What foods should not be eaten during menopause

Menopausal women should avoid high sugar, high salt, high-fat, and stimulating foods, mainly spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, processed meat products, high sugar desserts, etc.

1. Spicy foods

Spicy seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns may exacerbate symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Changes in hormone levels in menopausal women can lead to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Spicy food can stimulate sympathetic nervous system excitement, which may induce or exacerbate vascular relaxation symptoms such as facial flushing and sweating. It is recommended to use scallions, ginger, garlic, and seasonings as substitutes for daily cooking.

II. Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks such as beer and Baijiu will interfere with the metabolism of estrogen in the liver. After the decline of ovarian function in menopausal women, the liver becomes the main metabolic site for estrogen, and alcohol intake increases the burden on the liver, affecting hormone balance. Long term alcohol consumption may also accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Third, caffeinated beverages such as strong tea and coffee may exacerbate sleep disorders. Caffeine, as a central nervous system stimulant, can prolong sleep time and reduce sleep quality. Menopausal women are prone to insomnia due to hormonal fluctuations, and it is recommended to control their daily caffeine intake within 200 milligrams.

Fourth, processed meat products

Processed meats such as sausages and bacon contain high levels of nitrite and saturated fat. These ingredients may promote inflammation in the body and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease during menopause. It is recommended to choose high-quality protein sources such as fresh poultry and fish, and use low-temperature cooking methods such as steaming.

5. High sugar desserts

High sugar foods such as cakes and ice cream can easily cause blood sugar fluctuations. Menopausal women experience decreased insulin sensitivity, and excessive sugar intake may trigger insulin resistance. During the process of sugar metabolism, B vitamins are also consumed, which affects neural regulation and exacerbates emotional fluctuations.

Menopausal diet should pay attention to balanced nutrition, and it is recommended to increase the intake of natural ingredients such as soy products, dark vegetables, and whole grains. Soy isoflavones help regulate estrogen levels, while sulfur-containing glycosides in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli can assist in liver detoxification. Ensuring sufficient drinking water daily, engaging in brisk walking, yoga, and exercise can help alleviate menopausal discomfort symptoms. If severe symptoms such as hot flashes and osteoporosis occur, timely medical evaluation should be sought to determine whether hormone replacement therapy is needed.