What is the best diet to follow to help with menopausal symptoms?

The menopause can put tremendous pressure on the body as a whole, so the more you can do to support your body just now the better.

I would suggest a good varied diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veg, wholegrains such as brown rice, quinoa and millet.

Keep wheat intake to a minimum, as some women can find that carb metabolism goes awry at this time, and results in weight gain.

Protein needs often go up in the menopause so, if you are not vegetarian, go for good lean meats and plenty of fish and have a good portion of protein every day.

If you are vegetarian then you could have a protein drink every day (but make sure that it is without sugars or artificial sweeteners) or increase your intake of nuts and seeds, beans and pulses.

Eileen Durward