That’s what a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition seems to be showing. Australian researchers from the University of Queensland investigated the association of dietary patterns with the risk of presenting menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor menopausal symptoms.
The researchers analyzed data from 6040 women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, with a natural menopause. They were followed up every 3 years for a total of 9 years. Their diet was assessed at the beginning of the study along with menopausal symptoms as well as during follow up.
There were several dietary patterns identified such as Mediterranean style, meat, high fat and high sugar. The results showed that consumption of a Mediterranean style diet and a fruit diet was associated with less reporting of these menopausal symptoms whereas a high fat, high sugar diet was associated with increased risk of these symptoms.
Of course this study does not show causality, but it is a reminder that our diets can affect many functions in our bodies. And if a diet that is good for the heart, good for the mind and may make menopause a bit less uncomfortable, then why not? The researchers noted that these results may lead to dietary preventative measures for these symptoms