Paleo Diet: Can It Postpone Or Reverse The Effects Of Menopause?
Quite an intriguing thought, eh? This may seem like a strange topic for me to write about, but a recent discussion with my mother got me thinking that women in the pre/peri menopausal stage may be able to reap great benefits from this popular diet. I've said before that I don't believe in "dieting" and that's because I believe it can become like an eating disorder. I also think food is a great part of life, and stressing about this major thing we do several times a day isn't healthy. That all being said, I believe in moderation and there are things that I personally don't believe belong in any diet, such as pork and shellfish. So what do I think about this Paleo Diet everyone is on and what could it possibly have to do with menopause?
My Thoughts On Paleo:
For the most part, I think it's excellent. I've always encouraged my clients to cut back on their grain consumption and amp up their fruit and vegetable intake. Fruits and vegetables are much higher in dietary fiber and are packed with vitamins. The paleo diet does not include grains or legumes. Okay, this is where I would say moderation. I like a little pasta now and again and beans (which are a legume) are rich in dietary fiber as well as protein. The paleo diet recommends high amounts of protein from meat and fish. Moderation fits here as well. I personally believe this western idea of so much meat is unhealthy. On average, it can take 2-3 days for your body to digest and dispose of meat, which can wreak havoc on your kidneys, liver, colon and intestines. So two to three servings per week of meat and two servings of fish is what we do in our house. I'm talking meals not days, so no meat for breakfast or lunch. And, YES, you can absolutely get all of your protein in without this meat overload. Paleo diet says no dairy, which I agree can have extreme health benefits for anyone. However, I am a foodie and I enjoy a little bit of cheese here and there. Nuts, seeds, and healthy oils, such as olive, walnut, avocado, and coconut are encouraged in this diet and are highly nutritional as well as delicious. The diet says no processed food, and who could argue that's a bad thing? Everything you need is located in the perimeter of the grocery store. Lastly, this diet allows wine! Kind of won me over with that one! If I find myself hitting a brick wall in my 50's, I could live with this diet. To sum it up, I think a paleo inspired diet is an excellent idea for everyone.
If you're not in this stage of your life, you may not feel this is relevant to you. Well, if you're a woman, it 's a stage you will have to face and taking care of yourself before hand can make a huge difference in how your body handles this transition when your time comes. If you're in your 20's or 30's, you may be wondering why you would want your period to stick around longer or come back regularly. It's a pain in the neck as it is, right? Women who are going through this tough time, physically and emotionally, will likely tell you they'd take a regular cycle any day over the roller coaster ride that comes with menopause. Menopausal women often see their waistline disintegrate, feel their body temperature going through the roof, and lose a bit of the feminine looking features in their body and face. Essentially, we tend to take on a more masculine appearance, as well as internally mimicking masculine hormone production (i.e. less estrogen and progesterone). For some women, this phase can take a decade or so! The inconsistent hormonal highs and lows, along with clothing not fitting the way it used to, can be exhausting. Not to mention all of the other life changes and stresses that happen during this time in a woman's life (kids moving out, becoming "granny", losing parents). If you're now thinking "Screw that. I'm getting a hysterectomy" I'm sorry friend, that won't save you from the dread that is menopause. Oh the woes of womanhood!
Menopausal woman experience decreased skin elasticity, decreased production of collagen and elastin, decreased lean muscle mass, brittle hair and nails, and loss of bone mass. The increased protein consumption associated with this diet serves to off-set decreases in collagen and lean muscle mass, while the increased ingestion of fat decreases storage of the visceral abdominal fat. A bonus of increased intake of protein results in healthier hair, skin, and nails.
The underlying premise that makes this and all low-carbohydrate diets work is Ketosis. Basically, it forces your body to use fat to fuel your activities instead of carbs. Refined carbohydrates promote inflammation and encourage fat storage which can make you insulin resistant and be a pre-cursor to diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Excess amounts of these foods can lead to hormonal imbalances that further exacerbate your symptoms, which may include irregular/heavy periods.
So, to answer the original question: Yes, eating this high protein, low-glycemic index diet may enable one to regulate their hormones in such a way as to ward off menopause for a few years. I also believe it will make for a smoother transition through the pre, peri, and post-menopausal stages. Women who are already in the throes of menopause and pull the reigns with this ketogenic diet may see a regular menstrual cycle return, less fatty tissue in the breasts and abdomen, along with increased libido.
Written by Gabrielle Hymes
Republished with permission from igetitfrommymamma.
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