SuperFoods for Menopause Symptom Relief...Foods to Avoid

In her groundbreaking books, The Secret Pleasures of Menopause andThe Wisdom of Menopause, Dr. Christiane Northrup delivers the message that life has just begun at menopause. Her view is that the “change” is the beginning of a very exciting and fulfilling time, and that it’s not a collection of symptoms to be “fixed,” but a mind/body revolution which brings tremendous opportunity for happiness. 

If Dr. Northrup is correct, then something is going terribly wrong with my “mind/body revolution.” In fact, my bumpy stroll down Menopause Lane has been anything but “exciting and fulfilling" and filled with hot flashes, moodiness, night sweats and insomnia.

Thank goodness, I learned that certain plant foods are very effective for menopausal relief. Yes, it’s true. According to an article in Natural News, phytoestrogens which are found in a variety of foods contain plant-based estrogens called isoflavones. Isoflavones can provide natural relief for women with menopausal symptoms. 

U.S. News & World Report recently reported that menopausal women who lose weight in the context of a healthier diet (ie. a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains) could reduce or eliminate their hot flashes and night sweats, according to a large new study. 

Studies have also suggested that if you eat less fat and more fiber, you’ll keep estrogen levels from fluctuating drastically. So, isn’t it worth giving a healthy plant-based diet a try during this “exciting and fulfilling” time of your life? After all, there is no downside. 

Although my diet is completely plant-based, I learned that some plant foods are considered superfoods when it comes to relieving the symptoms of menopause. Therefore, I decided to concentrate on these superfoods which are most likely to help relieve my symptoms. 

SUPERFOODS FOR RELIEVING MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS: 

1) Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil  According to Dr. Northrup, flaxseeds are the best available source of phytoestrogeniccompounds known as lignans- with a concentration more than a hundred times greater than other lignan-containing foods, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Flaxseed is also an excellent source of fiber and of omega-3 fats. Since studies have shown significant hormonal changes in women who consume  flaxseed, ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are among the best estrogenic foods for natural menopause treatment. In her book The Wisdom Of Menopause, Dr. Northrup suggests using 1/4 cup ground flaxseed three to seven days a week. 

Read the rest of the list of super foods for relieving menopausal symptoms & a recipe for a healthy, cooling smoothie at:http://veganamericanprincess.com/menopause-certain-foods-may-help-ease-symptoms/#sthash.wqLpUcho.dpu...

Ellen Francis

Vegan American Princess

Voted #2 in Skinny Scoop's Top 25 Vegan Blogs of 2013

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