Peri/menopause weight gain –
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what can I do?
here are many topics to discuss regarding changes that occur during menopause and peri– menopause which is the phase leading up to menopause. Mood changes, sleep issues, vaginal changes, internal temperature changes, irregular periods – just to name a few, however body changes relating to weight gain and fat distribution is high up on the list for many women. When the body doesn’t seem to respond the way it used to and what seems to be uncontrollable weight gain, is big source of stress for many women in their 40s and 50s.
BY DIANA ARUNDELL – UNIVERSITY QUALIFIED NATUROPATH & NUTRITIONIST
frustrating for many women as they want some clarification as to why they’re suddenly feeling so different and their body is doing things somewhat out of their control. Pathology that may be worth checking during this time include iron studies, thyroid function (TSH and thyroid output T4, T3), vitamin D, blood sugar and insulin. If not optimal, these things may directly/indirectly contribute to issues with weight gain during peri/menopause. WHAT CAN HELP? THERE IS NOT ONE MAGIC PILL (SIGH….) PRIORITY – ADJUST EXPECTATIONS You are no longer 20 or 30 years old so please don’t expect your body to look and behave like it. It is about feeling and performing at your best at this phase of your life.
Many women feel as though they are losing themselves as their body changes through this natural phase of life. Weight distribution naturally changes as we age including increase in breast size, the loss of muscle mass density and an increase in fat storage around the middle. Some ADEQUATE SLEEP of these may affect insulin sensitivity, If sleep is poor which can make weight loss more All of our delicious soudoughs are made using pure,then this affects everything including energy levels to challenging. natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour exercise and making good choices with is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method nutrition. As insomnia affects 40–60% of There’s usually no need to check to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains women in peri menopause it’s important hormones in the blood around the time nutrients and wheat germ, giving that flavour. to nutty address this. Supporting good circadian of peri menopause as reproductive Our naturally natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which rhythm includes: hormones fluctuate throughout allows dough to rise and lactobacilli the month andthe especially around thisthe beneficial regular routine (which promotes gut health and helps digestion) to regularly fully time of life, are more erratic. More often exercising and develop. Thiswill long fermentation that unique than not hormones still be in the produces 1st thing in the morning getting that otherinway. ‘normalsoudough range’, andflavour this can be can verybe obtained no outside the sunlight.
Eg. Eat breakfast, morning coffee or better still movement. It may be difficult to get these started when feeling sleep deprived, however it will contribute to improved sleep over time. There are many other things that may be prescribed by a health professional to assist with this including melatonin, magnesium, herbal medicine, sleeping tablets or HRT (see below).
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You are no longer 20 or 30 years old so please don’t expect your body to look and behave like it
ELIMINATE/REDUCE ALCOHOL This age group of women is one of the All of our All biggest consumers of alcohol in the natural natura ingre Australian population. Unfortunately is mil us increased alcohol consumption can leadis milled to avoid to to disturbed sleep, weight gain, fatigue nutrients nut and exacerbate low mood. Consider Our natura Our n eliminating alcohol completely, otherwise the no alcohol 4 hours before bed and opt forallowsallow prom white spirits with soda/mineral water (which(whic and fresh lime or a glass of red wine. develop. deve T
All of our delicious sourdoughs are made using pure, natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains nutrients and wheat germ, giving that nutty flavour. Our FREE FROM natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which allows • artificial • artificial preservatives • no added yeast preservatives • no animal products • no nuts the dough to rise and the beneficial lactobacilli (which • flavourings and colouring FREE FROM • flavourings and colouring • no added sugar • no chemical herbicides & pesticides promotes gut health and helps digestion) to fully develop. • no added yeast • no added sugar This long fermentation produces that unique sourdough • no animal products • no nuts flavour that can be obtained no other way. • no chemical herbicides & pesticides
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