17. Menopause: Supporting the changes in our bodies with nutrition
Oct 17, 2024
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Dr. Felice Gersh, Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, shares her expertise on menopause, focusing on the significant hormonal shifts and their implications for women's health. She discusses essential nutritional strategies to support bone health and manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Dr. Gersh emphasizes the importance of exercise and dietary interventions rich in phytoestrogens to help navigate these changes. Listeners will gain insights into proactive lifestyle modifications for improved well-being during this transition.
Menopause marks a significant hormonal shift affecting various bodily systems, necessitating dietary adjustments to maintain overall health.
Incorporating phytonutrients from plant-based foods can alleviate menopausal symptoms and support bone health during this transitional phase.
Deep dives
Understanding Menopause and Hormonal Changes
Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without vaginal bleeding, but this definition overlooks the hormonal changes that have significant implications for women's health. Central to menopause is the decline in vital hormones produced by the ovaries, particularly estradiol and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations not only affect menstrual cycles but also impact every organ system in the body, leading to symptoms and health risks that extend beyond reproductive health. Understanding menopause requires recognizing that it marks a systemic shift in hormonal balance, influencing metabolism, immunity, and overall well-being.
Nutrition's Role in Mitigating Menopausal Symptoms
Phytonutrients, especially phytoestrogens found in plants, can play a crucial role in alleviating common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Foods such as soy, flax seeds, and red grapes contain these phytoestrogens, which can bind to estrogen receptors and help regulate the body’s temperature control and hormonal balance. Studies have shown that consuming sufficient amounts of soy can dramatically reduce night sweats and hot flashes within weeks. Incorporating a diverse array of plant-based foods can provide essential nutrients and help manage not just symptoms but also long-term health risks associated with menopause.
Supporting Bone and Gut Health During Menopause
Bone health is critical during menopause, as the loss of estradiol significantly increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in women. A diet rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D is vital, as well as integrating high-quality proteins, particularly from plant-based sources. Furthermore, menopause can lead to changes in gut microbiome composition, emphasizing the need for a diet that supports gut health through fiber intake and probiotics. Mindful eating, complemented by regular physical activity, including resistance training, can strengthen bones and improve overall health during this transitional phase.
Managing Weight and Metabolism in Menopause
Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to hormonal shifts that affect fat distribution and metabolism. Estradiol’s role in regulating adipose tissue and fat-burning processes means that reduced levels can lead to an increase in belly fat and metabolic challenges. Strategies such as engaging in both aerobic and resistance training, focusing on a fiber-rich diet, and possibly applying time-restricted eating can help regulate weight and improve metabolic health. Moreover, addressing dietary components like resistant starch can support the body’s ability to burn fat naturally, without the need for drastic dieting measures.
This episode of Nutrition Unlocked is in support of World Menopause Day. Our host Dr. Krys Araujo-Torres chats to guest speaker Dr. Felice Gersh, Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine. Together, Krys and Dr. Gersh discuss what #Menopause is, what its implications are for our bodies, and how we can address some of these changes through #nutrition and other non-pharmacological solutions.
This podcast is sponsored by Nestlé Health Science. This podcast represents the opinions of host Dr. Krys Araujo-Torres and her guest on the show and does not reflect the opinion of Nestlé Health Science. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
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