Estrogen Rich Foods - A Natural Remedy For Hot Flashes

Few women suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings and brittle hair are aware that estrogen rich foods represent a natural remedy for hot flashes and most all menopause symptoms. These foods could be a particular blessing to women who are wary of synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

The foods I'm talking about help lessen the discomfort of menopause because they contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens come primarily in two forms - isofavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found primarily in plant based food such as fruits and vegetables. Lignans are found in legumes that grow underground. Instead of giving a long list of fruits and vegetables for you to shop for I would prefer to give you a simple four part strategy that is much easier to remember and facilitate on a daily basis.

Strategy number one, eat more beans. Beans are high in fiber, and isoflavones. They are a good source of protein and their protein to carbohydrate ratio is excellent. They are the perfect "survival" food. The best of the beans from an isoflavone standpoint are garbanzos, lima beans, navy beans and black-eyed peas..

Strategy number two, eat more fruits and vegetables. I know that it sounds like something your mother would tell you but they are good for you. They are high in fiber and isoflavones as well as vitamins and minerals. The particular fruits to target are apples, dates, plums and cherries. This is an important part of the menopause regimen.

Strategy number three, eat more soy and tofu. Soy protein shakes are an excellent meal replacement as well as being an excellent source of plant based estrogen. Tofu is excellent when cut up in salads and as a meat replacement in various casseroles. Don't make a snap judgement on the first taste of tofu it will grow on you!

Strategy number four, eat more flaxseed. I particularly enjoy flaxseed oil based peanut butter. I have a coffee grinder and I use it to grind up flaxseed and then sprinkle it into my cereal either hot or cold. Flaxseed is excellent as a source of fiber and is believed to be a deterent to many forms of cancer, most notably breast cancer.

If you have rejected hormone replacement therapy then by all means try adding estrogen rich foods to your diet as a natural remedy for hotflashes and other menopausal discomforts. Benefits derived from eating estrogen foods will take four to six weeks to become noticeable.