‘I’m an Ob/Gyn—This Is the One Food I’m Begging People to Eat Less of Post-menopause’

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‘I’m an Ob/Gyn—This Is the One Food I’m Begging People to Eat Less of Post-menopause’

Whenever we’re going through a hard time in our lives, it’s only natural that we reach for comfort foods to get us through (that’s how it got the name “comfort food,” after all). Menopause is one of the most challenging phases of a woman’s life, so it’s natural to gravitate towards goodies that make us feel better in the moment, but that may not be the best idea.

According to the

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, around 85% of women report experiencing symptoms. Going through hot flashes, mood changes and

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might make you feel grateful to finally reach the other side and settle into post-menopausal life. But even then, your body may continue to act differently, and it can be helpful to be mindful about what you eat.

An OB/GYN shares why food impacts the post-menopausal body and the one food that is essential to avoid.

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After Menopause, Why Are Food Choices Important?

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, founder of

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, which provides in-person and virtual women’s healthcare, says that menopause or not, she’s a firm believer in the prevention of ******** rather than treating it after the fact. That means that nutrition and food factor greatly into all of our life phases, and even more so as we age.

“Our gut microbiome changes with menopause, which may make us more susceptible to inflammation,” she says. “Therefore, we need to avoid foods that promote an inflammatory response.”

Examples of foods that can trigger inflammation include fried foods, processed foods, sugary foods and alcohol—basically everything most people to turn to when they’re stress-eating for comfort, according to Dr. Javaid.

“We need to increase our intake of foods that combat inflammation, like beans, nuts, avocado, fatty fishes and berries,” she says.

Additionally, Dr. Javaid points out that we lose muscle mass and bone density with decreasing estrogen levels. “We can combat some of these effects by increasing our lean protein intake and consuming foods with

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and

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,” she says.

Related: I’m a 52-Year-Old Woman Who Hasn’t Gained a Pound Since Starting Menopause—This Is the One Habit I Swear By

Post-Menopausal Symptoms

Dr. Javaid says that we spend a surprising 40% of our lifetimes in menopause. Although

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may not last all that long, the rest of that time is labeled as “post-menopause,” which she says still means that you’re in a menopausal state.

“Either way, an individual is in a new phase of life with much lower estrogen and testosterone levels, unless they opt for treatment,” Dr. Javaid says. “We have estrogen receptors all over our body. Because of this, symptoms can present almost anywhere and include brain fog, thinning hair, dry skin, hot flashes,

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, anxiety, palpitations, decreased *******, painful ****, ****** pain and weight gain—to just name a few.”

While active menopause may technically be over when you’ve gone one year without a *******, symptoms can still trickle into that post-menopausal time, especially as your body adjusts to its new normal. Dr. Javaid says that the symptoms may continue for many women because their hormone levels are so much lower than they were in previous years.

Related: ‘I’m an OB/GYN, and This Is the One Habit I Want Every Woman Over 60 to Stop Doing ASAP’

Can Certain Foods Make Post-Menopausal Symptoms Worse?

“Some foods can trigger hot flashes for patients, and should be avoided if they are struggling with vasomotor symptoms,” Dr. Javaid says, touching upon those symptoms that encompass hot flashes and night sweats. (“Vasomotor” means related to the flow of your small blood vessels.)

Foods that can bring on those sweaty states include caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol.

“Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can trigger heat receptors in the body, leading to vasodilation and increased blood flow to areas,” Dr. Javaid says. “These can trigger flushing.”

The One Food OB/GYNs Are Begging People to Eat Less of Post-Menopause

Several foods can make post-menopausal symptoms worse, but the biggest culprit for Dr. Javaid is alcohol.

She urges post-menopausal women to drink less booze, saying, “There are no proven benefits and it not only worsens menopausal symptoms, it also increases the risk of cancers.”

Related: ‘I’m 67 and I’ve Never Been Healthier—Here’s What I Eat For Breakfast Every Single Morning’

What Are the Best Foods to Eat Post-Menopause?

“Eat whole foods, avoid processed foods, consume lean protein and follow a Mediterranean diet,” Dr. Javaid advises, adding that she urges patients to eat plant-based foods when possible.

Dr. Javaid adds that

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are not the ****** in menopause (or in general) and that you shouldn’t avoid them. “In fact, complex carbohydrates are an essential source of energy and can help control blood sugar,” she explained.

Up Next:

Related: ‘I’m an OB/GYN—This Is the One Vitamin I’m Begging Post-Menopausal Women To Get More Of’

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#ObGynThis #Food #Begging #People #Eat #Postmenopause

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