Using Herbs Can Help You Lose Weight During Menopause

Herbs for weight loss are a common subject of discussion among women who are going through menopause. Weight gain is a real issue for many menopausal women. Changes in hormone levels can decrease energy, increase appetite, and contribute to water retention, all of which can lead to excess weight, particularly centered around the mid-section.

There are many different potential methods for addressing this weight gain, among them herbs for menopause. Which herbs are most effective is a matter of some debate, but there are a few that are generally believed to counter the symptoms of menopause and could be a positive factor in losing weight. As with any treatment plan, you should always consult with your doctor before taking herbs or herbal supplements.

Among the herbs for weight loss most often mentioned are dandelion, chasteberry, black currant and black cohosh. All of these herbs have been used for years to ease a variety of symptoms related to menopause and each can also be beneficial when it comes to losing weight. They should be taken in moderation and you should pay heed to the potential side effects they may cause.

Dandelion is a well-known and documented diuretic. Women in Europe have used it for generations to treat urinary tract infections. It is also among the many herbs for menopause weight loss because it helps to control water weight gain without flushing important nutrients from the system at the same time. Some people have experienced allergic reactions to dandelion, so some caution should be applied.

Since hormone imbalance is such a central part of menopause, the chasteberry is one of the most important herbs for weight loss as it directly affects hormone production. Chasteberry stimulates the production of progesterone, which can help to balance out the lack of estrogen during menopause. By balancing hormone levels, you can improve appetite and increase energy, all of which may make it easier to stick to a weight loss regimen.

As one of many herbs for menopause treatment, black currant is effective on two separate counts. Not only can it help regulate water weight gain, it also contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are central to hormone production. By ensuring that you are getting the proper amount of these vital nutrients, you can help to ease side effects of hormone imbalance that lead to weight gain.

Black cohosh has been one of the more controversial herbs for weight loss, but it is proven to combat some of the symptoms of menopause that lead to weight gain. Things like depression, mood swings and fatigue may be alleviated by taking black cohosh, and easing these symptoms can lead to increased energy and a lessened tendency to overeat.

Of course, herbs to do not provide a cure-all for any problem, including losing weight. The best method for losing weight at any stage of your life remains eating a balanced diet and exercising. But during menopause, when it can be difficult for women to deal with the effects of hormonal changes, having a little natural boost may be just what the doctor ordered.

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Two Great Herbs for Menopause

There are two herbs that have shown great promise for women in their fight against the drastic changes associated with menopause, Red Cover and Black Cohosh. Read on to learn the key points of nature's little assistants.

Red Clover

Unlike synthetic hormone replacements, the phytoestrogenic isoflavones of this herb provide mild estrogenic effects within a woman's body when estrogen levels are insufficient. That seems like a good deal of big words but what it really means is that a smooth, nearly symptomless transition between level changes is possible. These phytoestrogenic effects ensure a natural check-and-balance system in the body because they bind to estrogen receptors. During menopause, there are substances that are able to bind to these receptors, causing the drastic changes in mood, hot flashes, and other complaints. Because Red Clover keeps these herbs from binding, they are instead removed from the bloodstream and broken down for excretion.

Overall, this herb provides a natural way to keep estrogen levels in check, ensuring a balanced mood and body.

Black Cohosh

This herb softens the impact of menopause on the body. While it is similar to Red Clover in that it addresses the estrogen receptor sites in the body, the two herbs are different in the manner in which they do this. Red Clover provides a balance and produces this hormone naturally when needed, Black Cohosh has been shown to produce estrogen whether it is needed or not. While this may suggest that you should choose one over the other, don't act too quickly. Black Cohosh has shown promise in greatly reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes during menopause and also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to curb mood swings. This effect has proven beneficial during menopause as well as menstruation.

Beyond these herbs and the help they can provide, be sure to consider vitamins and minerals as well. Bone loss is not uncommon for women during this time and calcium supplements as well as magnesium are beneficial. Magnesium assists the effectiveness of calcium supplements and while you may not want to take an additional pill each day, your bones will thank you.

Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E have shown great promise in eliminating hot flashes and night sweats when taken long-term so consider incorporating these into your wellness regimen as well. Other great supplements to consider include a multi-vitamin, which is important for everyone, as well as B vitamins to support your adrenal glands. Because of the rapid changes, women's bodies can feel run-down and a B vitamin will assist your adrenals in keeping your energy levels up naturally.

While this change is no cake walk, the addition of the vitamins, herbs, and minerals listed above can provide a bit of relief. Relying only on chemicals or hormone replacement therapy can have a negative impact in other parts of your body so consider researching how natural remedies can benefit you.

To learn more about these herbs as well as foods and spices to incorporate into your diet during menopause, see this blog post http://www.hannakroeger.com/2012/02/08/herbs-for-menopause/

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