C& E, copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc & manganese. It delivers theobromine (which is similar to caffeine though not as strong) that produces a mild, pleasant stimulatory effect & gives you energy. Studies are also showing that it can help regulate blood sugar levels & binge-eating behaviours. Because it promotes proper glucose metabolism that helps to minimize the conversion of glucose into fat. When u do the research–it is there–a good quality dark chocolate unheated, unprocessed does have innumerable health benefits & we all should be consuming the right kind every day. Just thought everyone should know.
What is the name of the Belgium chocolate your speak of?
a good attitude and a happy disposition helps as well, snack on nuts and fruit and yes yummy dark chocolate!! drink a cold glass of soya milk every day and remember to breath to relief stress and go for evening walks and enjoy the sunset!!
I too have issues with soy products due to what has been discussed–if you want to try an alternative–try almond milk–it is delicious & is available fresh in the refrigerated section of the supermarket or on the shelves (non refrigerated) in the cartons often in the organic section.