Many of the women I work with complain of sore joints and a multitude of other aches and pains at menopause.
The reason for this is that oestrogen is anti-inflammatory, so when levels are lower at menopause, you’re likely to be more inflamed. Think of inflammation as being damage inside the body.
But there are other causes too, and chances are what you’ve been eating leading up to menopause has also played a role, which is only just now becoming noticeable, now oestrogen levels are declining.
Apart from injury, there are many other factors that can increase inflammation:
? Processed food [ie made in a factory]
? Alcohol
? Coffee
? Gluten
? Smoking
? Sun damage
? Pollution
? Stress
? Lack of sleep
So what can you do about it?
As well as reducing all the inflammatory factors listed above, you can also:-
? Avoid cooking with vegetable oils
? Eat more anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich foods such as oily fish, linseeds, walnuts etc.
? Increase your intake of vitamin C from citrus fruit and green leafy vegetables
? Reduce the sugary and refined, starchy carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar balanced
? Add anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger to your food.
Let me know what one you’re going to try? I’d love to know if it makes a difference!