Menopause is a difficult time for every woman who goes through it. There are many uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause—hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings are just a few. Food can be an enemy in this struggle, or it can be an ally. The trick is knowing what the best foods for menopause are, and how they can be used to address individual symptoms. Once you have this knowledge, it will be easy to get through menopause with minimal problems.
Drop It Like It’s Hot
Hot flashes are one of the most common (and most uncomfortable) symptoms of menopause. They can cause night sweats, take you by surprise in professional and social situations, and make life generally difficult. The best foods to combat this menopause symptom contain phytoestrogens: beans, apples, legumes, carrots, seaweed, potatoes, soy, and yams. Also make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Eating the best menopause foods is not enough—it is also important to eliminate some of the foods that are worst for menopause symptoms. These foods include ones that are generally hot and spicy; they are known as trigger foods and often contribute to hot flashes. Avoid coffee, teas, colas, spicy foods, alcohol, and refined sugars.
Menopause Mood Management
Mood swings are another unfortunate consequence of menopause, and some women even experience menopausal depression. Because serotonin levels have to do with mood, it is important to eat foods that are high in serotonin. The best foods to alleviate this menopause symptom are those that are rich in carbohydrates, such as cereal, bagels, sandwiches, and whole grain breads.
Weight Gain No More!
Perhaps the most dreaded symptom of menopause is the one that is the most visible to the public—weight gain. Menopause and weight are directly linked, which in unfortunate for women approaching this time int heir lives. During menopause, you might not change your diet at all and still gain weight. Reducing estrogen levels cause the redistribution of weight—from the breasts and the hips to around the stomach. This is why it is important to adjust your diet to incorporate the best foods for menopause. Reducing fat intake can be helpful, as can consuming healthier fats instead.
Menopause Friendly Food
Food can be your friend instead of your foe, if you only give it the chance to be. Learning about the foods that can help you to prevent moods swings, weight gain, and hot flashes is the first step towards a better menopause experience, which is something that every woman wants.
