Menopause is a temporary transition period of a woman's life characterized by a gradual drop in hormones. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are integral in your menstrual cycle and a variety of other subtle physiologic functions. Your body slowly adjusts to the falling hormone levels and you will notice a variety of symptoms, such as a halt in your menstruation, hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping problems. Your diet and the use of supplements may play a role in alleviating or preventing these symptoms.
Soy Products
Soy based products, such as tofu, may be able to prevent some of the symptoms associated with menopause, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. These products contain a variety of nutrients and are excellent sources of protein. Tofu can prevent symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. This might also help you get more sleep and relieve any symptoms of insomnia. Most soy-based products are also healthy for you and can easily be added to any diet.
Avoid Caffeine
If you are undergoing menopause, you should refrain from including caffeine in your diet, the WomensHealth website explains. Caffeine is a stimulant of the nervous system and can have an exaggerated effect in women undergoing menopause. The caffeine found in coffee and some sodas exacerbates the symptoms of insomnia and sleeplessness often experienced during menopause. Caffeine is also found in most types of tea. Eliminating caffeine from your diet can help you get adequate amounts of sleep.
Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements
The drastic reduction in hormone levels associated with menopause can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when your bones begin to weaken. Symptoms may include bone pain and arthritis. In order to alleviate these symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, you should take daily doses of vitamin D and calcium supplements, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health.. These supplements help your body make stronger bones that can withstand the risks posed by low hormone levels. You can also get vitamin D and calcium from your diet, but taking supplements daily ensures you obtain all the nutrients you need to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Low-Fat, Low Cholesterol Diet
You should avoid eating food high in fat and cholesterol once you enter the menopausal period, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Estrogen helps protect your heart from disease and keeps your vessels from becoming clogged with cholesterol plaques. However, as the levels of estrogen begin to fall, you can experience an increase in your risk for cardiovascular disease. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat and cholesterol can help prevent this symptom of menopause. A healthy diet lowers your cholesterol, helps you maintain a normal weight and reduces your blood pressure. All of these effects drastically decrease your chances of suffering from heart disease.
