Now that we know traditional HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) using synthetic estrogen and progestins increases the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, more and more women and health care providers are looking for natural alternatives in treating symptoms related to menopause.
One place to start is with our diet, which we can use to help control some of these menopausal symptoms. Avoid foods such as carbonated beverages, which contain phosphorous that can increase bone loss. Excessive sugar intake will not only cause weight gain, it can limit the liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen, which can weaken the immune system. Limiting consumption of commercially raised meats including pork, beef and chicken can also help as these foods contain high amounts of saturated fats which can also decrease the body’s ability to metabolize estrogen. Commercially raised meats can also contain synthetic growth hormones that add to symptoms. Avoid junk foods.
Increasing our intake of foods that contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens with mild estrogenic effects) such as soybeans, yellow and red lentils and other legumes as well as consuming whole grains, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables not only helps regulate menopausal symptoms, but helps to eliminate toxins from the body regularly which is also very important. Plenty of fresh water helps as well. As an added bonus, try some fresh lemon juice in your water which helps detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and an ice-cold glass of water can help make women feel cooler if they are experiencing hot flashes.
Natural supplements are showing beneficial effects for menopausal women as well. For instance, red clover isoflavone supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on the rate of bone loss, improve cardiovascular health, and are valued for reducing the incidence of hot flashes. Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ginseng, and Evening Primrose Oil can also help many women manage menopause symptoms. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus (the "good" bacteria in our intestines) cultures are also important for women during menopause to help with metabolism and utilization of estrogen. These "good" bacteria can also help reduce the incidence of yeast infections.
A primary concern of menopause is the increased risk of osteoporosis. Increasing our calcium intake is usually recommended to help bone integrity along with an adequate supply of vitamin D, which helps in the absorption, and use of calcium. It is important to note that the best type of calcium is calcium citrate and not calcium carbonate, which may not be fully absorbed.
Exercise also plays a key role in the prevention of osteoporosis and can help increase bone mass. Bones diminish in size and strength if we’re not using them. Weight bearing exercise such as walking and running will help increase bone mass and studies show that moderate exercise in postmenopausal women preserves bone mass in the spine and helps reduce the risk of fractures.
Although a nutritious diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help during a woman’s transitional years, studies show that dietary and herbal supplements can be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms as well.
There is natural help for menopause and products such as AIM Revitafem®, AIM Renewed Balance® (USA), AIMega®, ProBone® (Canada), CalciAIM™ (USA) and AIM FloraFood® can help meet those needs.
To learn more about the benefits and features of these AIM products as well as their suggested usage and whether they have any contraindications, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, view the FAQ’s, download a datasheet and even watch a video.
**It’s important to consult with your health care provider when switching to natural therapy.
**PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant or nursing women should not use AIM RevitaFem®.
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