Mind and Body
Your Diet


Some pre-menopausal women may experience problems maintaining their weight. According to Dr. Northrup, this is because your body is actually trying to hold onto fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Fat secretes estrogen—a valuable hormone during menopause.

Dr. Northrup has devised a "hormonal balancing program" to create physical and emotional well-being.

Increase Your Intake of:
Soy
Herbal supplements: such as dong quai, chaste berry, black cohosh, licorice root (see the Menopausal Symptoms Chart for a complete list)
Water
Flaxseed: lignans, fiber and Omega-3 fats (such as fatty fish)
Bioflavonoids in fruits and vegetables: cherries, cranberries, blueberries, bilberries, whole grains, grape skins and red clover)
Green tea
Calcium

Reduce Your Intake of:
Caffeine
M.S.G
Smoking: Dr. Northrup recommends quitting.
Aspartame (found in some diet sodas)
Highly glycemic foods: white bread, white rice, sweets and candies. Eating them during mid-day instead of the evening helps your metabolism.
Chocolate
Refine and high-glycemic-index carbohydrates
Grain products
Red wine and alcohol
Peanuts

Also Keep in Mind
Eat at least three meals a day.
Focus on portion size, not calories.
Eat protein at each meal.
Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
Eat healthy fats each day.


Are You Menopausal and Don't Know It?
The Facts
The Symptoms
Preparing for Menopause
           Menopause Symptoms and Solutions Chart
           Your Diet
           Your Body
           Medical Tests and Treatments