Menopause marks the end of the reproductive period which occurs in every woman. The natural change can’t be termed as a disorder although it usually comes with a number of problems.
Superfoods to Deal with Menopause Symptoms
Due to decreased levels of estrogen during menopause, a woman may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, dry skin, thinning hair, decreased interest in sex and changes in moods among others. Whereas most women don’t need treatments for menopause, there are some superfoods which have been found effective in dealing with menopausal symptoms.
They include:
1. Flaxseeds: While grinding, it is considered effective for easing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. They contain omega-3 fatty acid and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Oncology showed that flaxseeds can reduce hot flashes by about 50%. Additionally, it improves levels of estrogen and reduces vaginal dryness.
2. Soy: Products containing soy have been proven effective in treating symptoms of menopause. They contain isoflavones which help to balance hormonal levels in the body and also have estrogenic functions. According to a study at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in North Carolina, women who consumed phytoestrogen-rich soy realized a substantial decrease in their hot flashes.
3. Cinnamon: This has been used by the Chinese to help in the treatment of conditions like depression, anxiety and mood swings. By supporting the uterine muscle fiber, cinnamon highly benefits a woman undergoing menopause. You can include cinnamon in your diet or drink it mixed with warm water.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: It has been in use for centuries to treat menopause symptoms. In unprocessed form, apple cider vinegar regulates the severity of night sweats and hot flashes, the most common problems during menopause. Simply consume two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water in the morning to eliminate toxins and regulate hormones.
5. Vitamin E: There is clinical evidence indicating that vitamin E acts as a substitute for estrogen to regulate and control hot flashes. Additionally, it is renowned for treating vaginal dryness and prevents the palpitation of the heart. It can be used topically to reduce vaginal dryness or orally to deal with hot flashes.
6. Black Cohosh: This has been used for several years in traditional medicines as an effective remedy to menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. In a study conducted in 704 women, nearly half reported complete relief from menopausal systems days after they started using black cohosh. It has anti-inflammatory benefits and also acts as a phytoestrogen.
7. Chasteberry: This is another popular renowned remedy for menopause. The herb helps in the balance of hormones through nourishing and supporting the endocrine system. In turn, this helps deal with symptoms like hot flashes, mild depression, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
8. Acupuncture: This is an ancient practice that has healing effects for various diseases and conditions like menopause. It aims at rebalancing the body and ease symptoms associated with menopause. In one study at the University Stanford School of Medicine, the severity of hot flashes decreased in women who underwent acupuncture. Also, there were improvements in sleep and mood
9. Yoga: Sleep disruptions, mood swings, night sweats and even hot flashes are some of symptoms of menopause that can be effectively managed through the practice of yoga. Some of the yoga practices for menopausal symptoms include postures, controlled breath and meditation.
10. Exercise: Regular exercises will not only be helpful to your overall wellbeing but will also boost your moods, reduce stress, prevent cognitive decline and improve the quality of life if you are a woman already undergoing the challenging moment.
Conclusion
Whereas menopause symptoms can wreak havoc in a woman’s life, these discussed superfoods and practices can go a long way in controlling their severity and duration. You can readily find a number of these ingredients in various products available in the market. Alternatively, you can obtain these plants at your local groceries and make menopausal symptoms a thing of the past. Don’t hesitate to consult your health caregiver if you find that symptoms of menopause are taking control of your life. Your physician stands a better chance of offering the appropriate information about how to deal with your symptoms. She may recommend medications to help you cope better with the symptoms.