Be nutrient savvy
Menopause can put a lot of demand on your body, and this can often lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as nutritional needs change. Five common deficiencies, include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc and certain B vitamins. Most experts agree that a well-balanced diet is the best source of essential vitamins and minerals, but this is not happening nearly as much as the body would like. We are all very familiar with the advice to eat a minimum of “5-a-day”, mainly because fruits and vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and can help plug nutrient gaps we know exist in the wider population.
That’s why I recommend taking a daily supplement such as Alive! Ultra Women’s 50+ Wholefood Plus which contains enhanced levels of nutrients to specifically support bones, hormones, energy, hair, skin, and the heart. They are suitable for vegetarians and feature good levels of 26 essential vitamins and minerals plus a range of nutrient-rich botanical blends such as Daily Greens – including Spirulina, Digestive Enzymes, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Flax Lignan and Cranberry. And that’s not all, each tablet also contains a unique blend of 26 fruits and vegetables to top up what you may not be getting in the daily diet.
Consider natural alternatives to HRT
Prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular choice for women to help manage menopausal symptoms. However, some women experience unwanted side effects such as digestive issues (stomach cramps, bloating, nausea), weight gain, and anxiety. If that’s you, small, simple lifestyle changes coupled with herbal remedies borne out of nature can help to alleviate some of the common woes associated with the menopause.
Traditional herbal medicines containing Black Cohosh and St John’s Wort have been clinically proven to help relieve common menopause symptoms. In a double-blind study on 100 menopausal women who were experiencing moderate-to-severe hot flushes, researchers found that St John’s wort reduced the severity and duration of their episodes. The findings suggest that this herbal remedy could be used as an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms, like hot flushes and night sweats, in peri-menopause and post menopause. Another recent review summarised the evidence and concluded that different compounds with multiple activities in black cohosh deliver the beneficial relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Black Cohosh is found in MenoHerb Black Cohosh Menopause Relief and the unique combination of St John’s Wort and Black Cohosh can be obtained taking MenoMood Menopause Mood Relief. Both are traditional herbal remedies for the relief of menopause symptoms
Some women find concentrating and coping with stressful situations particularly difficult during the menopause. Rhodiola rosea has been shown to help relieve symptoms of stress without causing sedation or a foggy brain and can even boost libido. Try Vitano Rhodiola www.vitano.co.uk
The hormone-balancing, phytoestrogenic effects of Vitex agnus-castus may also help relieve symptoms of menopause. A recent randomised, double-blind study, found improvements to common symptoms of anxiety and vasomotor symptoms in the Vitex group. Try PremHerb PMS Relief www.premherb.co.uk
Make sure you choose an herbal remedy which carries the THR kite mark as this guarantee’s quality, safety and includes approved dosage information in-pack.