12 months of Perimenopausal Prison or Liberation ?

Perimenopausal – Journey of Instability to Stability.

This undulating phase in women’s time line comes with zillions of quirks. Actually “hona kya chahiye”, ideally you sit back and do what your mind, soul and heart wants you to do.

Eventually “hota kya hai”, hot flushes, thinning of hair, bloating, wrinkles, sleepless nights, mood swings, midnight craving for sins like sweets. This phase comes with a pinch of pungent flavours too.

We demeanor damsels become itchy, bitchy, sweaty, bloated, forgetful, sleepy, crazy and grumpy whom neither the spouse, kids nor family understands.

First let’s understand scientifically what is perimenopause? Perimenopausal phase refers to the time preceding the absolute arrival of menopause during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. It’s the time when the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen.

Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition. Women start perimenopausal phase at different ages. It usually starts in women’s 40s, but can start in their 30s or even earlier.

The average length of perimenopause is 4 years, but for some women this stage may last only a few months or continue for 10 years.

Perimenopause concludes when women go 12 months without having a functional menstrual cycle.

But hello people, are we missing out on the original “khummar” of this phase? This fragile phase comes with stability of mind, lifestyle, our acceptance of the dynamic changes the female body endures.

It comes with mastering the skill of sharpening our CLAWS.

This phase teaches us Gratitude towards others and above all acceptance of our own self.

But instead of enjoying the essence and flavour of this magnificent phase of life. We brood, become irritable, grumpy, judgmental and above all become a part of the crazy FOMO (fear of missing out) latest insecurity of present Era.

This variety of instability if dealt with TLC can be an oasis of divine nectar.  

Channelize your body and mind to experience the bliss of this phase.

Mythology indicates that women are the incarnation of the Goddess Durga. She symbolizes the unison of all strength and powers so get hold of yourself beautiful people.

A humble request to opposite sex have empathy towards your shakti.

Here are some foods that ease the struggles of the Perimenopausal phase

• COCONUT OIL :

  

1. It can be helpful in boosting our metabolism, stabilizing blood sugar, and helping to balance our hormones during this crazy time.

2. It is rich in MCT’s (medium chain triglycerides) which provide instant energy.

3. It helps in weight loss boosting our metabolism. MCT’S (medium chain triglyceride) increases satiety after eating so you feel full for longer, reducing your craving.

4. It’s Anti aging for lifetime glow.

• LEGUMES AND PULSES :

  

Pulses are from the food grain family, also known as legumes. Beans, soybeans, lentils, peas, chickpeas and peanuts are all part of this big happy pulse family. We love pulses.

1. They’re a cheap, low-fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

2. Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pulses are high in fibre, an important element in a healthy balanced diet, which may help to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

3. Pulses are also high in potassium. Including more potassium-rich foods in your diet can lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium.

4. Inexpensive source of protein when combined with cereals in right proportion gives complete protein. Pulses are a healthy and inexpensive source of protein, made up of about 20-25 percent of protein by weight.

5. Low Glycemic index. Low-GI foods cause a small rise in blood sugar, whilst foods with a high GI, cause a spike in blood sugar. It’s been found that people who include more low-GI foods in their diet tend to have lower rates of diabetes. Including pulses in your diet could make it easier for you to manage your blood sugar.

6. High in vitamins. Pulses are a good source of folate, B vitamin, needed to produce and maintain new cells, playing a major role in maintaining your health during the menopausal years. B vitamins may also help with memory loss and improve your concentration so Including pulses in your diet might help.

7. It can be consumed by vegan and high photoestrogens may help to support women during the menopause by producing oestrogen-like effects in the body.

8. Pulses contain iron which helps to transport oxygen throughout our bodies. A lack of iron may cause fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness.

But remember always soak them before cooking to avoid being windy after consumption.

• PRUNES :

Prunes are plums that have been dehydrated for preservation purposes. Sometimes called dried plums, prunes are deep red-brown with a chewy texture and a savory-sweet flavor.

1. Prunes are a carbohydrate rich source of fiber, low on the glycemic index.
2. They are packed full of several vitamins and minerals, including many B vitamins, potassium, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
3. Prunes helps slow bone loss in postmenopausal women. This is not because prunes are a source of calcium, but instead possibly through the stimulation of bone formation.

• FLAXSEEDS :

  

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a food and fiber crop.

1. Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid.
2. Flaxseeds also contain phytoestrogens called lignans, which are similar to the hormone estrogen.
3. Flaxseeds are a powerhouse of nutrition and can be helpful in balancing hormones, reducing cholesterol and reducing fatigue.
4. Flaxseeds reduces hot flushes.

• FISH :

  

Fish is a low-fat high quality protein.

1. Fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Omega 3 and vitamin d most important in perimenopausal phase.

2. Fish is rich in calcium and phosphorus and a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium.

3. Decreases mental depression. Omega fatty acids have been associated with the increased effectiveness of some anti-depressant medications, possibly because these fats help your brain function more efficiently.

4. Fish is also rich in iodine.

• MILK and MILK PRODUCTS :

  

1. Milk and milk products have a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate.
2. They are a very important source of essential nutrients, including calcium, riboflavin, Phosphorous, vitamins A and B12, potassium, magnesium, zinc & iodine.

3. They contain some soluble fiber which absorbs water and turns into a gel during digestion and is especially helpful to ease perimenopause symptoms. This helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling full. It can also help stabilize blood sugar levels.

4. Curd is a prebiotic good for gut.

• NUTS &SEEDS  :

  

1. Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
2. These tiny superfoods can help ease menopause symptoms and effects.
3. They can help improve bone mineral density, thus fighting osteoporosis.

Remember you are master of your mind follow these two mantra’s to succeed this curvy phase.

1. You gotta make the best of where you are today. 

2. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you when it rains, not just when it shines.

 SHUN  FOMO (Fear of missing out) it can lead you to miss out on something even greater: the life you truly deserve.