The Best Menopausal Diet

When we get older, the process of digestion starts taking longer as digestive tract becomes less efficient. It is difficult for body to digest the foods that are low in nutrition and high in calories. But body's requirement of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals remains same or even becomes higher.

A healthy and suitable menopausal diet is a first important step towards dealing with the symptoms of menopause. This not only minimizes the other risks associated with menopause, but also helps in alleviating physical and psychological symptoms.

Few Suggestions for a Healthy Menopausal Diet

You have probably heard a million times already, but there is nothing that can beat the benefits of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Bananas, melon and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are high in potassium that help balance the sodium and water retention. Vegetables such as yam, collard greens, kale, broccoli, pak choi, peppers, cabbage and tomatoes are also beneficial vegetables that help you deal with menopausal symptoms. It is advisable to include some dry fruits such as figs and apricots in your daily diet.

A good menopausal diet should have soy foods such as soymilk, tofu, soybeans and soy yoghurt. Eat soluble fibre but avoid fried foods, white flour products, white rice and processed cooking oils. Eat wholegrain bread, oats, wheat germ, rye, sweet potatoes, beans, past, lentils, oily fish, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and seaweed.

Other Effects Of Menopause

As there is significant reduction in the estrogen levels in the body, the weight gets redistributed around the abdominal region, the chances of heart diseases increase, cholesterol levels become higher and the risk of osteoporosis increases. Experts also concede that weight gain is another significant side effect of menopause which happens as a result of consuming more calories, not doing sufficient exercise and increased physical and mental stress.

Dealing With Menopausal Symptoms

Dealing with the symptoms of menopause can take its toll on one's life. You can consult a doctor who will prescribe few pills that you can pop to get relief from few of the discomforts associated with menopause. You can spend lots of time and money to alleviate these symptoms. These treatments do help make you feel better, but there is an easier way that will serve the same purpose but without any side effects.

Following a simple, well-balanced menopausal diet not only reduces the menopausal symptoms but also reduces your chances of developing any complications associated with menopause. The key to a good menopausal diet is to maintain a balance and focus on overall nutrition. It is important to not overdo any particular food group especially fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is important to eat small and frequent meals. Keep portion size small and don't be obsessed with calories. Best diet for menopause is a right mix of all food groups in right quantity, consumed at the right time. Limiting the consumption of colas, alcohol, tea, coffee and spicy foods will help you deal with hot flashes. Eating foods rich in carbohydrates raise the level of serotonin alleviating depression.