Menopause and its accompanying discomforts include hot flashes,
insomnia, and mood swings. A natural, but dreaded condition for American
women, menopause does not seem to have nearly the same effect on women
in China. It’s an interesting fact that 75% of American women experience
noticeable menopausal discomfort, while only 10% of Asian women
experience the same. It’s worth considering that some of the factors
involved in this difference are dietary and traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM) related, which are both comprised of natural elements, unlike the
most common Western treatment for menopause: hormone replacement
therapy.
The idea that food can be used medicinally is an inherent Chinese
cultural belief, as well as a fundamental principle of TCM. The affect
that diet has on one’s health is now commonly accepted. The three
leading causes of death in the United States -- heart attack, cancer,
and stroke, are closely related to a poor diet. Research has increased
the study of the relation between women’s health and plants and plant
chemistry. Specifically, chemicals found in plants called
“phytoestrogens”. Western and Eastern medicine agree that diet rich in
phytoestrogens can reduce the adverse symptoms associated with
menopause. The phytoestrogens that are bound to the body’s estrogen
receptors release slowly and naturally into the blood stream, providing a
continuing source of estrogen as the body’s naturally produced estrogen
supply diminishes. When phytoestrogens are replenished by
phytoestrogen-rich foods, a natural supply of estrogen will be present
in the body, providing an alleviated process of menopause.
Ginseng and Dang Kui are herbs that can also help relieve some of the
discomforts associated with menopause. These two herbs are often used
in Chinese herbal medicine, combined with others in an herbal formula
tailored to the patient. Chinese herbal formulas are often prescribed to
help fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and depression during menopause. In
TCM, a Kidney Yin Deficiency is thought to cause hot flashes and
insomnia. After evaluating the patient, a practitioner would be able to
create an herbal formula, like the Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, which has been
in use for hundreds of years and has been known to reduce hot flashes.
Traditional Chinese medicine values meals and holds the belief that
food can be a form of medicine as well. Combine some of the tips here,
and create a meal that includes phytoestrogens, something that involves
soy, for example, which is high in phytoestrogens. A tofu stir-fry with
fresh vegetables would be a good choice. Some simple dietary measures
you can take to reduce menopause side-effects include cutting down on
sugar and coffee intake, eating more tryptophan-rich foods such as
turkey, bananas, and figs, and more foods with high indoles, like
brussel sprouts and broccoli. A TCM practitioner can help you devise a
diet plan specialized to your needs, as well as provide safe, natural
alternatives to Western hormone therapy for menopause care.