| |
Menopause
The Naturopathic Approach
By Louise Edwards, N.D., L.Acc.
Menopause is a natural process of a woman's life.
This cessation of the fertile years is characterized by various
symptoms which can be difficult at times. The transition can
be eased through various techniques and supplements that are
described here.
Basic Principles
Assessment
Nutrition
-
High-quality fats, proteins, carbohydrates at a
ratio of 30:30:40 percent
-
High fiber (vegetables, fruits, beans, whole
grains)
-
Drink at least 1 quart of water per day
Avoid
-
Sugar
-
Coffee and black tea
-
Chocolate
-
Alcohol
-
Sodas
Lifestyle
-
Stop smoking
-
Exercise: aerobic and weightbearing:
walking, jogging, aerobics, swimming: 30+ minutes three
times per week.
-
Sunlight: 15 minutes, full intensity, at
least three times per week.
-
Stress management: Have fun and take time
for yourself. It's time to take your bearings, and rechart
your course.
Specific Problems
Hot Flashes / Night Sweats
-
Homeopathy: Top 3: Lachesis, Sepia, Sulphur
-
Herbs: Chickweed, Dandelion, Peppermint,
Motherwort, Oatstraw, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai,
PMS Herbal
-
Essential fatty acids: Evening Primrose Oil,
Flax oil, Borage oil, Black Currant oil: equivalent of 1
tsp. per day
Supplementation
-
Multiple vitamin and mineral to be taken with
food.
-
Check the dosages of the following in the
multivitamin and add an additional amount if needed to achieve:
-
Calcium: 1,500 mg
-
Magnesium: 750 - 1,000 mg
-
Vitamin D: 400 IU
-
Vitamin E: 400-800 IU (mixed tocopherols)
-
Avoid: Fluoride, chlorine, and toxins in air
and water.
Mood Swings / Depression
-
Homeopathy: Kali Phos 6x, Calms Forte
(individual remedy; i.e. Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Sepia)
-
Supplements: B-complex, L-Phenalalanine --
500 mg per day
-
Herbs: Hops, Valerian, Hypericum,
Passiflora, Leonorus
-
Exercise, counseling, have fun, reassess
Vaginal Dryness
-
Topically: Vitamin E, coconut oil, unscented
massage oil, comfrey salve
-
Essential fatty acids (see above)
-
Homeopathy: Bryonia, Lycopodium, Belladonna
-
Cell Salts: Nat Mur 6X, Ferr Phos 6X
-
Sexual: Go slow, include foreplay and
sensuality, and ask for what you want.
Osteoporosis
Insomnia
-
Often associated with heat (see hot flashes above)
-
Homeopathy: Calms Forte
-
Herbs: Hops, Valerian, Hypericum, Zizyphus
(Chinese)
-
Supplement: Try taking your Calcium before
bed.
Cardiovascular
Hypertension
-
Herbs: Hawthorne, Garlic, Dandelion
-
Homeopathy: Mag Phos 6X, Kali Phos 6X
-
Exercise, weight loss
Fibroids
Elevated cholesterol
-
Supplements: Coconut Oil, Lecithin,
Lugol's Iodine
-
Herbs: Milk Thistle, Fringe tree, Dandelion
Top
Related products available in the NaturoDoc Store:
|
|
