Menopause is a natural occurrence that usually takes place around the age of 50 in women. When the process of menopause is completed, a woman no longer experiences her monthly menstrual cycle and can no longer become pregnant. Though all women go through the process of menopause at some point, it is not the easiest thing to go through. Women in menopause experience many side effects when they are in menopause, according to Fox News Health, such as weight gain, irritability, loss of bone density and hot flashes. Eating the right foods can help to decrease some of these symptoms associated with menopause.
Vegetables
Women who are going through menopause can benefit from eating vegetables because they are low in calories and fat but high in fiber, which is filling. The Mayo Clinic states that weight gain is common during menopause, not only because of the change in hormones but also because women tend to eat more junk food during this time period. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating fewer calories and dietary fat overall to lose weight, and one of the best ways to do this is by eating vegetables like broccoli, carrots, celery and bell peppers, every day.
Tofu
Tofu, which is a white block made from fermented soybeans, can replace meat or work well as a protein-rich food in any meal. Tofu should be marinated in a sauce like soy sauce and stir-fried with vegetables or used in a recipe like vegetarian lasagna. According to Fox News Health, the soy isoflavones found in tofu can act like the hormone estrogen in the body, which relieves hot flashes and can even increase bone mass.
Flaxseeds
Consuming about 2 teaspoons of small seeds called flaxseeds daily can reduce some of the side effects of menopause such as vaginal dryness and wrinkling of the skin, according to Fox News Health. They explain that the lignans found in flaxseeds mimic estrogen, similar to the soy in tofu. Flaxseeds can be added to yogurt or blended into smoothies.
Buckwheat Noodles
Buckwheat noodles, though not as commonly used in the United States as they are in other countries, can be beneficial in improving menopausal symptoms, according to Fox News Health. Dr. Susan Lark, a specialist on women's health issues, tells Fox News Health that buckwheat noodles, which are slightly thicker than spaghetti noodles, have bioflavonoids that improve the condition of the skin and prevent the body from getting varicose veins, which are common during menopause. Buckwheat noodles can replace spaghetti noodles in recipes or they can be stir-fried with vegetables and soy sauce after boiling.
