Diet for a good life should aim to give you maximal hormonal health. The basis of your diet should be plenty of complex carbohydrates; moderate amount of protein, sufficient essential fats, minimum saturated fats and plenty of water.

Diet is very important during menopause, to have your dietary needs personally looked at please call post a comment at the bottom of this page or use our ask a question page.

At the time of hormonal change the body may start to react to everyday foods, showing as allergies, headaches, bloating, fluid retention and weight gain.

The menopause diet, the feel-good lose weight plan for the menopausal woman, addresses intolerance; exclude carbohydrates for 7 days, then introduce the lowest carbohydrate glycemic index food (foods with low sugar content), i.e. peanuts, white bread, pasta, whole wheat.

These should be introduced gradually and signs of intolerance should be noted and excluded from your diet. Weight and balance can be improved with additional help of mineral, vitamin and antioxidant supplementation

If you would like to receive a copy of the diet by Allan Spreen please send a cheque made payable to Hormonal Change, for £10 to :

Menopause.org.uk
Homesteads House
49 Homestead Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG22 5LQ
United Kingdom

Oranges are the one of the most popular citrus fruits available today.

It comes ready packaged to protect the juicy flesh, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are high in vitamin C which is essential to the health of our immune system, strengthening the action of the white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, also protecting cell and tissue growth.

Eat 1-2 daily or especially in the winter have a Juice boost :

Juice 2 oranges and add either lime, carrot, banana or kiwi fruit to make a healthy, home made boost for your immune system. A drink of 3 freshly juiced fruits is ideal way of getting your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C

Garlic like the onion, shallot, chives and leeks belong to the Allium group of vegetables, which produce sulphur containing compounds that give the distinctive aroma and flavour.

Medicinally it is thought these compounds may protect the body in many ways :

• Boosting the immune system
• Protection against cancer cells
• Antibiotic and antifungal properties
• Aiding circulation

There are numerous types of garlic but the three most common are:

• White and fleshy bulbs are the most common and have an excellent flavour
• Green garlic is available only in the summer and is much sweeter
• Marshalls Mediterranean is an Italian garlic which is used in many Mediterranean dishes

Fresh crushed garlic is the most benefical and strongest form. Baking leaves garlic mild and sweet, whilst garlic tinctures (essence of garlic) maybe added to food and drinks.

Taken daily to sustain resistance to colds & flu and to reduce alimentary tract and bowel cancers. Not the most user friendly vegetable, it has been known for centuries that taken regularly it has many medicinal properties.

Serve as garlic bread, add to casseroles, soups or make a paste to use with meat and vegetables.

There are so many books on the menopause and diets that we thought we should mention some that we recommend. By clicking on the image of the book you can purchase the book online.Menopause: The Complete Guide to Maintaining Health and Well-being and Managing Your Life - Dr. Miriam Stoppard

An illustrated A to Z of the menopause. There is a practical look at what happens during the menopause, the common symptoms and medical complaints, the pros and cons of treatments such as HRT and much more.

Books on the Menopause

Managing Menopause Naturally

Banish the current myths about menopause, it is a natural transition to be approached as a new type of freedom. Dr Kane believes that menopause is a gift that allows many of us to live more years. This book is her roadmap for women, to help them navigate their way into, through, and out the other side of menopause - all the while in radiant health.

The menstrual cycle of 28 days functions on two very basic and necessary hormones. Oestrogen and Progesterone. Oestrogen in the first phase of 14 days and Progesterone in the second phase.