Did you know that changing your diet may help with your menopause symptoms? According to Cone Health, 37.5 million women are about to start or are already currently going through menopause — That’s why we compiled a list of seasonal winter foods that may help you worry less about having hot flashes at your next holiday party and focus more on the excitement of the season!

Cold-Water Fish 🐟 

With the winter season in full swing, it probably means you are wearing your winter coat and thick clothing to stay warm. Cozy as it may be, all that bundling up can cause discomfort when hot flashes flare-up. According to a study in the Journal of Menopause, adding salmon, mackerel, sardines or herring to your diet may help combat uncomfortable menopause symptoms. Cold-water fish have a high count of omega-3 fatty acids that are proven to help relieve hot flashes, and have other health benefits!

Nuts 🌰

 According to the National Sleep Foundation, 61% of menopausal women have disrupted sleep patterns and other difficulties getting a good night’s rest. Add in the holiday stress to the mix and that sleep deficit will start to add up. A study in the Journal of Analytical Bio-Science found that higher zinc intake, found in nuts, is linked to better sleep quality. Try snacking on your favorite holiday nut blend or adding some extra pecans or walnuts to your next recipe and see how your sleep improves.  

Leafy Greens 🥬 

Thinking about menopause symptom flare-ups may cause you to become anxious. If you can relate, then adding leafy greens to your diet may help you – with not only anxiety – but also can benefit bone health and migraines. Leafy greens such as kale, collards, cabbage contain good amounts of calcium and magnesium, which Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health reports being beneficial for symptoms of anxiety.

Squash 🍝 

Squash is a great food for helping relieve menopause symptoms, such as constipation from hormone changes — if you haven’t tried pasta made with squash you are missing out! This may become your newest holiday tradition! Here is a link to one of our favorite recipes to prepare this yummy pasta: http://bit.ly/2EysziB 

Crab 🦀 

The holidays are a time for love and affection, but with hormone changes, it might be hard to get in the mood. Making a homemade crab dinner or going out for a nice seafood meal out on the town may help to curb your appetite for affection! According to the American Heart Association, crabmeat has a high amount of zinc which is said to help improve and boost libido in both men and women.  

Got any other Q’s? Feel free to send us a message so we could discuss more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapies.