6 Foods to Avoid During Menopause
Are you currently in or about to enter menopause? While the average age for women to begin experiencing menopause symptoms is between 45 and 55 years old, many women start developing symptoms in their 30s. The severity of the symptoms of this transition and how long they last can vary for each person.
Your body goes through significant changes during this time. A healthy and balanced diet plays a vital role in easing the effects of the symptoms. As your body goes through the transition, the foods you eat can make a difference for maintaining comfortable body temperatures, managing your mood, and support your body through the change in hormones.
Just like there are certain foods you should add for a healthy menopause diet, there are also some foods you should avoid during menopause.
Foods to Avoid During Menopause
We have made a list of the foods you might want to avoid during menopause because they can worsen your symptoms.
1. Caffeine
Most people love a good cup of joe in the morning. Unfortunately, it is one of the foods to avoid during menopause because it could be worsening your symptoms. According to a study published in 2015, menopausal women consuming caffeine are likelier to experience hot flashes than women who don’t consume caffeine. You could try alternatives that have zero caffeine if you are craving a warm drink. If you need a boost of energy, a quick walk can be better than drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
2. Fast Food
Fast food always seems like the ideal option to get a bite to eat when you're in a hurry. While fast-food joints can be a convenient and quick-fix solution for your hunger most of the time, they are foods you should avoid in your menopause diet. Most fast-food meals serve up substantial amounts of unhealthy fat that can increase your chances of developing heart-related problems. Fast food also promotes weight gains that can further worsen menopause symptoms.
3. Spicy Foods
Are you thinking about adding the hot sauce to your sandwich to make it taste a little spicier? You might want to reconsider that. Foods that are high on the heat scale can be a significant trigger of hot flashes. If you want to add more flavor to your food, it is better to consider adding spices that are not too hot. Cumin, basil, turmeric, and curry are some excellent alternatives you can consider.
4. Alcohol
Keeping your alcohol consumption down is always a good thing for your health. It is also one of the foods you want to avoid during menopause. Studies suggest that women who frequently drink during the day increase the risk of heart disease. Even drinking a few drinks a day can increase the risk of breast cancer.
5. Fatty Meats
Fatty meats contain lots of saturated fats that can contribute to weight gain and making your menopausal symptoms worse. Instead of always going for the pork belly, you can still go for healthier sources of fat like a nice salmon or tuna. Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for your heart health. Eating harmful saturated fats can increase the risk of heart disease.
6. Processed Foods
Processed foods are always a no-go for women going through menopause. Potato crisps, cookies, and many other processed foods contain high sodium levels, lots of sugar, or even both. High sodium and sugar levels should not be a part of your menopause diet because they can make you retain water and feel bloated.
Final Thoughts
The food you eat while you are going through menopause can make a world of difference in how comfortable you are dealing with your body's changes. Try and avoid eating these foods and go for healthier alternatives that can ease your symptoms. If your symptoms are overwhelming, you should always talk to your doctor for guidance.
