Healthy Eating and Menopause - Topic Overview
As your body experiences the stress of transitioning from perimenopause to postmenopause, make it a priority to eat a balanced diet. Healthy eating habits help reduce the impact of perimenopausal symptoms and reduce your risks of long-term conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
- Limit the number of calories in your diet that come from fat.
- Choose calcium-rich foods to make sure you get enough calcium. The recommended daily calcium intake for adults ages 19 to 50 is 1,000 mg a day, increasing to 1,200 mg a day for adults older than 50. Take a calcium supplement if your daily diet does not contain enough calcium.
- Help your body use calcium by adding vitamin D to your daily diet. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 to 800 IU for adults ages 19 to 50, and 800 to 1,000 IU a day for adults age 50 and older. Take vitamin D supplements if necessary to meet that need. This is especially important in northern climates during the winter months.
- Include good sources of fiber, such as whole grains, beans, and fruits and vegetables, in your diet each day.
- Avoid simple sugars, particularly when you are challenged by mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
- Avoid caffeine, or cut back on it. Caffeine is a common culprit in sleep problems and feelings of agitation. If you are suffering from these hormone-related symptoms, pay attention to how much caffeine you are getting in beverages and chocolate.
For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating.
Menopause: Is There Life Beyond Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Menopause gets a bad rap, but there is an upside. A major, essential, glorious one, says Renzie Richardson, a 51-year-old human resources consultant from Cumming, Ga. “I was definitely happy not to have a period anymore. That in itself was a celebration.” Still, the wider ramifications of going through The Change threw her for a loop. “I thought the period was gone -- that was it. But now you’ve got all these other symptoms you have to deal with.” Richardson was taken by surprise by hot flashes,...
Read the Menopause: Is There Life Beyond Hormone Replacement Therapy? article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today in Menopause
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.