Menopause is a tipping point; the rules change and you need to approach nutrition differently. Perimenopause famously can be up to 10 years, so it’s about preparing for the marathon. It also comes at a time of challenge where women often have greater responsibilities at work, ageing parents and teenage children, so we need to go in eyes wide open. It’s much better to think of it as getting in shape for it.
Gut health matters, but go carefully. Improving gut health is one of the things that will make everything easier. If your body is your vehicle for life, when you’re in this hormonal transition, you want the engines and the clearance systems working well. Fermented foods are helpful, but by midlife a lot of people have non-specific digestive challenges, so adding three kombuchas and a sauerkraut can cause a reaction. The same goes with plant proteins; adding beans, lentils and pulses can also cause gas and distension – take a few steps back and add them slowly and gradually. Don’t give up, just get some advice.