Nutrition and Menopause

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms. Hormonal fluctuations differ from person to person and, therefore, symptoms vary in cause and intensity. Each case is assessed individually, keeping in mind that certain foods can restore or throw off the balance of your hormones and may have an impact on menopause symptoms. Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for good health at any age, but is especially important if you’re experiencing menopause, as in menopause your metabolism declines making it easier to gain weight. Even more concerning, that weight tends to go to the abdomen, which increases the heart disease risks.

We recommend you opt for a variety of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado, complex carbohydrates such as oats, bran, whole grain bread, beans, and lentils. You should avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, crackers, cookies, and white sugar (the white foods), as well as saturated and trans fats, and sodium. Limit “junk foods” that are low in nutrients and high in calories.  It’s also important to limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Sometimes making just a few adjustments to your eating habits can potentially make a big difference to your health. Please call our office to see Dr. Sandra Fleming and/or Temi Correll for your own personalized assessment as well as the creation and implementation of a personalized plan.