Hello there once again. It rained for a day all over UAE and everyone poured feeds of rain drops filled car windshields, puddles on the road, small springs running through the Wadi, and cups of tea with onion fritters being enjoyed by the window or balcony. If you are a person from the Subcontinent- you know the nostalgia.
I am in India, as I write this blog, while India is undergoing full-blown monsoons. I have been blessed to have experienced the green fields, foggy mountains, heavy showers, and croaking frogs around me. I asked my mom, why we crave fritters in such weather, and she said, your body tells you what it needs. We prepare certain delicacies on such special occasions or during particular seasons or weather conditions. Why go far, millets like Jowar (Sorghum) are preferred in Summers, Ragi (finger millet) in Monsoons, and Bajra (Pearl Millet) in winters. The Indian kitchens are filled with spices with rich medicinal properties. We use mint for stomach issues and clove for toothache.
This set me thinking, about what could be variable items in my kitchen that could also be used to ease off some menopausal symptoms.
What are the typical menopausal symptoms by the way?
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair and skin changes
Items in my kitchen:
- Black Cohosh-
It’s a variety of buttercup which is helpful in reducing hot flushes as well as night sweats. (Also easily available as Remifemin at FITAMINAT)
- Flax seeds and walnuts-
Both are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which mimic phytoestrogen which helps menopausal symptoms. Flax seeds are sometimes difficult to digest, so a roasted or ground powdered version is preferred.
- Soy-
Soy in its natural forms like Tofu or soy milk contains phytoestrogen, helpful for reducing menopausal symptoms
- Manuka Honey-
Manuka honey (check stocks at FITAMINAT) has been found to have estrogenic activity, which helps reduce symptoms like skin and vaginal dryness and improves digestion too. Best to have it drizzled on breakfast toast or in your tea. Good replacement for artificial sweeteners as well as sugar.
- Herbal teas-
Insomnia, mood swings, and nightly sweats are very well taken care of by chamomile tea and valerian root infusions. Herbal teas also help keep weight in check.
- Peanut butter and guacamole-
Aerobic exercises or physical activity need supportive nutrition which is inclusive of good fats for heart health. So go ahead and binge on peanut butter or your favourite variety of avocado guacamole.
Well, above were just some insights from my mom’s and grandmom’s kitchen stores. Enlighten me with your kitchen’s secret ingredients @doctabu (IG) or @at.meno.pause. and enjoy your tea on the balcony
Cheers
About the blogger:
Dr. Tabassum Inamdar is a dynamic Homeopath, a passionate artist, and an adventurer in life. From Medical corporate to Academics, she has balanced her left brain and right brain with equal passion for Art. She writes a series of blogs “No pause at Menopause” in collaboration with @at.meno.pause.ae a sketch artist since childhood, she is enchanted by theatre and writing. She is a regular theatre performer in Dubai. She continues life’s adventure by trekking, Sky diving, or Marshalling at Formula 1 tracks. You may stalk her @doctabu (IG) or say hello @tabu.inamdar (FB)
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