Menopause vs. Microgreens 

Menopause vs. Microgreens 

Menopause vs. Microgreens can go one of two ways. It can be a  miserable experience characterized by aggravating menopause symptoms.  Or,  it can be a  pain-free transition that’s barely noticeable.  In fact,  choosing the right way to eat for menopause can make all the difference. 

Menopause symptoms: common but avoidable Every woman experiences her own unique set of menopausal symptoms,  which can include hot ashes,  night sweats,  mood swings,  heart palpitations,  vaginal and urinary changes,  and decreased memory and concentration.  Most experts agree these symptoms are caused by low or fluctuating estrogen levels,  which throw everything off-kilter.  But that doesn’t mean difficult menopause is unavoidable. Between  75-85% of  American women going through “the change of life”  report experiencing menopausal hot ashes.  Yet only about  10% of  Japanese women do. Why the discrepancy? Menopause vs. Microgreens 

Menopause vs. Microgreens It’s all in the diet, as you may have guessed.  Japanese women eat several servings of soy a  day,  which naturally contain anti-hot-ash substances called isoflavones. American women don’t.   Isoflavones are a type of polyphenol found in legumes, including soybeans, chickpeas, fava beans, pistachios, peanuts, and other fruits and nuts (USDA, 2008). Soybeans are the richest source of isoflavones, and soy foods and ingredients contain varying concentrations of isoflavones. These phytonutrients have the remarkable ability to imitate the biological activities of female hormones.  That means that even if your own natural levels  of estrogen are  plummeting,  isoflavones  can  trick your  body  into  thinking it has enough.   Soy is well-known for its natural content of isoflavones,  but most of the research studying isoflavones for menopause relief has been performed on red clover.  

The following are 5 ways to ease your menopause symptoms naturally, allowing you to feel more like yourself as you make your way through this powerful rite of passage.

1. Get exercise. There’s hardly an ailment in the world that can’t be improved a bit by good old-fashioned exercise. Menopause can cause stress, sleeplessness, irritability, and rapid bone loss, both of which are improved by moderate to vigorous physical activity. Doctors recommend you choreograph your exercise routine to include a well-rounded mix of cardiovascular, weight-bearing, stretching, and relaxation exercises.
2. Red Clover. Isoflavones, found in red clover, are an organic compound that can act as a phytoestrogen, meaning it behaves similarly to estrogen in the human body. Some of the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, hot flashes and night sweats, are caused by decreased estrogen. The presence of isoflavones in the diet can help to smooth hormone imbalance. Red clover is available in teas, capsules, liquid supplements, and creams. Speak to your healthcare provider about the best dosage and supplement medium for your symptoms. Other sources of isoflavones include soybeans, mung bean sprouts, green beans, and alfalfa sprouts.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids get a lot of positive press these days. Known as “good fats”, they have been shown to improve heart health and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial to the body in general. They have also been associated with relieving depression and improving mental health, which can be a wonderful thing for women who feel their emotional well-being has become more erratic as the result of menopause. Omega-3s appear to reduce hot flashes too.Omega-3s are found in fatty fish, some vegetable oils (soybean, rapeseed, flaxseed), and walnuts. They are also available via Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. Omega-3 supplements can thin the blood so discuss their use with your doctor before taking them.
4. Black cohosh. Women around the world have used this natural remedy for menopause for thousands of years. Black cohosh is a medicinal root that is used to treat symptoms of hormone imbalance, including PMS. It has been shown to relieve headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Black cohosh supplements are available in pill form.
5. Monitor caffeine and alcohol intake. Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can exacerbate menopause symptoms. Headaches, sleeplessness, and irritability can be directly linked to both alcohol and caffeine. While you are making the transition through menopause, use these substances in moderation.

Try out some soybeans, mung bean sprouts, green beans, and alfalfa sprouts which we now carry and you can purchase right here.