Nutrient Approaches To Menopause

Menopause :: The Natural Way

I have recommended variations of this program to countless woman seeking natural alternatives to Menopause.  I say variations because each has had a different need or chemistry that they were dealing with.  Despite all the different variables my clients have been remarkably happy with this safe, natural and very effective approach to menopause.

For women who are more comfortable using natural alternatives to estrogen replacement therapy, the following nutrients have been reported to be helpful for a women’s reproductive system in general, and to delay and reduce menopausal symptoms in particular.

 

A Core Nutritional Supplement Program is a great place to start:
The program below was written by my mentor, nutritionist  Barbara Lagoni. Thank you.

Soy Protein
Protein is the building block for ever cellular function in the body. Plant proteins contain phytochemical compounds, called isoflavones, found only in Soybeans. Soy reduces cholesterol levels, helps prevent osteoporosis and hip fracture, reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer, helps control PMS and hot flashes (due to natural phytoestrogens), helps prevent fatigue, irritability and hunger. Not all soy products are created equal. Many are rinsed in alchohol, destroying the isoflavones. Ours is water rinsed and non-gmo sourced.

A High Quality Multi-Vitamin
For excellent multi-vitamin, multi-mineral absorption.
B Complex
B vitamins have been shown to lower homocysteine in the blood stream,which may be a greater contributor to heart disease than smoking or cholesterol.
Vitamin C
In addition to Vitamin C’s antioxidant qualities, it has also been shown to reduce risks for cataracts, cancer, colds & viruses. Our Vitamin C has a unique sustained-release system based on all-natural plant gums & waxes, maintaining high levels of Vitamin C for an amazing 24 hours in the blood.
Vitamin E
Several studies have indicated it may reduce risk of death of heart disease by a whopping 40%! Our Vitamin E contains grapeseed extract which offers additional antioxidant protection for the heart. When combined with antioxidants Vitamin – C and Caratonoids, the protection may be even greater

All of the above nutrients plus an astounding acidophilus may also be found in our remarkable daily strip – taken once a day.

Nutrients and Herbs specific to the concerns of Menopausal women:

Calcium/ Magnesium
Osteoporosis and low bone mass are major health problems that affect 44 million Americans over the age of 50. Today 10 million people, 80% of whom are women, have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. And in the future more women will die from the complications of osteoporosis than from breast cancer, cervical cancer, and heart disease combined. In fact, one out of every two women over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. Fortunately, you can do something about osteoporosis. In addition to weight-bearing exercise, a healthy diet with enough calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life, especially among young Caucasian and Asian women, who are at greater risk. Studies have shown that adequate daily intakes of calcium and other bone-health vitamins and minerals, such as boron, copper and manganese can help build strong teeth and bones in the first three decades of life. And as you age, continued calcium intake can help slow the rate of bone loss. Our Calcium/Magnesioum is an improved, powerful bone-health supplement that meets the new Recommended Dietary Intakes for calcium published by the Institute of Medicine. This unique blend combines 1,000 mg of elemental calcium with vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, and other bone-building nutrients that the body needs.

Helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Builds strong teeth and bones

Promotes colon health

Helps retain normal blood pressure

Helps to reduce PMS Symptoms.

Herbal Solution for Menopause
This product contains the well-researched herb, Black Cohosh (which has been successfully used in Germany for 40 years) to regulate hormonal balance in women during the transitional period of menopause, along with phytoestrogens from soy and flaxseed.  Similar in structure to human estrogen, soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans can bind to estrogen receptors thereby exerting an estrogen-like effect.  It also provides phytoestrogens from Dong Quai, red clover, and licorice. These appear to reduce the symptoms of hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood swings, etc. They also may provide a protective effect against osteoporosis, heart disease, breast disease, cholesterol levels and other health issues often associated with menopause. Those who take these herbs seperately report that they don’t get the same results, it’s the synnergy of nature and this particular well researched combination that offers relief during menopause

Gamma – Linolenic – Acid

GLA contains oil from the seeds of the borage plant; the most concentrated natural source of gamma-linolenic acid available. Our bodies are supposed to produce GLA in order to form prostaglandin’s, potent hormone like compounds that impact virtually every system in the body. Prostaglandins are important in regulating normal body processes such as blood pressure, blood clotting and inflammation. Reduces the symptoms of PMS, breast tenderness, bloating, normal headaches, hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, eczema, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, reduces tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Many factors inhibit our ability to produce adequate GLA such as stress, aging, smoking, diabetes, viral infections, consumption of alcohol, processed fats, deficiency in B-Complex, zinc and genetics.

