To Suffer Or Not To Suffer..
Menopause must be a well known
subset of feminine existence; the young may dismiss it, the older generations
may ignore it, and somewhere in the middle, many cringe at the mere mention of
the ‘scourge’ of it. I come from a long line of European professional
sufferers, but somehow escaped the natural ills of the female body as they
did—did I practice my father’s stoicism? Or did my paternal grands’ basic nutrition help
me to live as if I was a part and whole of this terrible and fragile life?
So for a chance to explain how to
survive this midlife unpleasantness, here are a few hints to live as if this
naturally occurring was just 'normal’. Listening to grocery store conversations
and motor vehicle dept long lines, you may surmise that everyone knows someone
in a bad mood, ie:PMS or Menopause. This gender specific problem is the source
of much derision, for disgruntled employees or family. Take it easy, they
just can't resist the choice of poor taste or nasty jokes. They are just glad
it’s not happening to them.
First of all, mind over
matter--easier said than done; grab a warm wet towel, wrap around waist to
cover at least the belly of this beast, then lay a warm damp wash cloth to
forehead--sit back and relax, feel the soft cloth and its warmth penetrating
your very being, close your eyes (and your ears), breathe slowly, deeply--yes
you can stand it, nothing else matters for these precious minutes, this is your
time, the rest of your day will soon enough become the focus. Repeat as needed
( i suspect that may be often) add a drop of essential oil if you like the
scent of orange or cedar?
Breath control removes or rearranges
much of the accumulation of stress factors; inhale very slowly through nose,
concentrate on the air--hold that thought for a few seconds--exhale through
lips, and visualize the spent fumes of rage and smoke or whatever has built up
in your day-- now as you blow out through your mouth--return to zero two or
three times--do this small routine anytime you feel the need--this single free
trick is a much needed social tool at any age, especially now.
Now for nourishing this unruly body:
There are many grains and legumes to help in the replacement of the missing
hormones in your life--As you no longer need reproductivity, you still must
feed the bones and the nerves. Isoflavones, naturally available genistein,
daidzein and estradiol are found in the phyto-estrogens of soybeans, lentils
and chickpeas or yams. Other foods also contribute to the well-being of any changing
body.
For general wellness; there are
specific teas to savor as warm or cold brew along the day or as evening
rituals. Hops, real licorice, roman chamomile, evening primrose, red clover and
ginseng in soothing teas. Smoothies made with soy milk and avocado, aloe vera
juice or nopalitos can calm the very center of the digestive tract while
maintaining bone mass, mucous membranes for suppleness and brain activity for
acuity and memory..
Thyme and oregano, ginseng, orange
peel or peach leaves make a calming and flavorful addition to many soups and
stews. simply include them in a cotton bag or tea strainer, drop in cooking
liquid to be removed at serving time.,
the whole family or friends could feel the benefits of fine seasoning, right?
Vegetables are the backbone of
nutrition, and if your bone density suffers from THE change, well then double
up on such helpers as flaxseed, preferably ground and sprinkled on cereal and
rice dishes. Mushrooms also contain lignin to promote better digestive
activity. Yes, there are healthful snacks to add to your wellness without
denial and withdrawal as well--tofu treats, black currants or gooseberries,
blueberries and almonds--soy milk puddings, tempeh, and roasted soy nuts for
the crunch worthy..
Main meals should include recipes
centering on the leguminous family; soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, boiled and
used as tahine, dips, salads, casseroles or spreads for the lunch crowd. Yams
come in several types and sizes, pumpkins also provide essential nutrients to
help relieve symptoms of menopause. Since vitamin B is a necessary demand of
the changing body, perhaps some fatty fish or lean meat may be included in this
page,
<recipes with grocery lists to come later>.
The most beneficial part of eating
well and exercising or breathing deeply is that you become acutely aware of
regaining control over the act of living. And that is fine for anyone
including-- self.
.
