For years, women around the world have been trying to find the answer to treating menopause symptoms. Although some women have had a good deal of success, we know that women living in Japan have about one-third fewer symptoms than women do in other countries. Researchers have been trying to figure out why for years and the one thing studies keep reporting to is a diet of fish.
“Menopause” translates to the “end of menstruation”, a process that is a part of the normal aging process. While menopause can occur in the early 30s or late 50s, it is most commonly seen in women aged 42 to 58. Now, just because women experience the same condition does not mean they experience the same symptoms or the same intensity of symptoms. In fact, you will find that some women sail through menopause with little to no trouble whereas other women feel as if they are losing their mind.
As you can imagine, living with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbance, dry skin and hair, headaches, joint pain, and heart palpitations is something pleasant. Unfortunately, some women have additional problems to include vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful or an increased risk of infection or urinary problems such as incontinence.
To help with the overwhelming symptoms of fatigue, experts are now suggesting women look at the diet. Yes, diet makes a huge difference by reducing the symptoms but also health risks associated with menopause that would include things like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Interestingly, when it comes to fish and menopause, we see symptoms less intense and women not experiencing as many long-term problems associated with menopause.
For diet, woman going through menopause should take 1500 mg of calcium daily. Most of this can be absorbed through normal diet consisting of dairy products, canned fish with bones such as mackerel or sardines, and green, leafy vegetables. However, if those things are not your favorite, a calcium supplement is an option. Then, women should add coldwater fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, halibut, and herring into the diet. Today, study after study shows that Japanese women are among the healthiest in the world, especially when it comes to dealing with the symptoms of menopause! For this reason, it is believed their secret is a diet rich in calcium and foods high in phytoestrogens.