Raw Diet & Menopause

A raw food diet may help with menopausal symptoms. Research suggests that specific foods, particularly those rich in phytoestrogens and diindolylmethane, have measurable effects on hormone levels. Proponents of the raw food diet also believe that the food we eat directly affects the hormone balances in our bodies.

Raw Foods

Raw foods are completely uncooked or have not been heated to more than 116 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the raw foods still contain all their enzymes, which help the body digest and absorb food. Proponents of a raw food diet also believe raw foods have dramatically more nutritional elements than cooked foods.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogen and help balance estrogen levels in the body. If the body has too much estrogen, phytoestrogens will help lower estrogen levels. On the other hand, if the body has too little estrogen, phytoestrogens will provide some estrogenic activity. Menopausal symptoms are caused due to imbalances in estrogen; therefore phytoestrogens are important in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Legumes, whole grains, nuts, flax seeds and apples contain phytoestrogens. Soy products such as miso, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy ice cream, tempeh, tofu, soy sauce and tamari also contain phytoestrogens.

Diindolylmethane

DIM, short for Diindolylmethane, is another substance found in food that is beneficial in easing menopausal symptoms. DIM helps your body metabolize estrogen more efficiently, allowing it to fully utilize the estrogen it has, as well as the phytoestrogens. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, radishes, cabbage, bok choy, rutabagas and other cruciferous vegetables are excellent sources of DIM.

Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are also helpful during the menopausal years because they increase the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins assist in hormone production, which is essential for lessening menopausal symptoms. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also keep skin, hair and vaginal tissues healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, flax seeds and raw walnuts, and omega-6 fatty acids can be found in nuts, grains, vegetable oils and some meats.

Additional Tips

It is important that women with menopausal symptoms stay hydrated. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day and drink additional water if caffeinated or alcoholic beverages have been consumed.

Consistent blood-sugar levels will also help ease menopausal symptoms. Therefore, women with menopausal symptoms should eat multiple small meals a day, avoiding foods that cause dramatic changes in blood-sugar levels. Refined sugars and processed carbohydrates cause changes in blood-sugar levels.