An expert has shared the eating habit that should be avoided, as doing so can ease menopause symptoms. Ditching sugary snacks could be key keeping symptoms at bay.
However, according to registered nutritional therapist Sue Camp, where you eat can also have an impact on hormones, not just what and when you eat. The expert claims that eating in front of a screen could worsen the drop in oestrogen that can come with the menopause.
The expert advises eating away from your desk and screens and slowing down. She adds that you should chew more and be present and be grateful.
Sue, resident hormones expert at Omnos , told Manchester Evening News : "People generally snack on carbohydrate-based foods which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. With a menopausal drop in oestrogen, this can impact metabolism, fat distribution and the impact of insulin.
"We want to be eating enough protein, healthy fats, and a variety of fruit and vegetables providing great fibre. But we can also look at how you eat and when you eat."
"It will all help your digestive function and assimilation of nutrients," Sue explains. "We want to avoid grazing throughout the day, which is often driven by emotional hunger rather than physical hunger.
“Regular mealtimes work well for most people. Intermittent fasting may work for some, but not everyone. Start slowly, maybe by stopping snacks between meals, and then moving toward a 12-hour fast, for example between dinner and breakfast the next morning."
As well as looking at the timing of meals, Sue says it’s essential to choose the right foods to support your hormonal wellbeing.
She added: "Phytoestrogens are plant-derived substances that can weakly bind to oestrogen receptors. They have been shown to have a balancing effect on hormones. These include lentils, soy beans, chickpeas and flaxseeds."
Sue recommends cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, Brussels sprouts, radishes and kale. They contain a naturally occurring compound which actively promotes the breakdown of oestrogen to beneficial metabolites.
"The negative impact of alcohol and caffeine, especially on sleep, can also be underrated, The expert concludes. "There are positive benefits from caffeine, but I would say not more than three cups of coffee a day and aim to drink them before lunch."
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