Midlife & Menopause Is a Time of Change
Suddenly we realise that our bodies are not exactly behaving the way we would like, and suddenly things we love to eat, and drink don’t have the desired effect.
I personally do not believe eating, diet or way of life should be one of deprivation. Even on a low budget, you can eat well. Here are a few tips.
Un-Process Your Diet
Think natural foods. How much ultra-processed high sugary foods are you consuming? Read labels to get an idea of nutritional content.
Spicy Foods
For some women, spicy foods(chilli hot) makes hot flashes and night sweats worse – switch to spices cumin, turmeric, sweet paprika.
I love hot pepper sauces of any kind. When I lived in New Orleans, I consumed Tabasco by the gallons. My heat tolerance has reduced, but I still enjoy it.
Fatty Foods
fast foods, fried foods, cakes, biscuits – causes blood sugar to rocket. Blood sugar imbalance has been found to make menopause symptoms worse. Instead of a biscuit, have a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts.
Alcohol
Interferes with sleep and may exacerbate hot flashes and anxiety, and depression.
Ok, you know, and I know that there is no way in hell you are giving up alcohol. I love my bubbly too much. It’s about moderation.
Wine – negatively impacts blood sugar levels, increase hot flushes, disrupt sleep and affect liver function.
Try a spritzer or non-alcoholic version. Drink water in between drinks.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks: Caffeine can disrupt hormone levels, hot flushes, calcium absorption, and disrupt sleep. The half-life of caffeine is 6-8 hours. Trouble sleeping? Reduce that cuppa in the afternoon and see if any improvement.
Keep a food and symptom diary
It can help to identify foods that make you feel sluggish or impact symptoms.
KEY POINT
LOOK AT WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR DIET & NOT ALWAYS WHAT TO TAKE AWAY.
