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Is Your Diet Adding to Your Stress During Menopause?

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

Menopause can have notoriously bad timing. It can pop up when you may already be trying to cope with a number of changes all around you – an empty nest, aging parents, creaking bones, and looming retirement. It’s symptoms only add to your stress and leave you burning the candle at both ends – and that has you drinking far too much java and going through way too many drive-thrus.

Without realizing it, you may be worsening your stress level by taking too many shortcuts with your diet. You are what you eat, so all that mindless munching may be taking its toll on your state of mind. Rather than help you get through stressful times, it really may be making it harder for you to cope.

If you’re feeling the strains of stress, take a few minutes to think about your diet. Are the following habits part of your regular meal plan? If so, make it a point to work with your doctor to create a healthier diet for you.

Too Much Caffeine

How much coffee are you drinking each day? What about sodas? While that caffeine might give you a burst of energy or bit of pep when you’re tired, it can backfire on you as well. Too much caffeine can reduce productivity, cause poor concentration, and keep you from sleeping. It can also cause an increase in stress hormones that can leave you antsy and agitated. It’s bad for your bones, too.

Not Enough Water

If you’re feeling stressed and in a rush, you may not be remembering to drink enough water. Instead, you may be reaching for java and soda, or you could be going without liquids as you frantically move from one task to another. Without enough water, your body can’t function properly. It also starts producing extra cortisol, one of the stress hormones. Water won’t make your troubles go away, but it can help you cope with them better.

Too Much Sugar

Sugar can be oh so pleasant on your tongue, but it’s not so good for the rest of your body. You know it’s bad for your teeth, but did you know it can also overload your liver, may increase your risk for cancer, and adds inches to your waistline? It can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels that may lead to poor concentration, fatigue, and moodiness. It also causes stress because your body produces cortisol, a stress hormone, when your blood sugar varies too much.

Fast Food

Getting some take-out or going through a drive-thru may seem easier than cooking when you’re stressed. But too many of those meals is only going to compound the problem. What’s quick and easy now can create long-term health problems and increase your stress levels, thanks to the added calories, fat, and sodium. The extra weight it can add around your middle can also take a toll on your self-esteem and physical health, further increasing your stress levels.

Skipping Breakfast

It’s true: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gets you going, kick starts your metabolism, stabilizes your blood sugar, keeps your appetite in check, and has so many other health benefits. If you’re skipping breakfast because you’re stressed and busy, you may be adding to your stress by losing its benefits and falling prey to unexpected health risks and possible weight gain.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



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