Menopause symptoms can be directly related to our digestive health.  Learn how to maintain a healthy digestive system naturally by adjusting your diet appropriately.

Do You Have the Guts?

If your gut, or rather digestion, is weak your hormonal fluctuations will be more extreme increasing your menopausal symptoms including: hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, insomnia, thinning hair, poor memory, vaginal dryness and low sex drive.

Reduce consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrates (think granulated sugar and pastries); both increase triglycerides, sky-rocketing blood sugar levels, thereby increasing hormonal fluctuations and inhibiting absorption of calcium and other essential minerals. These sugars will negatively affect your bone density, calm moods and restful sleep.

During menopause you will want to re-establish healthy, intestinal micro-organisms. For healthy intestinal flora, check with your healthy care professional about consuming pro-biotics to strengthen your digestive system. Look for a product that contains live cultures including: L. Acidophilus, B. Longum, L. Casei, L. Rhamnosus. If you have a milk intolerance choose one that is dairy-free. Raw, saltless, sauerkraut balances secretion of the stomach, helps form enzymes and vitamins, strengthens the pancreas and aids in breaking down fatty foods.

Kristen N. Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Women’s Health and Anti-Aging Expert, Eagle Acupuncture

You Might Also Like...

• A Natural and Nutritional Approach to Stress Relief
• Holiday Season: Lesson #4 – Abandonment & Emotional Dependency – Part II
• Strategies for an Instantly Flat Belly