Cooling Cream
This is made of menthol and black cohosh and is affectionately known as “hot flash cream”. Massage it onto your neck and chest and then breathe in the aroma from your hands . The aromatherapy helps constrict blood vessels in the nasal passage sending cooling signals to the brain. Note .. no progesterone, which is listed in California as a potential cancer-causing agent. Great for PMS also!

dab a small amount on your fingertips, smell, then apply on the back of your neck


Other nutrients suggested :

Fish Oil (Omega-3 )
Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for immune, circulatory and hormonal health. They reduce 3 risk factors for heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and elevated blood pressure: also a natural anti-inflammatory.
Valerian
Improves quality of sleep, has a relaxing effect, reduces anxiety, relieves tension and restlessness, antispasmodic action on gastrointestinal tract, lowers blood pressure and stabilizes irregular heart rhythm.

Ginkgo Biloba Contains the herb Ginkgo for a clear mind, healthy heart and improved circulation. The brain is 2% of our body’s weight but requires 20% of the blood supply. In numerous studies, ginkgo increased blood flow in younger patients by 20% and older patients by 70%. Acuity also contains four herbs that have anti-oxidant properties to protect brain cells and improve circulation. Three complementary B vitamins that protect the body from homocysteine that produce a higher risk of heart disease than smoking, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Improves memory, attention span, perception, language ability, dementia and early Alzheimer’s. Used as an antidepressant and used to treat vertigo and tinnitus.

Magnesium
Deficiency in magnesium is associated with irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, sleep difficulties, muscle soreness, depression, confusion, numbness or tingling and even seizures. Magnesium is depleted by some medications, stress, alcohol consumption and diabetes. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar. Our Magnesium is released in a gel diffusion technology that prevents intestinal and laxative issues typically associated with magnesium supplements.

The difference between one nutritional product versus another

Our products are born from painstaking research and development.  From the pioneering work of our founder, in 1915 and through the decades, our company is the US leader in nutritional products.  Over $100 million has been invested in maintaining the integrity of our company’s science.  We also lead the industry in analytical methods of testing purity and efficacy. As many as 63,000 laboratory tests are performed on nutritional products alone. No animal testing is ever done in the researching of our products.


artist kim carney flickr image credit

 

Digestive Health And Nutritional Supplements

Diseases that fall under the Irritable Bowel category include : Chrohn’s,Diaverticulitis, Colitis, and Spastic Colon.

Thank you to nutritionist Barbara Lagoni  ( and my mentor ) for this information

Below are specific nutrients that bring relief, reduce inflammation and foster healing to the above mentioned Digestive Issues:

Calcium Magnesium - Often referred to as natural muscle relaxants, these minerals may help prevent the spasming of the muscles that comprise the walls of the intestinal tract…and thus reduce the diarrhea and cramping usually associated with IBS. (2 per meal)

B Complex - Because most intestinal problems are often associated with stress, B vitamins are essential for restoring the nutrients that stress depletes. Regulates digestive hormone production. Enhances energy production and nervous system function in cells.

Vitamin E – (ours contains Grapeseed extract - a powerful antioxidant) - Vitamin E has long been considered to be a nutrient that promotes healing … both of inflamed tender tissue as well as sear tissue, often formed as a result of IBS.

Gamma Linolenic Acid - Many IBS conditions are aggravated by inflammation in the tissues in the lower intestines. CLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid that has properties of being a natural anti-inflammatory. May be used alone or in combination with the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (in 3-to- I ratio of EPA to GLA) if the inflammation persists.

Vitamin C - To strengthen the immune system and promote healing of the tissues. Powerful immune stimulant as well as an anti-oxidant. Virtually every body function benefits from an adequate level of vitamin C.

Acidophilus/ Bifidus - An excellent source of the essential friendly bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines. Virtually the only acidophilus/bifidus product that guarantees delivery of 500,000 live microorganisms to the intestines, without being destroyed by the highly acidic environment of the stomach. Restores the natural balance that must exist in the lower intestines to choke out the cancer-causing bacteria as well as Candida yeast overgrowths. None of the products available at health food stores guarantee live delivery of microflora to the intestine. Tests show that many of them do not make it live to your door, much less to your colon. Most of the microflora alive in these products at the time of manufacture are killed off long before they reach the intestine.

Fiber - When the tissues have healed and swelling has been reduced, then slowly reintroduce fiber with any of these gentle, convenient fiber sources. Mix or Tablets

High Quality Multi-vitamin and Multi-mineral Supplement - When diarrhea occurs, food passes through the body so rapidly that it is difficult to absorb nutrients. A multiple vitamin/mineral supplement contains cofactors and coenzymes that enhance protein utilization.

Meal Replacement Product - Lactose Free – Soy or Whey based ProteinMeal Replacement Product - Lactose Free – Soy or Whey based Protein Needed for energy building and repairing damage to cells. Help in blood sugar stabilizing. Provides building blocks for rapid recovery. Prevents irritation from allergens for those with certain forms of colitis.

Digestive health issues respond beautifully to natural approaches.  Guidance and high quality products are highly encouraged.  I work by phone appointment.


colons are fun flickr image credit