Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms With Health Foods and Herbs
by Jim King
Yes, many women simply cannot bear the thought of having to undergo HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy for the rest of their lives. There is always the fear that it comes bundled with potential risks. This is why more and more women are looking at alternate methods of coping with menopause.
Here are the stages of menopause in a woman�s life. The first stage begins around the age of 40. This is when the ovaries first start slowing down in most women and start producing less of the hormone estrogen. So there is a slight change in the periods � sometimes heavier and sometimes lighter. This is followed by the second stage which is the transition phase to actual menopause. Yes, the erratic periods could go on but you also start experiencing vaginal dryness, hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings. And they don�t just visit occasionally- they become part of your life! Then comes the actual menopause. This usually happens a bit after you turn 50 and you are said to be past it when a full year goes by without getting a period. It is these in between years that are the tough ones.
What wouldn�t you give for natural alternatives to HRT? But there are, you know. And not too many people know or recommend them even though it is much better for women to go the natural route at this stage. The first thing to do would be to make a few changes in your diet. Include a lot of fish and vegetables in your diet and cut out the coffee, tea, dairy products that are high-fat, alcohol, salt, too much oil and sugar. These can increase the symptoms. Also make sure you take a multivitamin every day and though this should not be a substitute, it is good to get your daily need of nutrients.
Menopause also has mood swings which women have to contend with during this time. What helps a lot is meditation, deep breathing or some form of relaxation. If you can spare around 20 minutes each day, you will benefit greatly. It leaves you feeling in control, much more calm and relaxed and able to cope. You should also exercise regularly, at least three times a week, thirty minutes each time. This is said to reduce hot flashes as well as lessen the possibilities of heart problems and osteoporosis. Acupressure and yoga help as well.
You should also take the herbal route. There are plants and herbs called phytoestrogens which tend to help the estrogen activity in the body. These contain the compounds phytoseterols, isoflavins, lignans and saponins. Not only does it get you through menopause, it also reduces the occurrence of breast tumors. Other herbs and foods that are helpful to mitigate the symptoms of menopause are: Honduran sarsaparilla, lady�s slipper, liferoot, Soy, black cohosh, licorice, dates, elder, false unicorn root, fennel, alfalfa, chasteberry, Chinese angelica, Mexican wild yams, passion flower, pomegranates, red clover, strawberry, celery stalks and sassafras. You�ll find most of them in your local health food store. Do include as many of them as you can in your diet, as often as you can and you�ll probably find you sail through your menopause with as few problems and as little discomfort as possible!
To find out more about natural herbal remedies and natural cures visit http://www.remediesguide.com/
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