NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Nutrition plays a major role in enduring any kind of life change, and that
includes
 menopause. Because of the obvious adrenal involvement and the overtaxing of
pituitary
function, special attention must be given nutritional support of the immune
system. High
 quality protein in moderate amounts--45 to 75 grams per day, every day--is
essential to
immune function, as it is protein that the body needs to make hormones,
enzymes, and
antibodies. Protein is also required to replace breakdown of muscle and other
tissues
during stress.
The adrenal glands require all of the B-complex to function, but especially
pantothenic
acid (B5). B5 is adrenal-specific. Deficiency of B5 leads to successive
infections, chronic
swollen glands, fatigue, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, and sensitive
digestion
resulting in flatulence. B5 is difficult to obtain in the American diet due
to the
widespread use of the warehouse fumigant methyl bromide, which destroys B5 in
stored
grains and produce. Best sources are soy beans, yogurt, brewer's yeast, and
chili peppers.
Best to supplement during menopause: 500-1000 mgs. taken with B-complex or
brewer's
yeast.
Other immune system adjuncts: vitamin C (supplements of 1000-5000 mgs.
daily), beta
carotene--through lots of green, yellow, and orange vegetables, or capsules
of 25,000
I.U.
Include antioxidant supplementation in the diet. Besides beta carotene,
selenium, and
vitamin C (above), vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols)--found everywhere in any
diet but
in minuscule amounts, is necessary as a molecular protectant. It prevents
oxidation of
hormones--very important. Vitamin E also stimulates glands, especially the
ovaries and
adrenals, to produce more hormones. Many women who use vitamin E report a
cessation
of hot flushes and other bothersome symptoms.
     Vitamin E is very unstable and is quickly destroyed by air exposure and
heat.
Supplement with mixed tocopherols starting at 100 I.U., and increasing 100
I.U. a week
until at a 1000 I.U. level. Monitor blood pressure daily: Those not
accustomed to vitamin
E supplements may react with increased blood pressure. If this happens, drop
the dose,
and wait a week to increase it. D-alpha forms of tocopherol have been known
to cause
heart palpitations in sensitive individuals. Use mixed tocopherols only. The
dl-alpha
form of vitamin E is synthetic and useful as an antioxidant, but has no
affect on hormone
production.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS:

Selenium: not more than 100 mcgs. daily.
Iodine: to fortify a possibly overworked thyroid. The best source is kelp.
Calcium: absolutely essential. Never take calcium supplements without
magnesium in a
 2:1 ratio--that is, 1200 mgs. calcium to 600 mgs. magnesium. Calcium without
magnesium makes the kidneys dump calcium and other minerals. Chelated forms
are
 excellent, orotates are even better. Preparations with magnesium oxide can
cause gas and
diarrhea. Oyster shell calcium and dolomite are identical (dolomite is
ancient sea shells),
but dolomite often contains lead. Check your labels--they should state that
your dolomite
is lead-free.
Vitamin D (calciferol) is essential for the absorption of calcium and
magnesium. About
400 units is required for a 1200 mg calcium/600 mg. magnesium supplement.
Zinc: as a chelate, 25-50 mgs., aids in reduction of cysts and pimples often
associated
with menopause.
Pyridoxine (B6): important in hormone production (especially GABA--gamma
amino
butyric acid--an inhibitory, calming neurotransmitter, which alleviates
irritability and
insomnia) and relief of water retention. Recommended: 50-500 mgs. daily
(higher doses
only for water retention not related to high sodium intake).
Adhere to a high quality diet abundant in low-fat poultry and fish, non-fat
dairy products,
and lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Minimize during menopause: refined sugar, caffeine, hot beverages, alcohol,
and fats
(especially fried foods and fatty meats and cheeses).
Note: Menopause can increase complications and symptoms of any disease state.
This is
probably due to increased prostaglandin production. Symptoms of diabetes,
asthma,
arthritis and other inflammatory disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia
gravis, and
clinical depression can worsen during menopause. Nutritional support should
be targeted
at improving these disease states as well.

Above article From Nutritional Self-Defense: A Reference Manual for the
Educated Layperson and the Health Professional"
E-mail addresses:cosmigellan@catbox.jd.com, or cosmi@aol.com
 /s


    ڿ��  No Fnords  Ŀ����� Schr�dinger's Cat Box ����ͻ��Deal With It!Ŀڿ
 ��͵��� Clean Paths ��� It's Creative Expression, Man! ���San Diego, CA�������
    ����VNET @1619002����������� (619) 426-9686 �������ͼ��USENET Access����