Menopause, diet and stress

There are some parts of the world where women rarely suffer from the symptoms of menopause.  In fact, the Japanese recently added the term "hot flash" into their language because the symptom did not exist in their culture.  Other international cultures with rural pockets of people have been studied with regard to menopause.  Those who have maintained their cultural lifestyle (uninfluenced by western diet) have no symptoms of menopause - even to the extent that women of "menopausal" years feel that they have a new found freedom.   

Outside of having hot flashes and night sweats, menopause symptoms (such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, hormonal imbalance, mental fog or trouble concentrating, headaches, bloating, depression, mood swings and memory troubles) are similar to the symptoms of eating a diet low in nutrition, high in animal protein, and high in fat and sugar.  Even acne in menopausal women can be related to the diet.  Perhaps it is easier to blame menopause for various symptoms rather than the diet because the patient would prefer to keep eating her rich foods and the doctor would prefer to medicate the problem.  There is a better way to deal with menopause.  Eating a plant based diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can provide all the needed nutrients to get a body back into hormonal balance.  Eliminating sugar, caffeine, butter, cheese, dairy and animal protein is also a very important change in the diet.  Caffeine, sugar and fat in the diet can trigger hot flashes and heart palpitations.  Animal protein slows the digestion down, causes the IGF-1 hormone factor to rise in the blood stream, and contributes to feeling fatigued.

Dr. Pam Popper - Hormon Replacement Therapy and Vegetarians Live Longer

Menopause is getting worse because the quality of the Standard American Diet continues to decline.  As a nation, we are eating more dairy, meat and sugar than every before.  Obesity is an epidemic, and so are the metabolic syndromes that go with obesity.  

Menopausal symptoms are also more pronounced because of stress levels.  Erin Lommen discusses the adrenal function and stress in this video.

Popular posts from this blog

Gut Check: Choose health, not junk!

CBS This Morning featured a health spot called "Gut Check" today.  The topic of beneficial bacteria is a key point for improving overall health for people of all ages.  The standard American diet is filled with meat, dairy, sweets, fat and refined carbohydrates.  These foods slow the digestive tract, contribute to the growth of inflammatory "bad" bacteria, reduce the good neurotransmitter production which benefits mental health, makes the body very acidic, and destroys the immune system.  The story on CBS This Morning highlighted the negative effects of bad bacteria being linked to diabetes, obesity and inflammation. For the broadcast of This Morning's spot, "Gut Check", click on this link:  Gut Check    How can you improve your health by getting more good bacteria in your gut?  Change your diet.  Eat high fiber foods.  The only source of fiber is through plant foods.   You can get all the good gut flora that you need by eating a la...
Read more

Mac & Cheese - no soy, no dairy, gluten free, delish!

Image
Before changing to a plant based diet, we used to eat a big pan of mac and cheese every week.  It was comfort food for me.  I felt determined to find a healthy alternative to this family favorite and came up with this recipe that doesn't call for nutritional yeast, soy or other seasoning additives which are high in glutamic acids - which result in a bad case of hiccups or heartburn and indigestion.  See what you think!  I wonder how long before I see a version of this recipe on some other plant based site!  :P Mac & Cheese plant-based style 24 oz GF brown rice macaroni 3 cups cauliflower, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 cups raw cashews, toasted (toasting is very important for the flavor) 2 T vinegar 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1-2 tsp salt - add  to desired taste  after blending "cheese"  Boil macaroni according to directions on package, drain and set aside.  While maca...
Read more

The controversy of Gardasil

Image
This topic does not specifically target dietary issues, but rather a need to be well informed in order to perform an act of self-defense.  Please consider and weigh the options when faced with a vaccination decision.  The following videos and links barely brush the surface of information available.  Whatever you choose to do, vaccinate or not, do it as a well informed individual. Dr. Pam Popper: Children's Health, Diet and IQ and Advice about Gardasil http://www.wellnessforum.com/ When a mystery illness of 12 New York school girls hit the news, there were many health scenarios posed as possible causes.  Shortly after the EPA and other agencies were called in to investigate and substance abuse eliminated, the story went silent and we have heard nothing of the possible conclusions.  Listen to the news broadcast on the following link as a few "experts" evaluate the mystery illness.  Notice, in the interviews, the comments about the girls having something ...
Read more