4 Diet Tips For Women In Menopause

There are several different ways to deal with the hormone changes and imbalances that often accompany menopause. For some women, hormone replacement therapy is ideal, but for others, it's contraindicated, or even unnecessary. Menopause can also be managed with natural supplements. For some women, simple dietary changes are enough to help make it through menopause. Take a look at some changes that you can make in your diet that will help balance your hormones naturally:

Increase Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Hit up the salad bar when you go out to eat, and consider adding Meatless Mondays (or any other day) to your menu rotation. More fruits and vegetables can be very helpful in managing the effects of menopause.

Many plant-based foods, from blueberries and plums to onions and potatoes contain phytoestrogens or plant estrogen. These phytoestrogens bind to your own estrogen receptors, helping them produce more estrogen if you're low on it, or blocking the effects of estrogen if your estrogen levels are too high.

Substitute Cooling Foods for Hot Ones

When you eat foods that contain hot peppers or spices, it doesn't just heat up your mouth. You can probably feel your face get hotter, and the rest of your body heats up as well. Other substances, like caffeine and alcohol, have the same effect. To avoid hot flashes, steer clear of these heat-producing substances.

Instead, look for foods that cool the body down. Melons have this effect, and so do bean sprouts, asparagus, apples, and water-heavy foods like celery.

Steer Clear of Sugar

Sugar, along with refined carbohydrates, boost your insulin levels and promote fat storage, especially around the belly. These stored fats cause the level of estrogen circulating in your body to rise, and that leads to imbalances in your body's progesterone and estrogen supplies.

Choose something with natural sugar, like fruit, when you're in the mood for sweets. Craving carbs? Instead of refined carbohydrates, like bread or muffins, opt for starchy potatoes instead.

Look for Healthy Fats

Eliminating all fat from your diet is a bad idea. You need some fat for the health of your brain, immune system, skin, and hair. Fats are also the building material for hormones, so eliminating them can interfere with proper hormone production. The key is to make sure that your diet includes healthy fats.

Salmon, avocados, eggs, and healthy oils, like olive or coconut oil are all examples of healthy fats that contain the omega-3 fatty acids that are important for your hormones and overall health.

Menopause can be a difficult time, but there are ways to manage it naturally. Don't feel pressured to resort to medications without trying a natural method first. Contact a company like Functional Health Solutions Center for more information and assistance.