Best diet during menopause

Introduction

Menopause is a period of the women's lives which features with termination of ovarian function. Menopausal women have to deal with certain symptoms and signs and they are susceptible to different medical conditions. This is why the food can be an excellent way to fight symptoms of menopause and to help in prevention of certain medical conditions.

Some people believe that phytoestrogens may help with symptoms of menopause. They need to be taken on regular bases. Additionally, a diet of a menopausal women should be rich in a variety of nutrients especially those which can protect from additional illnesses.

Menopausal Diet for Prevention of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects menopausal women more than other people. To prevent this potentially disabling disease a menopausal women should eat food rich in calcium. The foods that contain plenty of calcium include milk, yogurt and cheese. Low fat products are better as they do not contain too much fatty acid. Additionally, calcium can be found in broccoli, spinach, some legumes and soy beans products. Fish is also good source of this mineral.

Food for Hot Flashes

Hot flash is a symptom of menopause present in majority of women. It is connected to low levels of estrogen. Some plants contain certain substances that act like estrogen. These substances are called phytoestrogens and are potentially good for hot flashes. Soy contains isoflavonides and phytoestrogens that are great in reduction of hot flashes.

Prevention from Obesity

Food low in fatty acids and rich in carbohydrates, especially complex ones, is recommendable. Each and every day a woman must consume fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole grains are excellent and much better than refined grains. Sugar, sweets and simple carbohydrates must be avoided as much as possible.

Better Sleep

Women in menopause tend to have difficulties with sleeping. Soy is an excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is necessary fro synthesis of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is in charge with sleep cycles. Apart from soy other food which contains tryptophan will be good as well.

Energy Boosting

Women who are in menopause are not so energetic. In these women energy can be easily enhanced with complex carbohydrates and vitamin B.

Mood Improvement

The mood can be successfully improved with food rich in tryptophan, carbohydrates and phytoestrogens. Tryptophan is amazingly good as it is precursor of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for good mood.

To sum up, women who are in menopause should definitely pay attention on what they eat as this way they will overcome possible obstacles and annoying symptoms of this period of their lives.