Natural Healers- Menopause

"The literature of menopause is the saddest, the most awful. and the most medical of genres. You're sleepless, you're anxious, you're fat, you're depressed- and the advice is always the same; take more walks, eat some kale, and drink lots of water. It didn't help." [Sandra Tsing Loh]

  The idea that you can eat your way through the menopause does seem to appeal to many, and information and advice abounds on the internet and among menopausal friend. Does it work ? Some of it, perhaps— or may at least mitigate symptoms.

  Foods that contain oestrogen, for example, may help to lessen these symptoms- soy is a well known, easily available option. A high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to explain why hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms rarely occur in populations consuming a predominantly plant-based diet.

  The leaves of Sage, which contain a plant oestrogen, make quite a nice tea, and can also be combined with fresh raspberry leaves, which are traditionally used to balance female hormones. Sage has also been used to treat heavy or irregular periods. Sage honey (made by filling a jar with sage and pouring honey over it) once left to infuse for two or three days, can be added to herbal teas and sweet dishes for a therapeutic boost. It's supposed to be quite good for the memory, too, if that's getting -er- a little unreliable.

  Fenugreek seeds are rich in diosgenin, a plant oestrogen that may ease hot flushes, anxiety and insomnia. The seeds can be sprouted like beansprouts and used as a vegetable, or made into a tea, with honey and lemon.

  Rice, surprisingly, is also thought to be good for symptoms; phytosterols in rice bran oil have been shown to help relieve hot flushes. Brown rice is the better option. The heating of rice bran oil does not appear to diminish its properties.

  Tempeh (made from fermented, lightly cooked soya beans) is high in phytoestrogens, which not only may ease menopausal symptoms, but also help protect against heart disease and cancer, and regulate immune function.

Black cohosh, the bugbane plant, may relieve hot flushes, night sweats, depression an anxiety. Do not take for more than 6 months, and note BLUE cohosh is NOT from the same plant family.

  Red Clover is high in isflavones, phytoestrogenic compounds that might help reduce hot flushes, night sweats and other symptoms. You harvest the open flower heads for drying.

  Oats and legumes contain tryptophan, which helps manufacture the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin helps moods and may help control sleep and appetite, which can make you feel better in yourself.

   Opt for more alkaline foods, like vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and yoghurt, to help prevent calcium being lost from bones. Eat foods high in magnesium and boron, minerals which are important for bone health and help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Fruit like apples, pears and grapes, as well as legumes and nuts are good sources of boron.

  And, lastly, I have to tell you that despite extensive efforts, I cannot find a reason to include chocolate, wine or coffee in this list. No, really, I tried. Truth be told, the advice is "Steer clear of alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and spicy foods, which can trigger hot flashes [and] aggravate urinary incontinence." Among other things. You're not supposed to have chocolate, either. Just forget I said that. And the bit about caffeine...