Struggling with your menopause symptoms? Top 13 foods to ease your pain

The menopause can be a struggle for some women, but we're here to help

DON'T struggle through the menopause without any help, we've got the top foods to eat to help ease your symptoms

 

During the menopause the ovaries stop producing oestrogen which can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and loss of libido. Nothing about these symptoms is remotely fun for women suffering. 

Oestrogen protects the cardiovascular system and helps to increase bone density - thus it's important to provide your body with extra support following the menopause.

Women going through menopause will find their adrenal (stress) gland will continue to produce some oestrogen therefore it is important to support them as, if menopausal women are overly stressed, the adrenals get worn out and oestrogen production will drop off which will exacerbate the symptoms of menopause.

Struggling to understand what to eat to help your symptoms? Despair no more, Helen Drake, Nutritional therapist at Tonbridge Nutrition Centre and Nutraformis, has put a list of foods  together to help support the body through menopause and its side effects. 

• Flax seeds - these are rich in phytoestrogens which have a mild oestrogenic effect in the body and help to reduce menopausal symptoms, they are also a great source of omega 3 which helps to support and protect the cardiovascular system. 
• Sage - another phytoestrogen; sage tea has been shown to be particularly useful in reducing hot flushes. 
• Lentils - another phytoestrogen but also very high in fibre which can help the body get rid of waste hormones which again can make you feel worse during the menopause as well as helping to reduce cholesterol.

Nuts and seeds are known to help women going through 'the change'

• Leafy green vegetables e.g. Kale, these are high in magnesium and vitamin C which help to support the adrenal glands so therefore encourage oestrogen production and resilience to stress.
• Nuts and seeds - rich in calcium and magnesium which support good bone health. Almonds are high in zinc which is required for thyroid hormone production.
• Blueberries - rich in anti-oxidants which protect cardiovascular system and protect against ageing.
• Seaweed - high in iodine which supports thyroid hormone production which can be reduced in menopause.
• Oily fish - great source of protein for some hormone production and omega 3
• Coconut oil - saturated fat essential for production of oestrogen also encourages thermogenesis (fat burning)
• Supplements - containing high grade resveratrol from grape seed, lycopene, green tea and vitamins, LQ Heart Care will also give further cardiovascular support. 
• Garlic and onion - support the liver to help get rid of waste hormones.
• Brazil nuts - high in selenium to support the thyroid.
• Olives - are also very high in phytoestrogens which reduce menopausal symptoms and help protect against osteoporosis.