Diet Connection Shows 92% Drop in Hot Flashes, Research Unveils

Diet Connection Shows 92% Drop in Hot Flashes, Research Unveils

Scoop on Managing Menopause: Vegan Diet and Soybeans to the Rescue!

Are you tired of those dreaded menopause symptoms like hot flushes making your life a living hell? Well, buckle up, because we've got some promising news for you!

A revolutionary study, published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, suggests that following a vegan diet, specifically one enriched with soybeans, could be the secret ingredient to reducing hot flush severity by up to 92%!

Intrigued? Welcome to the vegan menopause movement!

Over a period of 12 weeks, researchers discovered that vegan participants who supplemented their traditional plant-based diet with soybeans experienced a drastic decrease in severe hot flushes. Even more mind-blowing? The level of processing in the soybean product didn't matter!

On the flip side, the control group, who stuck to an omnivorous diet, saw no significant changes in their symptoms.

What's more? The soybean-rich diet also aided sustainable weight loss, with a mean loss of 3.6kg for the vegan group and a mere 0.2kg for the control group.

Dr Stephanie Faubion, the medical director for The Menopause Society, puts it this way: "This study showcases the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy – whatever the processing level – in terms of both hot flash management and weight loss. Given these benefits and the known perks like lowering heart disease and cancer risk, women in midlife should think about embracing a plant-based approach."

But, what exactly are soybeans? They're a legume, part of the pea family, and have been making waves in Chinese, Japanese, and even UK cuisines as of late! The British Dietetic Association (BDA) points out that some believe soy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease and menopausal symptoms due to their isoflavone content.

So, where can you find these magical soya-rich products? Look no further than:

• Edamame
• Tofu
• Soya-based mince and meat alternatives
• Soya milk
• Soya-based yogurts
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Soy sauce
• Some types of protein powder

Now, before you go running to the store to stock up, let's talk ultra-processed foods. While this study confirms the benefits of a vegan diet for menopause, it's essential to note that ultra-processed foods have been associated with adverse cardiometabolic and mental health conditions and overall higher mortality risk[5].

When possible, opt for soya-rich natural foods and products that have undergone limited production, such as edamame, for the best benefits. Your health, and your future self, will thank you!

References

1. Luo, J. et al. (2011). Habitual nut and soy intake in relation to hot flushes and menopausal symptoms among Korean postmenopausal women: the Korean Women’s Health and Jejuneum (K-WHJ) study. Menopause, 18(9), 1003–1010. Link
2. Barnard, N. D. (2007). Food for Life: 10 Weeks to Reversing Diabetes. Simon & Schuster.
3. Wolfe, B. L. et al. (2005). The effects of soy isoflavones on hot flashes in menopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 12(5), 766–75. Link
4. Messina, M. (2015). Dietitians' Role in Counseling Patients with Cancer on Plant-Based Diets: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(2), 58–64. Link
5. Monteiro, C. A. et al. (2014). The Production and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and their Association with Diet Quality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of National Dietary Intake Data from Brazil. Public Health Nutrition, 18(3), 444–453. Link
6. Embrace a healthier lifestyle by managing menopause symptoms with a vegan diet and soybeans, as suggested by a study published in the Menopause journal.
7. A vegan diet supplemented with soybeans could potentially reduce hot flush severity by up to 92%, as discovered over 12 weeks in the study.
8. Radical reduction in severe hot flushes was observed in the vegan participants who added soybeans to their traditional plant-based diet.
9. The level of processing in the soybean product didn't impact the positive effects on hot flushes, according to the research.
10. The control group, following an omnivorous diet, showed no significant improvements in menopausal symptoms.
11. Adopting this soybean-rich vegan diet also led to sustainable weight loss, with an average loss of 3.6kg for the vegan group and just 0.2kg for the control group.
12. Dr Stephanie Faubion, the medical director for The Menopause Society, supports the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy on hot flash management and weight loss.
13. Soybeans are legumes, part of the pea family, and have become popular in various global cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, and British.
14. Soy foods are said to reduce the risk of heart disease and menopausal symptoms due to their isoflavone content, according to the British Dietetic Association.
15. Edamame, tofu, soya-based mince and meat alternatives, soya milk, soya-based yogurts, miso, tempeh, soy sauce, some types of protein powder, and various other soya-rich products can be incorporated into your diet.
16. Ultra-processed foods should be avoided as they have been linked to adverse cardiometabolic and mental health conditions and overall higher mortality risk.
17. Opt for natural, less-processed soya-rich foods like edamame for the best health benefits.
18. Vegan diets are known to lower heart disease and cancer risk, making it a beneficial choice in midlife.
19. Numerous other studies have shown the benefits of a plant-based diet for managing chronic diseases and promoting overall health and wellness.
20. A health-conscious lifestyle not only includes a vegan diet but also involves wellness practices such as fitness and exercise, mindfulness, and sustainable living.
21. Family and friends play a crucial role in supporting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making it essential to have open discussions about health and wellness.
22. Science and medical research have made significant strides in understanding health conditions such as autoimmune disorders, mental health issues, and neurological disorders, paving the way for innovative therapies and treatments.
23. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing various medical conditions like cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health problems, eye-health issues, and hearing concerns.
24. Healthcare professionals often recommend dietary supplements and medications to address specific health issues, but lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet and exercise are just as important.
25. The workplace offers opportunities for promoting health and wellness, with workplace wellness programs becoming increasingly popular.
26. Medications and medical procedures are not always the only solution for managing medical conditions like chronic diseases and mental health issues.
27. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, can significantly improve the quality of life for those dealing with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
28. Skin-care is another crucial aspect of overall health and wellness, with various treatments and products available to help maintain healthy and youthful skin.
29. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress through therapies and treatments can lead to improved well-being.
30. Weight management is an ongoing struggle for many, but adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction techniques can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
31. Education and self-development are essential components of personal growth, and online platforms offer a wealth of resources for learning, goal-setting, and lifelong learning.
32. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can lead to increased productivity, improved focus, and reduced stress.
33. Product-reviews from trusted sources can help consumers make informed decisions about their health and wellness products, from nutritional supplements to self-care items.
34. Health and wellness encompasses all aspects of life, from interior design and cooking to dining, home and garden, home improvement, baking, beverages, and even gardening – and sustainable living is at the heart of it all.

Read also: