Hot flashes, digestive problems, mood swings – during the menopause we are plagued by various complaints. What many women don’t know is that nutrition can do a lot and both alleviate and intensify possible symptoms. We explain which 5 foods you should avoid because they make menopausal symptoms worse.
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 . During this time, estrogen levels drop, which can cause various symptoms. The low estrogen level leads, among other things, to hot flashes or sleep disturbances, mood swings. The symptoms can severely affect everyday life and become a psychological burden. Especially in the time around the menopause, it is therefore important to pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and high-quality protein should be on your daily menu. You should avoid some foods that can even increase the symptoms.
Also interesting: The three phases of menopause >>
Table of Contents
5 foods that make menopausal symptoms worse
1. Fatty meat
Due to the fact that muscle mass is reduced during menopause and fat stores increase, we gain more abdominal fat. The so-called visceral fat releases pro-inflammatory substances that increase the risk of diabetes, vascular and tumor diseases. You should therefore avoid high-fat meat as much as possible during the menopause, as this promotes abdominal fat and red meat in particular can also increase the risk of cancer.
2. Chili
Do you love curries and co.? The National Institute on Aging recommends cutting back on chillies and spicy foods during menopause, as they can make symptoms like hot flashes and sweating worse . The reason? Capsaicin, which is responsible for the sharpness, stimulates blood circulation. As a result, the vessels dilate, the heartbeat accelerates and the body temperature rises. As a result, the body produces more sweat to cool down the body temperature.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is also one of the foods that should only be consumed in moderation during menopause. Although it can also have a positive effect in small amounts, high consumption in many women around the menopause leads to increased heart palpitations, sweating and sleep disorders. Here’s what 7 things happen when you drink alcohol every day >>
4. Coffee
Coffee lovers need to be strong now, because what’s true for alcohol is also true for many people’s favorite hot drink. The high caffeine content can promote hot flashes, inner restlessness and nervousness, which in turn can result in sleep disorders or mood swings. If you notice that your body reacts strongly to coffee, you should reduce your consumption and completely avoid it after 5 p.m. These 5 things happen when you drink coffee daily >>
5. Fast Food
Whether fries, burgers or pizza – you should greatly reduce the consumption of fast food during the menopause. The hormonal changes slow down your metabolism and you gain unhealthy belly fat faster. Eating greasy food can also promote cardiovascular diseases, for which the risk is already increased during menopause.
Also interesting: These foods can relieve symptoms during menopause >>
