Natural Solutions to Menopause

No matter how old you are, most women want to age as slowly as possible. And for me that means slowing down the ageing process from the inside and the outside. The more you can do before the change in hormones at the menopause, the easier the transition and the slower the ageing process.

But it is never too late. Your body is really adaptable and given the right diet and nutrients, these can make a big impact on not only your health but also how fast you age, regardless of when you start. Here are my top ten anti-ageing foods taken from Natural Solutions to Menopause

Top ten anti-ageing foods

1. Berries
   All the berries have good amounts of antioxidants. Eat a variety to get the different kinds of antioxidants.
    
2. Oily fish (mackerel, herring, pilchards, tuna etc.)
   Contain important Omega 3 oils, which are good for your heart, prevent inflammation and help keep your cells more fluid and healthy.
    
3. Brazil nuts
   High in selenium, one of the most powerful antioxidants.
    
4. Watercress
   Contains antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, which are essential for healthy eye function and preventing age-related macular degeneration, which is a disease of the retina that causes loss of central vision.
    
5. Avocado
   Avocados help lower cholesterol and have a cancer-protecting effect. They contain a substance called mannoheptulose that prevents the uptake of glucose into cancer cells. Cancer cells use glucose as their main fuel, so by blocking the uptake of glucose into cancer cells it is essentially starving those cells.
    
6. Cruciferous vegetables
   Include broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. They have general cancer-protective effects, especially for breast cancer.
    
7. garlic
   Known for its beneficial effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, circulation, diabetes and cancer.
    
8. Water
   Water helps the body to detoxify by removing waste products, pollutants and toxins.
    
9. Turmeric
   A member of the ginger family, it is a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Helps heart function and prevents hardening of the arteries and is also linked to prevention of cancer.
    
10. Green tea
    Contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Studies have shown that green tea helps to protect DNA from damage and has the ability to ward off cancer.

My book Natural Solutions to Menopause is a complete guide to the menopause, offering effective, practical advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle to keep you in optimum health before, during and after this change in your life. With entirely natural solutions, free from the side effects that are common to hormone replacement drug therapies, this sensitive and informative guide includes:

- A 12-Step Hormone Balancing Diet

- Relief from symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and weight gain

- The truth about HRT, to help you make an informed decision if you consider it

- How to prevent health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease

- Simple steps to good energy levels, body fitness and a fulfilling sex life beyond the menopause

Understand what your body needs and you can prepare yourself for the menopause, successfully manage your symptoms and enjoy the best possible health beyond it. You can find out more about the book here.