Menopause and Good Nutrition

Some risk factors and symptoms associated with aging and menopause cannot be changed. However, good nutrition can help prevent or reduce certain conditions that may develop during and after menopause.

What Are Some Basic Dietary Guidelines for Menopause?

During menopause, eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Since women's diets are often low in iron and calcium, follow these guidelines:

• Get enough calcium. Eating and drinking 2-4 servings of dairy products and calcium-rich foods a day will help ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your daily diet. Calcium is found in dairy products, fish with bones such as sardines and canned salmon, broccoli, and legumes.
• Pump up your iron intake. Eating at least 3 servings of iron-rich foods a day will help ensure that you are getting enough iron in your daily diet. Iron is found in lean red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and enriched grain products
• Get enough fiber. Help yourself to foods high in fiber such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Eat fruits and vegetables. Include at least 2-4 servings of fruits and 3-5 servings of vegetables in your daily diet.
• Read labels. Use the package label information to help you to make the best selections for a healthy lifestyle.
• Drink plenty of water. This will help you stay hydrated.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight by cutting down on portion sizes and reducing foods high in fat, not by skipping meals. A registered dietitian or your doctor can help you determine your ideal body weight.
• Reduce foods high in fat. Fat should provide 30% or less of your total daily calories. Also, limit saturated fat to less than 10% of your total daily calories. Saturated fat raises cholesterol and increases your risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is found in fatty meats, whole milk, ice cream, and cheese. Limit cholesterol intake to 300 milligrams (mg) or less per day. Also try to limit your intake of trans fats, found in vegetable oils, many baked goods, and some margarines. Trans fat also raises cholesterol and increases your risk of heart disease.
• Use sugar and salt in moderation. Too much sodium in the diet is linked to high blood pressure. Also, go easy on smoked, salt-cured, and charbroiled foods -- these foods contain high levels of nitrates, which have been linked to cancer.
• Limit alcohol intake. Women should limit their consumption of alcohol to one or fewer drinks a day.

What Foods Can Reduce Menopause Symptoms?

Plant-based foods that contain isoflavones (plant estrogens) work in the body like a weak form of estrogen and may help relieve menopause symptoms. Some may help lower cholesterol levels and have been suggested to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Isoflavones can be found in foods such as soy products like tofu and soymilk.