Natural Thigs To Do To Ease The Symptoms Of Menopause Part 2

Mood swings

• Increase complex carbs, which can help the brain produce serotonin, a chemical that helps settle your nerves. Try barley instead of white rice or pasta in soups, substitute a sweet potato for a regular one, sprinkle oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf, and bake with whole-grain flour and oat bran instead of white flour.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Moving your body increases endorphins — those feel-good chemicals in your brain.

Vaginal dryness

• Try an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer to address dryness and replenish moisture.
• Water-based, over-the-counter lubricants can make sex more comfortable.
• You know the saying use it or lose it? It’s true here. Staying sexually active helps by increasing blood flow to the vagina.

Another super important note: After menopause, a woman’s calcium needs go up to maintain bone health. Women 51 and older should get 1,200 mg of calcium each day.

Vitamin D also is important to bone health. Women 51 to 70 should get at least 600 IU of vitamin D each day. Women ages 71 and older need at least 800 IU of vitamin D each day. Higher amounts, at least 1,000 IU each day, may be needed to achieve and maintain optimal body stores, not only for bone health, but to support immune health, promote healthy cell division and maintain muscle strength.