All things diet and menopause will be on the agenda when dietitian Aveen Bannon chats with broadcaster Grainne Seoige at the inaugural National Menopause Summit taking place at The Mansion House, Dublin later this month.
Having a well-balanced diet is crucial during any stage of life, but during menopause, your body needs some extra patience and care. From changes in metabolism to increased risk of osteoporosis, shifting your diet can help with getting ahead of future symptoms.
From the age of around 35 years, there is a gradual loss of bone which speeds up as menopause approaches so women need to pay particular attention to their bones. Many nutrients play an important role in bone health including protein, calcium, phosphorous all of which are found in the dairy matrix in milk, yogurt and cheese.
Vitamin D is important to help absorb calcium and is found in oily fish, eggs and in vitamin D fortified milk and breakfast cereals, However, even if you are consuming these foods regularly you need to consider a Vitamin D food supplement during the winter months when no vitamin D is made in our bodies from the sunlight.
Managing Symptoms
Taking time to consider whether there are improvements you can make to diet, exercise, and other factors – as about a third of a woman’s life is spent in post-menopause, it’s good to make changes that will last.
While weight gain is not inevitable, peri-menopause is associated with redistribution of fat to the tummy area. And menopause often coincides with greater responsibilities both at home and work which can mean exercise, eating well or managing stress take lower priority, promoting further weight gain. Ask you GP or a dietitian if you are struggling with weight gain.
The National Dairy Council is the official nutrition oartner of the first National Menopause Summit on Thursday, March 23.
