With the right kinds of food, you can reduce your symptoms
Most women will have to deal with it some day: menopause. When you have had your period for the last time, you can experience a lot of physical distress. Hot flashes, mood changes, headaches and insomnia are only the tip of the iceberg. And even though you can’t do anything to stop menopause, you might be able to reduce the symptoms with the foods you eat.
Food and hot flashes
Some types of foods can actually make your hot flashes worse. According to dietitian Desiré van der Kruk, cutting out certain foods and drinks from your diet might make your hot flashes better to handle. Things you should drink less of are coffee and alcohol. When you’re menopausal, alcohol and caffeine can make your hot flashes worse. If you want to reduce hot flashes, you should eat vegetables, fruit, soy and lots and lots of fibers.
Menopause and cardiovascular disease
Unfortunately, hot flashes and just general physical discomfort aren’t the only downsides to being menopausal. When you reach menopause, your risk of getting heart disease will increase. If you eat the right kinds of food, you can lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure. Which then helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Listed below are some of the food you should and shouldn’t eat to reduce the risk of heart disease and to make your hot flashes a little more bearable.
- Reduce your intake of fatty foods: eat less meat, use oils when you’re cooking and pick the low-fat option while buying milk.
- Eat nutritious snacks: like unsalted nuts
- Keep your intake of refined sugar low: switch soda for a healthier option and try to refrain from eating too many sweets
- Eat less salt: if you want to make sure you don’t eat too much salt, you should avoid frozen meals or prepackaged meals
- Eat plenty of veggies and fruit: you’ll need around 8.8 oz of vegetables and two pieces of fruit
- Lots and lots of fiber: switch to whole grain options when it comes to bread, pasta or rice.
With these food tips, you’ll be able to deal with menopause and avoid all the discomfort that comes with it!
Also read: How to prevent burnout: 5 tips that can help
Source: Margriet | Image: Unsplash, Artem Beliaikin