We all need a night on the town every once in awhile. But when you're consciously trying to boost your estrogen levels to counter the effects of menopause, making the “right” decisions when ordering your meal can be baffling. Fortunately, making healthy eating choices that will taste good and help balance your hormonal production isn't all that difficult. Keep reading to find out more.
How Does Estrogen Impact Menopause?
We all know how vital estrogen is to the body. The hormone is responsible for regulating a host of bodily functions, from female sexual development to muscle mass — and let's not even mention its role over your emotions. So, when estrogen begins to decline during menopause, it can wreak havoc on you physically and psychologically. However, this can be corrected and eating habits are a good first place to start.
The Estrogen Menu Challenge: What to Order
Menus are baffling enough. When you want to ease the symptoms of menopause, they can be even tougher to navigate. Fortunately, we're here to help. Look for these items the next time you're stumped when the waiter comes around.
Soy-based dishes. Soy has become as ubiquitous as wheat and corn in recent years, but it has a trump card over the old staples, it's packed full of phytoestrogens. These compounds are thought to mimic estrogen in the human body, possibly offsetting the negative impacts of hormonal imbalance. Try soy-based meat substitutes and dishes containing soy beans; both of these foods are prevalent in Far Eastern cuisines. The next time you're handed a menu, think soy.
Hold the fats, oils, and sugars. Are you sure you want that sugary dessert? Do you really need that chicken deep fried in oil? Things you likely wouldn't think to make for yourself at home become viable options at restaurants, to your own detriment. Fats, oils, sugars, and too much salt all have a stifling effect on hormonal production. Try ordering that chicken grilled or enjoying some succulent seafood (though hold the butter). Your body will thank you.
Go with salad. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers all contain the aforementioned phytoestrogens, and all are good for you, which is good for your production of estrogen. If you want something a little heavier than salad, though, make sure your dish is well balanced — with vegetables at least as well-represented as the meats and starches. And, no, a cheeseburger with a slice of tomato and a leaf of lettuce does not count as your veggie intake for the t day.
Follow these tips and you should feel relief from your menopausal symptoms in no time. Go to the following link to learn more about estrogen during menopause.