Flax Seed's Benefits Contribute to Menopause Symptom Relief

A flood of recent flax seed research underscores the benefits flax seed has on healthful living. The idea isn't new. Specifically, scientists, nutritionists and physicians studying menopause have determined that the high fiber and lignan content of flax seed products can offer natural menopause treatment. Products supplied by North American Nutrition can have a large impact on menopause, along with a preventative role concerning certain cancers.

Get Menopause Help with Flax Seed, a Natural Menopause Treatment

Flax seed has a significant impact in providing menopause symptom relief and menopause help, as well, according to ongoing studies. During menopause, a women's body undergoes dynamic change as fluctuating hormone levels influence all areas of her health and well being. During this mid-life change, many menopausal women strive to achieve hormonal balance with the proper combination of diet, exercise and nutrition.

Cross-cultural research shows that women whose traditional diet features a high intake of soy and flax have, on average, a milder menopausal experience. This conclustion is supported by scientific studies. Take, for example, the research of D.M. Tham, C.D. Gardner, and W.L. Haskell of the Stanford Center of Research in Disease Prevention at Stanford University Medical School. These scientists drew upon experiments in molecular and cellular biology, animal studies, and some human clinical trials. Their conclusions, published in the July 1998 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinological Metabolim concluded that “phytoestrogens may potentially confer health benefits related to...menopausal symptoms.”

-Jane Reinhardt-Martin RD, LD
An excerpt from her book FLAX Your Way to Better Health

"Just a little note. I cannot take hormone pills, patches, or creams. For the last 3 years I've been taking flax meal (1 teaspoon twice a day). I only have night sweats. I've only slept with a sheet, even in the winter. When I hit Menopause, the hot flashes came all day long. Talked with my doctor and she said to increase to 2 big tablespoons twice a day. I mix it with nuts in the food processor and add to several foods. (Yogurt, peanut butter on toast, cereal, etc.). Immediately the hot flashes went away PLUS the night sweats!! It feels so good to be able to have the comforter on again. Feel great."

Thank you,
C. Haworth

Estrogen begins to slow down during perimenopause, a span of time prior to menopause. The average age for the onset of menopause is 52. However, it may begin as early as 35 and as late as 60.

The decreasing and fluctuating level of estrogen causes the following symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause: irregular periods; hot flashes; night sweats; insominia; mood swings; fluid retention; vaginal dryness; dry skin and hair; depression; and fatigue.

A balanced diet is one of the biggest factors in coping with menopausal symptoms. An element that can help balance a women's hormone level is phytoestrogens, which are natural plant estrogens occurring in many foods, including flaxseed. Noted doctors and researchers such as Nancy Snyderman, M.D., Christine Northrup, M.D., Robert Arnot, M.D., Susan Love, M.D., Susan Lark, M.D., and Susun Weed have advocated eating foods that are high in phytoestrogens.

Dr. Snyderman noted menopause symptoms are generally temporary. She has placed an emphasis on proper diet that will give women extra phytoestrogens. In addition to commenting on the benefits of having women add flaxseed to their daily diet, Dr. Snyderman said: "...flaxseed and certain other foods contain high levels of plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). They are good for reducing hot flashes and other symptoms (and they may also lower your cholesterol and help prevent breast cancer)."

Weaker than human estrogens, phytoestrogens are beneficial in more ways as they attach themselves to the body's estrogen receptors. If a woman's estrogen level is low, phytoestrogens increase the body's level; if it is high, phytoestrogens replace the stronger human estrogen which may have harmful effects.

Not only do noted physicians emphasize the benefits of flaxseed, research institutes have cited data indicating elements such as phytoestrogens can improve health in additional ways.

This is what the Tuft University Health and Nutrition Letter said: "...today's studies focus on foods containing phytoestrogens. The notion is that phytoestrogens may relieve symptoms of perimenopause and reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis with fewer adverse effects than hormone replacement therapy. In other words, we may be able to eat our way through menopause rather than medicating ourselves against it."

Medical studies have drawn attention to the apparent benefits of a plant-based diet rich in phytoestrogens in Asian cultures. Such a diet is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while it is low in saturated fats. Research suggests that the plant based-diet is a contributing factor to the low rate of menopausal symptoms, breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis in Asian women.

flaxseed and CANCER PREVENTION

As noted earlier, flaxseed is a principal element giving a person a diet high in fiber and lignan content. The high lignan content is believed to be the defense mechanism against cancers that are primarily hormone-dependent. Lignans are considered to act as plant hormones. Researchers believe these plant hormones mimic the bodies own estrogen type of cells and can block the formation of hormone-based tumors or growths.

Diets rich in fiber have long been held as a safeguard against colon cancer. As a matter of fact, a study at the University of Helsinki cited strong evidence that lignans encompass cancer-protective compounds. flaxseed has 75-800 times more lignans than vegetables or other grain products, according to the study of lignans and their plant hormone properties.

Essential Fats - PMS Relief

According to the studies of prominent researchers of fats like Drs. William Connor, Donald Rudin, David Horrobin, Barry Sears, Udo Erasmus and Edward Siguel, essential fat (from Omega-3 oils in flaxseed) has proven effective in alleviating 90 percent of premenstrual tensions and discomfort.