There are no scientific studies that clearly explain why women gain weight during menopause. Even so, there are indicators that it is closely linked to the decrease in estrogen levels in the blood , and the new adaptations that the body must make to handle it, likewise, it is postulated that there are lower caloric requirements with the decrease in activity, due to lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle, and an increase in food intake due to psychological and anxiety factors.
Why do you gain weight in menopause?
Upon reaching the time of menopause, the woman’s body undergoes significant changes in hormonal production , the reproductive phase of life has come to an end and the ovaries have stopped ovulating, the body no longer requires estrogens so Since its production has decreased and with it important changes are experienced in the mechanics of the organism, the needs have changed.
Estrogens
By decreasing the production of estrogens, the figure will change, mainly affecting the fat deposits characteristic of the female figure, in some way this is directly associated with weight gain, since in search of obtaining compensation for the lost hormone or the decreasing its production, the body will begin to increase its fat stores, since fat is the store for estrogens. Likewise, estrogens are classified as thermogenic hormones , that is, hormones that produce heat, so that by decreasing their production the body becomes colder and caloric expenditure will be greater.
It is important to note that by reducing estrogens, women also become more susceptible to coronary heart disease, since this hormone is also responsible for the metabolism of fats, which implies a lack of control in the levels of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol .
Psychological factors
There are psychological factors that can lead to weight gain in women during the menopausal period , this time is experienced by most women as a loss, the image changes and other factors, such as retirement and the departure of children from home, cause an increase in the factors that triggers anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression have an undeniable impact on the way we eat , we have made our hunger a social hunger, and a mysterious mechanism of controlling our emotions, and almost all of us react to these events with an exaggerated increase in eating patterns, excessively caloric meals , such as sweets, ice cream and chocolate, or amounts disproportionate to a woman’s needs.
On the other hand, women in this stage of the life cycle are already less active and their caloric demand decreases , but their anxiety levels lead them to consume a diet with inadequate amounts of calories, producing an excess of calories that cannot be used properly, which will trigger rapid weight gain .
Making aware the causes for which we gain weight, and establishing a diet of adequate consumption, plus a good dose of exercise and rest, should be enough to solve and solve this health and aesthetic problem, at the same time there are natural diets that can help to produce more estrogen naturally .
Foods that increase estrogen production
Eating natural products and adding these foods to our regular diet will have a beneficial effect on estrogen production, reducing the possibility of suffering the consequences of its natural decrease.
Flax seeds
The flax seeds have higher amounts of phytoestrogens , but to assimilate it must grind, the consuming these seeds can alone or as a dressing for breads and biscuits.
Add seeds to your salads, seeds in general are enhancers of the production of estrogen you need, sesame and sunflower seeds go very well with your meals too.
Beans:
We all enjoy beans, a good bowl of beans will also naturally provide these estrogens that are so much needed during menopause, beans can also be added to a large number of healthy dishes.
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Garlic is an excellent source of isophlabonoids, in addition to being an excellent seasoning for meals, remember to include it whenever you season to take advantage of all its benefits and ideal contributions for the menopausal stage.
Dried apricots, dates, and prunes
Due to the chemical process that occurs in dried fruits, they produce an element that is not present in the fresh versions of the fruits. Ahead! Start snacking on dried fruits to avoid gaining weight during menopause .
Foods rich in Vitamin C
Tomatoes, oranges and bananas, all fruits that have a high content of vitamin C, will cause an increase in estrogen secretion.
Foods rich in Vitamins with B complex
The B complex vitamins will cause a better management of nerve impulses and will regulate your metabolism. Include oatmeal, walnuts, potatoes, tuna, avocado in your diet.
Dried or fresh herbs and spices
Another wonderful source of phytoestrogens is parsley, anise seeds, thyme, licorice, turmeric, hops, and sage. Remember them all when you are cooking a delicious dish.
Menopause is a stage of the woman that is experienced from the loss like other stages in life, likewise, it is an unequivocal mark that we are approaching old age, learning by carrying the changes in life in a positive way is our only option, also learn to enjoy them, because each one carries with it a significant load of happiness.