Getting older comes with its fair share of challenges, and for women, the symptoms of menopause can be especially troubling. The hot flashes, headaches, intimacy issues and mood swings can be hard to take, and sometimes it seems like there is nothing you can do to ease the pain and discomfort.
The good news is that is not the case. Whether you are just entering menopause or already deep into the transition, there aer things you can do to lessen the symptoms and make this time of your life more comfortable. Here are some tips for managing menopause and making its symptoms easier to live with.
Eat a Healthy Diet
The foods you eat can play a big role in the severity of your menopause symptoms, so pay careful attention to your diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help ease the pain of menopause symptoms, so feel free to treat your discomfort with a big bowl of ice cream.
It is important to maintain a healthy weight during menopause, so you should not make ice cream sundaes your staple diet. You will still want to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with lean meat and seafood. A healthy diet will make you feel better, and it could reduce the discomfort of your menopause symptoms.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Regular exercise is important as you age, but working out is even more critical as you enter your menopause years. You do not have to run a marathon or live at the gym, but getting up and moving will make your body feel better and ease your discomfort.
Look for gentle exercise you can do at home, like yoga and stretching exercises. Taking a walk around the block or enjoying some water aerobics at the local pool can also ease your discomfort and help your body feel better.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is very important as you enter the next phase of your life. Menopausal symptoms can be worse when you are not properly hydrated, so drink plenty of water and healthy fluids. You might want to carry a water bottle with you, especially if you are busy and may not have time to stop for a drink.
If you get bored with plain water, you can always add a squeeze of lemon or a slice of orange to your bottle. The citrus is good for you, and the taste will encourage you to drink more and increase your level of hydration.
Nothing can completely eliminate the pain and discomfort of menopause, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier. The tips listed above can make you feel more comfortable as you enter this new stage of your life.
