Low-Fat Diet Reduces Symptoms of Menopause

Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most common – and most complained about – symptoms of menopause. For women looking to lessen these discomforts without (or perhaps in addition to) using hormone replacement therapy, a new study has quite encouraging news. 

Led by Candyce Kroenke of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, the study found that menopause symptoms reduced or disappeared amongst women who lost 10 pounds by eating a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables. 

The healthy diet and weight loss combination positively impacted symptoms across the course of a year, the study found. And interestingly, the slight drop in weight benefited women of all sizes: those identified as within and above healthy weight both enjoyed lower symptoms when compared to the control group, who did not change their diet or weight. 

Advocates of healthy eating have long recommended seafood as a healthy, low-fat source of protein, and this study is one more reason to incorporate foods such as tuna and salmon into one’s diet. Many seafood items, such as sardines, also provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. And now, with this recent study, we have reason to believe that reducing heavier, fattier meats in favor of lighter, healthier alternatives adds yet another health benefit to the long and growing list: reduced menopausal symptoms.