The return of acne, weight fluctuation, hot flashes that leave your skin flushed and you feeling like you have a fever–these are just a few of the ways menopause can make your life uncomfortable, and leave you frustrated. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause now, or it’s years down the line, there are a variety of proactive things you can do make sure changes in your skin tone, body temperature, hair, and nails, don’t get in the way of you feeling comfortable and happy in your own skin.
Most Important: Prioritize Sleep
Your sleeping habits affect your hormones. Sounds complicated, but all it takes is regular and good habits to get you into a restorative, balanced sleep that will undermine menopause’s often insomnia-inducing symptoms. A regular sleep now will help teach your body to fall asleep when you want it to, not when your menopause decides you can go to sleep.
Feel Stronger
Hormone levels drop during menopause, bringing on a higher risk of osteoporosis. Focus on calcium rich foods for strong bones. Strength will also make it easier to feel well rested after sleep, as the body has the nutrients it needs to do productive work during your sleep. Calcium rich foods include:
- Kale and Spinach
- Parmesan and Swiss Cheese (these contain the lowest levels of lactose in a cheese while still being very high in calcium)
- Greek Yogurt
Control Temperature
Sweating is a common and incredibly annoying symptom of menopause. Research shows that ingesting Omega 3 Fatty Acids can reduce these “night sweats” by helping to control temperature. Enjoy these tasty treats that will give you energy throughout the day and reduce sweating:
- Walnuts
- Avocados
- Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel (fatty fish)
Relax
As hormone levels swing, some women feel depressed during menopause. A good night’s sleep will help taper these down feelings, as will intake of blood sugar-leveling vitamins, especially Vitamin B. Look for:
- Broccoli
- Spinach (also high in iron and calcium)
- Lean meat and poultry
Perhaps most important is predictability: your body is going through fluxes, and you can do your part to be as predictable as possible by eating well and sleeping right to taper exhaustion, mood swings, and skin flare ups.