Menopause marks a significant phase of change in life for women, accompanied by shifts in hormonal balance and various physical and emotional challenges. As women approach this stage of life, dietary choices can play a crucial role in supporting their overall health and well-being. Research is showing a low-carb diet enriched with good fats and proteins holds numerous health benefits for women in menopause.
- Managing Weight and Abdominal Fat: Typically, the number one challenge is weight gain, particularly in the belly area. Eating a low-carb diet helps regulate insulin levels and encourages the body to burn fat as fuel vs. carbs, making it easier to manage weight and combat unwelcome belly fat.
- Stabilizing Blood Sugar: Hormonal changes during menopause can impact insulin sensitivity, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A low-carb diet promotes steady blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Supporting Heart Health: Maintaining heart health is a primary focus for health care professionals supporting women going through menopause. Eating good fats, such as cacao butter, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, can significantly benefit heart health. Low-carb diets have been associated with lowered LDL cholesterol levels, improving overall cholesterol profiles, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Enhancing Bone Health: The decline in estrogen from menopause is linked to decreased muscle mass and bone strength and density which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Aging bodies in general become less efficient at processing protein, which oddly enough means you need to eat more good protein to help preserve bone health. A low-carb diet with sufficient protein intake helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for supporting bone health.
- Hormone Regulation and Balance: Adequate consumption of healthy fats and proteins is vital for hormone synthesis and regulation. A well-balanced diet can aid in maintaining hormonal balance during menopause, potentially alleviating some of the associated symptoms. Eating cacao and chocolate is a natural mood enhancer. (chocolate without sugar).
- Alleviating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Some studies suggest that a low-carb diet may help provide relief and reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Enhancing Brain Function: Your brain is about 60% fat. Eating a low-carb diet with good fat and protein have shown positive effects on brain health and cognitive function, which can be particularly helpful with brain fog and mood swings often experienced during menopause.
- Reducing Inflammation: A nutrient-dense, low-carb diet with good fats and proteins can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for overall health and may alleviate symptoms related to inflammatory conditions. You hear from health care professionals more often; food is your best medicine and that most chronic illnesses stem from inflammation in your body.
Everyone’s body is different. Practice listening to your body as you make changes in your diet and activity level. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider, nutritionist, or registered dietitian before making significant changes to one’s diet, especially during menopause.
To Your Exquisite Health
The Good Fat Company Team
