#31: Healing Menopause Through The Power of Nutrition, Part 1

Apr 11, 2023

In this episode…

If you're over 40, you're likely experiencing changes in your body that may be due to menopause. It's a cascade of hormones very similar to our teenage years.

But menopause is not just about the cessation of menstruation (hello, Oxford Dictionary); it's a lot more than that. You might be experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, weight gain, and thinning hair. These symptoms can make you feel less sexy and confident, but that doesn't have to be the case.

One of the culprits that exacerbate these symptoms is gluten. Gluten intolerance can affect your sleep, mood, and energy levels, making menopause even more challenging. That's why it's important to understand how gluten affects your body during menopause, and how you can manage its symptoms.

Now, let's dive deeper into how gluten affects menopausal symptoms. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can cause inflammation in the body, especially in those who are intolerant or sensitive to it. This inflammation can exacerbate menopausal symptoms such as joint pain, bloating, and fatigue.

Additionally, gluten can affect our hormone levels. It can disrupt the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone in our bodies, leading to an increase in menopausal symptoms. This is because gluten contains compounds called gliadins, which can bind to our hormone receptors and interfere with their function.

By eliminating gluten from our diet, we can reduce inflammation, balance out hormones, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially if you're used to eating a lot of bread, pasta, and other gluten-containing foods.

But trust me, it's worth it. 25 years ago, when I first eliminated gluten from my diet, I was amazed at how much better I felt. My energy levels improved, my mood stabilized, and my digestion improved. And as I continue to manage my menopausal symptoms, I've found that avoiding gluten is key to feeling my best.

Of course, gluten is not the only culprit when it comes to menopausal symptoms. Other foods, such as sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, can also exacerbate symptoms. That's why it's important to take a holistic approach to managing menopause.

In addition to avoiding gluten, I recommend focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can also be helpful.

So if you're struggling with menopausal symptoms, consider eliminating gluten from your diet and taking a holistic approach to your health. If you are ready for more support, consider joining us for Healthy Sexy May. You are not meant to suffer!

Highlights of this episode:

Menopause is more than just the ceasing of menstruation and can cause various symptoms
Gluten can exacerbate menopausal symptoms
Mindful choices can help manage menopausal symptoms and help us feel sexy again
The doors will be open for Healthy Sexy May very soon

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