Why do people not want to eat meat during menopause

Menopausal women who do not want to eat meat may be related to hormonal changes, decreased digestive function, psychological factors, taste changes, and chronic diseases. Menopause is an important stage of physiological transformation for women. The decrease in estrogen levels in the body can affect appetite and food preferences, and some women may experience a sense of rejection towards meat products.

1. Hormonal changes

Decreased estrogen levels can interfere with the appetite regulation function of the hypothalamus, leading to reduced interest in high protein foods. At the same time, a decrease in progesterone may cause nausea, further reducing the acceptance of greasy meat. This type of situation is usually accompanied by typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and emotional fluctuations.

2. Decreased digestive function

As age increases, gastrointestinal motility slows down and digestive enzyme secretion decreases, making high protein foods such as meat more difficult to break down and absorb. Some women may experience discomfort such as bloating and acid reflux after eating, leading them to actively reduce their meat intake. It is recommended to choose easily digestible animal proteins such as fish and chicken breast as substitutes.

3. Psychological factors

Menopausal emotional fluctuations may lead to stress-induced appetite changes, and some women may associate meat with negative associations such as obesity and aging. Depressive and anxious states can also affect the desire to eat, manifested as resistance to specific foods. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help improve psychological anorexia.

4. Taste changes

Decreased sensitivity of taste buds can make the fishy taste of meat more pronounced, while reduced saliva can make food harder to swallow. This situation can be improved by adjusting the cooking method, such as marinating with lemon juice, softening the meat by stewing, or stimulating the appetite with sweet and sour sauces.

5. Chronic diseases

Some menopausal women may have metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and doctors' orders limit red meat intake. Patients with iron deficiency anemia may also experience aversion to meat due to abnormal taste. It is recommended to undergo regular physical examinations to check for underlying diseases and, if necessary, receive nutritional supplements under the guidance of a doctor.

Menopausal diet should pay attention to balanced nutrition. If meat is resisted for a long time, high-quality protein sources such as soy products, dairy products, and nuts can be increased. When cooking, use vanilla spices to remove fishy odors and enhance freshness, and use low oil steaming to reduce digestion burden. Maintain moderate aerobic exercise to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, and if necessary, supplement with multivitamins or digestive enzyme preparations according to medical advice. If accompanied by significant weight loss or malnutrition symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation from the nutrition department in a timely manner.