Superfoods to Support Menopause

Despite the many pains it can inflict upon a woman, menstruation is seen by many women as positive and special part of the whole life process. The onset of menopause can bring about many fears and concerns, including worries about aging and the loss of fertility. The seemingly trivial problems associated with the monthly cycle are replaced with those associated with dropping levels of estrogen. Mostly women suffer from benign problems such as hot flashes and less supple skin, but some women find menopause can be accompanied by serious conditions such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis. These sudden physical changes can be hard to manage and accept, but continued attention to what is put into the aging and changing body can lessen the effects of this necessary phase in the life of the maturing woman.

First of all, avoiding foods you once loved to indulge in, such drinks with lots of caffeine, can help relieve some common early symptoms of menopause. Be sure to replace these problem drinks with those that will provide you with plenty of iron and vitamin C.

Loss of estrogen, a common side effect of menopause, has many effects upon the hair and skin of women. This is not surprising considering the dramatically higher levels of estrogen in a women's body are what give a lady's skin and hair the appearance of being softer and smoother than a man's. As the amount of the hormone dwindles, hair and skin texture can change, but increasing ingestion of mono-unsaturated fats low in harmful cholesterol, such as those contained in avocados, will reverse or fend off this process. These types of fats can improve the condition of the skin. Avocados also contain vitamin D which can help older people retain deteriorating eyesight. Avocados can be used in any number of foods including sandwiches and dips.