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As women get older, they begin to worry about menopause and how it will affect their bodies. However, many forget about that little step in between—perimenopause. By definition, perimenopause is the period of time during which a woman begins to experience the signs of menopause. However, her period is still occurring during this time, even if it is beginning to arrive irregularly. Dealing with menstruation and menopause can be extremely overwhelming, but handling it properly (through a perimenopause diet) is great preparation for what is to come.

More Than Allowed

Following certain dietary guidelines can help to get you through the perils of perimenopause. This means consuming more of certain foods in order to reap the maximum nutritional benefits. Make sure to add buckwheat, soy foods, ground flax meal, and citrus fruit rind and pulp to your perimenopause diet. These foods contain high levels of phytoestrogens and can help to reduce estrogen production.

Another key food to incorporate into your diet is fish. Mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, and trout are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fish can reduce the pain of menstrual cramps as well as endometriosis. Other foods to add into your diet include: flax, flax seed, soy substitutes, and rice substitutes.

A Nutritional No-No

Some foods are off limits or somewhat limited for those following a diet to combat perimenopause. Though it might seem difficult at first to get rid of certain foods from your diet, doing so will serve a purpose in reducing the symptoms of PMS and menopause. The best diet for menopause will allow you to eat what you want without feeling deprived of your favorite foods. However, it is typical for some sacrifices to be made on a perimenopause diet.

The first things to go should be caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks, sugar, potato chips, chocolate, fried or fatty foods, salt, and fruit juices. All of these foods slow down the metabolism of estrogen, as well as the elimination of estrogen from your body.

Reducing the role of red meats in your diet is also important. Red meats are known for elevating estrogen levels, which in turn can make PMS even worse. Wheat products also have this effect, so it is best to avoid them as well. Dairy products also have a negative affect on reproductive health, and should thus be avoided.

Moderation, As Always

It is difficult to diet at any time in your life. However, during perimenopause, hormones make it particularly difficult to concentrate on health. Eliminating so many favorite foods might seem extreme, but moderation is the key to living a healthy life style. If you start with moderation, you will be establishing a healthy routine for life.