What to Avoid During Menopause Stages?

<p>Menopause is a natural part of the aging process in women that can bring about a host of unwelcome and uncomfortable symptoms. Many women simply accept the condition and try to muddle through until the effects of the hormonal changes subsides, but there are positive steps that can be taken to alleviate the discomfort by first understanding which foods increase the severity of symptoms, and secondly, avoiding the culprits by lessening the amounts, or cutting them out of the diet.<br>
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Symptoms occurring from the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause may include insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, joint and muscle pains, decreased bone mass and weight gain. Although these are not entirely preventable, you can lessen their intensity by making a few lifestyle changes, and in particular, through your diet.<br>
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<b>Weight gain</b><br>
It is common for women to gain between 8 and 15 extra pounds during the first few years after menopause. Dietitians recommend trimming the fat from meats, and choosing leaner cuts. It is also helpful to choose low fat options when using dairy products. Although some fat is required for balanced eating, avoiding super fatty foods will help to avoid gaining excess weight.<br>
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<b>Hot flashes</b><br>
The majority of women cite this as a symptom of menopause which may become intense and uncomfortable. Some of the most common triggers of hot">http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/menopause-center/hot-flashes.html">hot flashes are hot beverages, hot and or spicy foods, caffeine, smoking cigarettes, and alcohol consumption. Hot and spicy foods cause the body's temperature to rise and can bring on a bout of sweats and or hot flashes. Alcohol is also known for raising the body's core temperature, so avoidance of these temptations may help your journey through menopause to be happier and a more comfortable experience than if you make no changes to your lifestyle. Some good alternatives include cutting back on the spices in your meals, allowing the food to cool to room temperature, and if you do indulge in alcoholic beverages, dilute the drink and sip it over a longer period of time.

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In order to lessen the discomfort of hot flashes, these are items that you will want to avoid whenever possible. Also avoid remaining idle and stationary for long periods as exercise is of a tremendous benefit for keeping your body fit and healthy.<br>
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<b>Fatigue and moodiness</b><br>
Fluctuations in blood sugar are notorious for causing fatigue and feeling tired or out of sorts. An excessive intake of sugar could be the culprit. It is not necessary to totally avoid sugar altogether, but it is advised to cut back on the amounts that are consumed. For example, substitution a piece of fresh fruit for a rich sugary dessert such as cake or pie is recommended in your strategy to alleviate the discomfort of menopause. <br>
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In addition to fatigue, irritability and moodiness are common">http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/menopause-center/symptoms-of-menopause.html">common menopausal symptoms which are intensified by overdoing it on the carbohydrates. Try to avoid junk food and empty calories and instead, go for the whole grains and definitely limit your intake of carbohydrates,particularly those which include refined ingredients.

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<b>Insomnia</b><br>
Women who experience problems sleeping due to menopausal symptoms which are often accompanied by hot flashes may be able to get a better night's rest by cutting down on the amount of or avoiding caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia and additionally contribute to the onset of mood swings and hot flashes. Having a cup of coffee in the morning may help in kicking feelings of fatigue to the curb, but in the long run, can bring about more restless nights. Instead of the traditional cup of coffee, try a cup of herbal tea for a natural pick me up.<br>
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<b>Bone loss</b><br>
Women in the menopausal stage experience a dramatic decrease in bone mass. Make certain that you eat a variety of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Choose dairy products that have been homogenized because they are safer than raw dairy products. Choose those which are lower in fat content, and additionally, you may wish to consult with your physician about calcium and vitamin D supplements.<br>
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<b>Conclusion</b><br>
There are so many different ways by which we can use avoidance of symptom inducing foods to help ease the potential discomforts of menopause symptoms. All women are different,and their bodies may react in different ways to certain foods. Be bold and experiment, keeping track of your dietary choices and chart how you feel when you eat certain foods, and also how you feel when you avoid them. You'll begin to see patterns of cause and effect. This will help to guide you in making the necessary changes to create a happier and healthier life for yourself as you cruise through the stages of menopause.<br></p>