Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, signaling the end of her reproductive years and the beginning of a new phase of physical, emotional and hormonal changes. As women approach menopause, their bodies go through significant hormonal changes. During this time, it’s essential for women to give their health extra attention and take proactive steps to ensure they are managing their symptoms, maintaining their overall well-being, and staying informed about the changes that are happening in their bodies.
Adopting a high-potassium diet during and after menopause may improve your health. Recent studies have shown that women ages 50 to 79 benefited from adding more potassium-rich foods to their meals. Combine that with estrogen pills over the counter, and you’ve got the foundation for a healthy, stress-free menopause experience.
Decrease the Likelihood Of Stroke
One of the primary benefits of increasing dietary potassium is the potential reduction in the number of strokes. A high-potassium diet can reduce all types of stroke by as much as 21%, according to the research. Ischemic stroke risk was reduced by 27%.
It’s important to note that this benefit was obtained by eating high-potassium foods, not by taking potassium supplements. These foods include:
- Beans and lentils
- Dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots
- Tomatoes and potatoes
- Winter squash
- Beet greens and spinach
- Broccoli
- Bananas
Salmon and chicken are also good sources of potassium. Build your meals with at least one of these foods in mind and add a mood swings menopause supplement for better overall well-being.
Helps With Proper Nerve & Muscle Function
Potassium is also an important player in the nerve and muscle game. It can help regulate your blood pressure and your heart rhythms. Does heart disease run in your family? Up your potassium intake to reduce your chances of getting it.
When sodium and calcium get together with potassium, they make something called action potentials. An action potential is a little burst of electrical activity that sends messages to your muscles and nerves, telling them when to relax or contract. This promotes healthier circulation and nerve and muscle function.
Other Benefits of Potassium
Many women wonder, “What causes hot flashes during menopause?” During perimenopause and throughout menopause and into post-menopause, your hormones fluctuate wildly. Estrogen levels, in particular, begin a long, slow decline. This causes your hypothalamus, which regulates your body’s temperature, to become more sensitive and trigger the events that result in hot flashes.
While potassium has not been shown to reduce hot flashes, it can ease the anxiety that often accompanies them. As a serotonin regulator, it can calm down the nervous system. In addition, potassium can do the following:
- Boost thyroid health
- Regulate cortisol and keep adrenals healthy
- Nourish heart muscles and prevent plaque buildup
- Improve digestion
- Assist in insulin production
If you would like to enjoy all these benefits of a potassium-rich diet, start by taking a look at what you are already eating. Are there a lot of processed foods on your plate? Do you eat a lot of fast food? Both of these types of food contain very little potassium and will fill you up without giving you these important nutrients.
Also, beware of alcohol and caffeine. These drinks are diuretics and will flush potassium right out of your body. Fresh orange juice, tomato juice, and pomegranate juice are great beverage choices to increase potassium intake.
Start today to put more potassium-rich foods into your meals and snacks. Your body will function better and you can enjoy increased health.
