Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (254 page)

Carrots and beets. Both can help with hormone regulation during menopause. Beets are especially good for building the blood, which may be necessary after surgery.

Soy for its estrogenic effect. Tempeh, tofu, miso, natto, and soy yogurt are all good. Avoid processed soy, as in textured vegetable protein (TVP) or soy isolates and many processed foods.

Include wheat germ (if wheat is tolerated). Wheat germ is rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, and magnesium, all of which are important for hormone balancing and the function of the adrenal glands.

Ground flax seeds, which contain precursors to lignans that have an estrogenic effect. They also supply essential fatty acids needed for hormonal balance.

Sea vegetables such as hijiki, wakame, kelp, and kombu deserve a special mention for their incredibly high mineral content, including abundant calcium.

AVOID

Sugar, refined foods, alcohol, caffeine, salt, and artificial additives. These can all upset blood-sugar levels and trigger menopausal symptoms.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Drink estrogenic herbs as teas. Fenugreek, licorice, red clover, fennel, and sage are all useful. Dandelion and nettle teas are also useful.

Take evening primrose oil, which has an estrogenic effect and can help to keep skin well hydrated.

Supplement with vitamin E, which has been found to reduce hot flashes, stimulate estrogen production, and aid healing of scar tissue. It can be applied directly to scar tissue; just pierce the capsule and massage in the oil.

Take probiotic supplements. Surgery can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the bowel. Good digestion and nutrient absorption is dependent on good bowel health.

Herbs such as dong quai and black cohosh can be used to relieve menopausal symptoms (see page
138
for further information).