Ayurvedic Tips for Menopause

MENOPAUSE Ayurvedic Tips

Diagnosis is usually made by the cessation of periods and signs and symptoms. Hormonal levels may be tested to confirm menopause.

Diet Recommendations (Aahar)

Diet recommendations include –

• Increasing intake of water preferably warm that can help in digestion
• Timely regular wholesome meals
• Fried and spicy, sour foods should be avoided
• Improved intake of fruits in their natural form

• In women prone to Pitta-based problems, such as hot flashes or excessive irritability, a pitta pacifying diet is advised. This includes
  • Avoidance of spicy foods, such as chilies, cayenne and black mustard seeds.
  • Salty foods and foods that are sour, such as yogurt and
  • Sour fruits such as ketchup, mustard, and other salad dressings and condiments made with vinegar should also be avoided.
  • Instead foods preferred should be bitter, astringent and sweet ones like vegetables, rice, milk and cream, sweet lassi, and wheat products.
  • Sweet foods include pears and plums and sweet juicy fruits. Pitta-reducing spices include cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel and small amounts of cumin seed.
• In women with Vata-related symptoms of menopause such as memory loss or vaginal dryness, diet should have warm ingredients with ghee.
  • Foods should be sweet, sour and salty.
  • Plenty of warm water throughout the day, cooked, leafy greens, apples and prunes and figs are advised.
  • Packaged foods and frozne foods should be avoided.

Lifestyle changes (Vihar)

Some of the lifestyle changes that help ease symptoms of menopause include –

• Adequate restful sleep. Since both Vata and Pitta imbalances can cause sleep problems, lack of sleep will only make menopausal imbalances worse.
• The morning abhyanga or ayurvedic oil massage is helpful in preventing menopausal problems.
• For both Pitta and Vata dosha, it is important not to skip meals
• Daily exercise is important for good health.