When you could be going through menopause for several years, it makes sense to find a way to live better with menopause symptoms.
Naturally, it is going to be difficult to manage hot flushes/flashes and sleep disturbances, but certain tweaks to your lifestyle may surely make a difference.
But, as well as thinking about using a supplement, the most obvious place to make changes is your diet.
Opt for Foods High in Calcium
With hormonal changes, you are more likely to experience joint-related problems.
Many women develop (or increase their risk of) osteoporosis during menopause because of the reduced bone density, particularly in the heavy bones of the pelvis and hips.
A diet high in vitamin D and calcium supports joints and bone structure. Spending more time in the sun will also elevate vitamin D levels, but you can also get it from dietary sources, such as cod liver oil, eggs, and oily fish.
You can also get a good dose of calcium from dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Similarly, green, leafy veggies, such as spinach, collard greens, and kale are also high in calcium. Calcium-fortified foods as well as supplements will help you live better with menopause.
Work on Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
You are likely to put on weight during menopause triggered by changing hormones levels.
However, gaining fat around your waist is also linked to many lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease so it is best to undergo a general health check.
A change in your body weight will have a direct effect on your menopause symptoms. Some studies suggest that you are likely to manage your night sweats and hot flushes better by reducing body weight.
Therefore, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a diet plan and create a strategy to control your weight gain.
Try Evening Primrose Oil
So many supplements and natural remedies are available to help manage your symptoms, and you can try evening primrose oil to relieve hot flushes.
It works in most cases because it helps maintain the balance of fatty acids and nutrients. It is also a rich source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for bone health and brain function.
Primrose oil may also help reduce inflammation because of its high levels of linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
The good thing is that you can take it orally or apply topically to experience its effects. Talk to your medical professional to find the right dose for you – since overdosing can lead to nasty side effects, such as headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, bleeding or an allergic reaction.
Summary
The sad truth of the matter is that regardless of your symptoms you still have to function.
Not so long ago, women took to their beds for the duration. But, for the vast majority of menopausal women these days, retirement from the world is not an option.
In the end, all it might take to manage your menopause better could be a few drops of evening primrose oil and a healthy change to your diet!
This content was originally published here.
