Because of our preference for quick-fix methods of handling pain and discomfort, we have become a pill-popping society. Lately, though, a number of dangers have been highlighted regarding prolonged consumption of medicines. There is now an increasing demand for alternatives to pills, capsules and tablets.

Many alternatives are readily provided by nature, itself. Following a balanced diet, you should be able to add a few extra nutrients that are required to deflect the negative symptoms.

Regarding a menopause diet, a plant estrogen, called phytoestrogen, is plentiful in the plant kingdom. Rather than going through synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy), consider eating more of those vegetables and fruits which have a high concentration of phytoestrogen such as soy, pomegranate, etc.

Making the Menopause Diet a Success

Heart problems and osteoporosis are the main diseases that attack women who are going through menopause. To help prevent vulnerability to these diseases, women should follow a diet which is high in calcium, magnesium, omega3 fatty acids, plant estrogen, and vitamin E, to name a few. Please note that this is not a complete list.

Calcium – the menopause diet must include supplements of calcium, as it is first thing that is depleted during menopause. Good sources of calcium are, low fat milk, leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, cheese and curd. The brown inner skin of salmon has a high content of calcium. Do not skin the fish while preparing it.

Magnesium is a mineral that aids in the absorption of calcium. It also provides a calming effect that helps menopausal women sleep. The best source of magnesium is nuts (cashews, walnuts, almonds, etc).

Omega3 fatty acids are the best heart disease prevention agents. An Omega3 also works as a good antidepressant. You will find these mostly in fatty fish like salmon.

Lignans is the plant estrogen which humans can absorb easily which fights against hot flushes. No menopause diet can be complete without this. The best source for lignans is flaxseed, though you can find it in many other foods, such as soy, pomegranate, and lentils.

Well, there’s an assumption that women who live in the countryside suffer from menopause more then others. Let’s have a look whether it is wrong or right.

Menopause is a special time for any woman and it can be physically and psychologically unsettling in a woman’s life. It is a time of hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep and ever-changing mood shifts. These debilitating symptoms can significantly interfere with family life, close or distant relationships and work. And the fact is that the impact of menopause often depends on where a woman is in her life. And in rural areas it is much harder to cope with menopause. Why? Let’s see.

First of all, there’s the lack of female rural doctors. You can’t deny it. But country women want better medical expertise on the subject of menopause. They need better healthcare support that is impossible in rural areas at present. As a result, lack of access to health care and support groups make menopausal experience especially stressful for such women.

Second of all, there’s lack of psychological support. Country women (and all women, beg your pardon) entering menopause seek some sympathy. But, unfortunately, countryside can’t provide them with reliable information and mere human understanding. Of course, there such thing as Internet, TV and mass-media, but, to tell you the truth, I personally don’t believe that these things can give you comfort and consolation in such issues as menopause. They just give a certain amount of conflicting information. Hence, country women are left alone in their confusion and distress.

Third of all, country women have to perform multiple care-giving roles. You can deny it, but this is true, they have much more occupations and responsibilities than other women. Having no time and to think and care about such things as menopause, country women are often deeply surprised by the intensity of the psychological, physical and social consequences of menopause when it strikes them.

What can be done about it? Actually I can see at least two options here. One of them is to offer holistic care and comprehensive support to rural women going through the menopause. I believe, it would enhance the women’s well-being as they go through menopause and enable them to optimize their health. Another option would be to train female community leaders to deliver local information sessions and help to set up support groups.

And last but not least. Menopause is a significant life event affecting millions of women globally. And women living in rural communities should not be forgotten.