Menopause Diet

Most women have no idea that as they near the "change of life" that they should adjust their diet, which can help substantially with overall menopause symptoms. The bottom line is that as we age, our bodies need different foods. However, that does not mean you cannot still enjoy many of your favorites, just that you need to learn how to incorporate healthier foods into your daily diet.

For starters, certain foods will help with annoying menopause symptoms. Therefore, foods rich in potassium work by balancing water and sodium retention, along with dried fruit to include figs and apricots. For vegetables, you would do far better by choosing dark leafy foods such as collard greens, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Then, you want to go for the right types of grains such as whole grains, brown rice, soy beans, wheat germ, and lentils.

Another really important change is to eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which would be sardines, salmon, tuna, trout, and herring. Soy products have also proven to be beneficial for a menopause diet. Therefore, add yogurt, soybeans, tofu, and even soy milk to your diet. Nuts are beneficial for a menopause diet as well. In this case, you would want to eat pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts.

Finally, flaxseed and canola oils, as well as seaweed such as Kimbu, Arame, Nori, and Wakame are very important since they actually contain plant chemicals and natural hormones great for getting women through menopause.

In addition to helping with menopause symptoms, adjusting to a menopause diet is overall healthy. As men and women age, new challenges arise to include increased blood pressure and cholesterol. By changing your diet, you can control both of these potential risk factors and maintain a healthy weight, which is good for the heart. Keep in mind that adjusting to a menopause diet is not difficult and not even strict. It simply means to choose foods wisely.

Remember, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy your favorite cake or cookie from time to time or even better, you could learn to bake differently using healthier ingredients. As you get started and become accustomed to a different diet, you will not even notice the things you have given up. For one thing, you will feel better, more energetic, and better focused while not having to deal with the hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and other things that typically go along with the change of life.