Whilst for some women this can be a boon because they no longer have to consider contraception, it can be accompanied by feelings that they are no longer a woman because they can no longer have babies. The emotional affects of the menopause can be disturbing especially for women who reach this stage prematurely. It affects the average woman at about 50.

Quite apart from the emotional impact, women can also experience embarrassing hot flushes during the day and night sweats which can disturb the sleep. Some women experience vaginal itching and dryness making sex uncomfortable. Others may find it makes them want to urinate more urgently and more often. Symptoms can last a few years or even more in some women.

Triggers for Menopause

Menopause is triggered by the fall in estrogen levels and as such can be quite a gradual process. Periods become less regular eventually stopping altogether at around early to mid 50s.

Lifestyle Changes to Minimize the Effects

There are a number of ways to reduce the effects of the menopause. Regular exercise can alleviate symptoms by increasing the circulation but also by the release of endorphins that give one a happy sensation to combat the feelings of anxiety often experienced at this time. As the menopause often comes at a time when children are leaving the nest, joining a sports club or playing in a team can give women a lift and an increased social life with other women.

Obviously if you’re prone to hot flushes during the day, wearing layers of clothing means you can easily take off a layer when you need to rather than suffering unnecessarily.

Although at this time women may be tempted to drink more because they feel stressed by the menopause, this actually makes the symptoms worse as does tea and coffee, spicy food and smoking.

Raw Foods to Help you Cope

Whilst many women resort to HRT, a growing number of women are choosing the natural alternative,although not raw, Soy. This stems from research showing that Japanese women don't even have a word in their language for ‘hot flush’ and are known to suffer a lot less than women in western society. Soy contains isoflavones that mimic estrogen in the body. It can be purchased as beans, tofu, milk, bread and yogurt. Recommended amount is 4ounces a day.

It seems distinctly unfair that at the same time as women approach the menopause they also find it difficult to lose weight and this can add to feelings of depression. So, try to reduce your intake of saturated fat in advance. A healthy diet is a must during the menopause with a focus on foods that are high in calcium and potassium. Avoid white bread, white rice and fried food.

These are the raw foods to eat for a healthy menopause:

• Pulses
• Wheat grass
• Fruits which are high in potassium to help balance sodium
• Melons
• Bananas
• Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons
• Dried Fruits
• Apricots
• Figs
• Vegetables and salad
• Kale
• Collard greens
• Spinach
• Pak choi
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Nuts
• Brazil nuts
• Walnuts
• Seeds
• Pumpkin
• Sunflower
• Flax
• Ginger for fluctuations in hormone levels
• Licorice for hot flushes and anxiety

It was probably a man who wrote that the menopause only lasts a few years! For many women it can be a very sad time when they feel their main role in life as a child bearer is no longer theirs. At the same time, children are flying the nest or having their own babies. Women may be retiring but simply have to switch to caring for their own parents. Introducing raw foods into your diet or changing your diet to raw and living foods and increasing your exercise will certainly help but probably sharing your feelings with your women friends will give you the emotional support you need.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari