Menopause - What you need to know
Menopause is a natural part of life. Find out when and how it starts, what happens and what the benefits are. There are also a number of natural treatments available.
Menopause hubMenopause symptoms
Every woman’s experience of menopause differs and the severity of their symptoms are mostly due to fluctuating hormones. Some women experience certain symptoms quite markedly but find they’re manageable. Others have quite severe symptoms that interrupt their daily routine and disrupt their quality of life. Then there are the lucky ones who have very mild symptoms or none at all.
The symptoms include everything from the widely recognised hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings, to the more unexpected ones such as headaches and migraines,
Let’s explore the more common menopausal symptoms and recommended A.Vogel remedies.
Anxiety, stress and mood
As hormones start to fluctuate and other accompanying life changes happen during the menopausal years, it impacts how women feel, think, behave, and react. Many women experience menopausal mood swings. These symptoms are more prevalent than society cares to recognise.
Low mood during menopause may be worsened by the fact that it often coincides with the years that children are starting to leave home or going off to study, and a mother may be dealing with empty nest syndrome. This may feed the hormonally driven low mood, which doesn’t help when a woman is already feeling tender. Very occasionally this may bring on bouts of depression. It is said that depression is the feeling or yearning for what has passed or ‘living in the past’.
Anxiety and irritability can also be part of menopause. Some women find that these symptoms are similar to PMS mood swings. This is often a stress response. Anxiety and stress responses are considered to be about feeling out of control and fear of the future.
Top tip: Learn more about stress and how to manage it better.
Recommended treatments:
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A.Vogel Menoforce Hot Flush and Night Sweat Remedy This Western Herbal medicine does not contain oestrogen or have an oestrogen-like action. It is a convenient one-a-day tablet that is safe to take with other medication and treatments. It is used for the supportive treatment of menopausal syndrome and associated hot flushes and night sweats. In menopausal women A.Vogel Menoforce is used for the following:
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This is a homeopathic nerve tonic. The ingredients specifically address nervous tension and exhaustion during or after stressful events resulting in agitation, hypersensitivity and restlessness. It is indicated for emotional symptoms such as anger, anticipation, depressed mood, fear, grief, irritability, resentment and tearfulness. It is used to support the nervous system during periods of conflict, emotional strain or stress, or to use in situations of acute shock and trauma. |
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This is Western herbal medicine which acts as a mild sedative for the supportive treatment of anxiety, irritability, nervous tension, restlessness and sleeplessness. Valerian is probably the most known of all calming herbs. A.Vogel Valeriana is made using organically grown fresh extracts of valerian root. |
Bladder issues/symptoms?
Weakness of the connective tissue may affect the muscles controlling the bladder, especially if you’ve had children or have had recurring bladder infections. As a result, you may find you need to urinate more often. Also, the urethra becomes thinner and more sensitive to the acidity of the urine making it more susceptible to bladder infections or cystitis, even more so during menopause.
Bladder infections are also called urinary tract infections (UTIs). They are generally caused by bacteria in the bladder and urethra. Women are particularly prone because they have shorter urethras. Menopausal women are especially susceptible to bladder infections because the skin starts to get drier and thinner in that area.
The symptoms typically include murky and sharp smelling urine, burning pain in the urethra when urinating, and the sensation of needing to urinate even after having just been. Some women also present with a slight temperature as the body tries to fight off the invading bacteria and resulting infection.
Top tip: By preventing recurring bladder infections, you prevent the risk of contracting interstitial cystitis which is also known as bladder pain syndrome.
Recommended treatments:
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A.Vogel Bladder Irritation Formula This homeopathic medicine is for the supportive treatment of irritable bladder conditions. The ingredients address frequent, uncomfortable or urgent urination, an overactive bladder and urinary discomfort associated with minor infections of the urinary tract. |
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Better known as a tonic for the bladder, this herbal formulation is for the supportive treatment of bladder infections and bladder weakness. This Western Herbal medicinal product is used for the treatment of mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections such as burning sensations during urination and/or frequent urination. Although it is advised for use when the bladder is uncomfortable, it can be used long-term. It has anti-inflammatory properties. |
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This is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as citrate and bicarbonate salts (alkalising minerals) and has a systemic alkalinising effect. It is a multi-mineral combination product, containing health supplements (minerals) and a homeopathic complex that supports the body’s acid buffering mechanism by providing essential alkaline minerals required to combat a typical acidogenic diet (high in animal protein and low/deficient in fruit, vegetables and minerals) and lifestyle, thereby assisting in addressing the negative consequences thereof. |
Blood pressure
Occasionally, anxiety, irritability and stress are accompanied by heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat or pounding heartbeats. That’s because the body is responding to anxiety and stress and producing too much adrenalin. If this is not kept in check panic attacks may ensue. This affects the health of the heart.
One heart condition to pay attention to during menopause and in the postmenopause years is menopausal hypertension.
Menopause is not a disease, arguably neither is hypertension. Hypertension is a health condition. Together they make a potentially serious combination. This is why menopausal hypertension has been called the ‘silent lady killer’ if it isn’t managed properly.
As many as 30% of all South Africans currently live with some form of heart disease. It is now one of the biggest causes of death in the country. That’s more than all the deaths caused by cancers combined, and more than half the deaths of people under the age of 65. One of the biggest causes of heart disease is hypertension or high blood pressure. .
Top tip: Eating too much salt is one of the leading causes of hypertension. It’s important to pay attention to how much salt you’re eating during your menopause. Learn more.
Recommended treatments:
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This herbal medicine is a cardiac and circulatory tonic which helps maintain and/or support heart and cardiovascular health. |
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A.Vogel Menoforce Hot Flush and Night Sweat Remedy This Western Herbal medicine does not contain oestrogen or have an oestrogen-like action. It is a convenient one-a-day tablet that is safe to take with other medication and treatments. It is used for the supportive treatment of menopausal syndrome and associated hot flushes and night sweats. In menopausal women A.Vogel Menoforce is used for the following:
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These capsules are a source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for the maintenance of good health and must be included in the diet as the body does not produce them. They are non-GMO and gluten-free. |
Hair, nails and skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ comprising around 15% of its total weight. Skin is highly porous and absorbs more than 50% of the water-soluble molecules in the everyday products that are used. It is also the first line of defence from the elements and disease-causing germs. It’s worth looking after. From the soaps, suds, shampoos and sunscreen that are applied, it’s never too early nor too late to start using natural, good quality, chemical-free products wherever and whenever possible.
The skin is a type of connective tissue, and it has many layers. The hormonal changes brought on by menopause coupled with genetics, diet, skincare routine and how well this organ has been cared for wholistically over time may affect its health in the long run. Dry, itchy skin is a common symptom of menopause.
Hormonal changes during menopause cause the connective tissue under our skin as well as the many layers of the skin itself to become thinner and less elastic. This often leads to wrinkles, thinner hair and more brittle nails because of how the body starts to replicate the cells and repair these tissues.
Top tip: The condition of your hair, nails and skin is also an indicator of how well your immune system is doing. Learn more here.
Recommended treatments:
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This is a topical, broad acting herbal healing cream, for dry, chapped, cracked, irritated skin and to relieve itching due to dryness. |
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This homeopathic medicine is recommended for the supportive treatment of dermatitis and skin rashes. The ingredients address both dry and moist, itchy skin rashes directly and by supporting detoxification via liver and kidneys. |
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This topical herbal tissue oil contains extracts of organically grown St John’s Wort processed fresh after harvesting. It helps to moisturise, protect, soften and restore skin that’s exposed to the environment. Ideal for general skin care, and for dry, chapped skin. |
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This protects tired, exposed skin and can be used as day and night cream. It is made from the organically grown fresh comfrey herb extract. The Symphytum officinale is a perennial plant with broad hairy leaves and small bell-shaped flowers. It is native to Europe and grows well in many damp gardens in the British Isles. |
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This homeopathic formulation assists with the maintenance of healthy calcium levels. The ingredients address the healthy absorption and assimilation of calcium and minerals necessary for healthy bones, teeth, hair and nails, and assist the body to manage acidity levels. |
Headaches and migraines
There are many reasons for headaches and migraines. Hormones are believed to be a major contributing factor but not the only one. The reason that women are three times more likely than men to experience them is due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and then, later in life, menopause. This happens as the body works to find its new normal.
Women report a frequency of headaches two days leading up to their period and three days thereafter. Headaches may get significantly worse in the first trimester of pregnancy and tend to decrease in the final two. The number and intensity of headaches also increase as menopause approaches. This is mainly due to the rise and fall of oestrogen levels.
Top tip: Learn more about headaches and migraines and how to treat them naturally in this in-depth article.
Recommended treatments:
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This homeopathic medicine is for the prevention and supportive treatment of headaches and recurring headaches. The ingredients address spasms and tension. They also support detoxification as well as address associated symptoms such as nausea, visual disturbances and light sensitivity. |
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A.Vogel Petadolor Analgesic Formula This is a homeopathic medicine for the supportive treatment of painful conditions. It specifically addresses nerve pain and spasms. It is for painful spasms of the neck and back, associated headaches and nerve pains. This analgesic formula is a blend of 12 carefully selected ingredients that address various forms of pain and soothes them safely. |
Hot flushes and night sweats
Hot flushes are often accompanied by menopausal sweats during the day or night. These common symptoms are experienced by around 80% of women going through menopause.
The exact cause is not fully understood. It's believed that an imbalance in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone influence the temperature regulating area part of the brain while they are in a state of flux.
The two terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same set of symptoms because they tend to happen one after the other or simultaneously. A hot flush is experienced when the body’s core temperature rises. In response, the body produces sweat to cool itself down. Night sweats are the body’s response to hot flushes during the night. This can disturb sleep which may disrupt quality of life.
Sudden changes in room temperature, eating spicy foods, drinking too much caffeine and other stimulants, hot drinks, certain medications and stressful situations can also trigger hot flushes and sweats.
Top tip: Learn more about hot flushes and night sweats.
Recommended treatment:
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A.Vogel Menoforce Hot Flush and Night Sweat Remedy This Western Herbal medicine does not contain oestrogen or have an oestrogen-like action. It is a convenient one-a-day tablet that is safe to take with other medication and treatments. It is used for the supportive treatment of menopausal syndrome and associated hot flushes and night sweats. In menopausal women A.Vogel Menoforce is used for the following:
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Joints and muscles
The body is made up of around 45% connective tissue. That’s almost half of you! Some types of connective tissue include blood, bone, cartilage between the bones and in the joints, the joints themselves and the lymph nodes in the joints.
Decreasing amounts of oestrogen affects how the connective tissue of the body works and rebuilds itself. Some women, as many as 40% in fact, experience aching joints, muscle pain and stiffness during menopause. The top half of the body including the neck, shoulders, elbows and hands are the most commonly affected areas.
At this time it is important to distinguish between common muscle aches and joint pains, more serious osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear to the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis which is a medically confirmed autoimmune illness.
A change in diet can have a positive impact on these symptoms. We recommend staying away from refined carbohydrates, deep fried fatty food and too much salt. Increasing your intake of wholefoods, fresh fruit and vegetables and water will also help regulate pH levels and reduce inflammation systemically throughout the entire body.
Top tip: Learn more about joint pain here and muscle pain here.
Recommended treatments:
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This is a homoeopathic medicine to assist with the recovery from physical injury. It supports with the recovery from injury to soft tissue, sprains, strains, and associated pain, bruising and swelling. |
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A homeopathic medicine for the supportive treatment of age-related or degenerative joint pain and discomfort. In accordance with homeopathic literature, the ingredients assist to address minor pain, stiffness, and discomfort of the joints including the hands and feet with specific aggravation by cold and wet weather. |
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This is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as citrate and bicarbonate salts (alkalising minerals) and has a systemic alkalinising effect. It is a multi-mineral combination product, containing health supplements (minerals) and a homeopathic complex that supports the body’s acid buffering mechanism by providing essential alkaline minerals required to combat a typical acidogenic diet (high in animal protein and low/deficient in fruit, vegetables and minerals) and lifestyle, thereby assisting in addressing the negative consequences thereof. |
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This homeopathic medicine is for the supportive treatment of rheumatism. In accordance with homeopathic literature the ingredients address symptoms such as mild to moderate pain and discomfort of red and swollen soft tissue within the musculoskeletal system such as muscles, tendons, fibrous tissue as well as nerve pain and rheumatism. |
Memory
The odd lapse in memory and forgetful moment means that you are human. Commonly referred to as brain fog, memory problems are commonplace during menopause. Is it any wonder with fluctuating hormones, interrupted sleep patterns, mood swings, and a major life transition into a new phase of womanhood?
It means that working a little smarter with lists and diaries now become important. Schedules, routines and to-do lists become a standard and acceptable de facto coping lifeline.
It is important to pay attention to this symptom in particular and it should not be taken lightly. As with any condition, early onset dementia is best treated and dealt with early or better yet, when prevented altogether. If you are concerned about your memory please speak to your healthcare practitioner.
The good news is that it might be due to something as simple as not drinking enough good quality water consistently every day. Did you know that forgetfulness is a sign of mild to moderate dehydration? Dehydration happens more quickly and more often than anyone cares to admit. You can become dehydrated by losing as little as 2% of your body weight in water. Drink 1.5 litres of good quality filtered water consistently throughout the day.
Top tip: Learn all about the benefits of water here.
Recommended treatments:
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This homeopathic medicine is for the supportive treatment of poor concentration and memory. The ingredients specifically address overactivity, restlessness, distraction, daydreaming, and poor memory recall as well as mental fatigue and associated anxiety. |
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This is a Western Herbal medicine which supports circulation and cognitive health. It is indicated for the supportive treatment of circulatory disorders leading to symptoms such as coldness and discomfort of the extremities and heaviness of the legs. Also, for the supportive treatment of mild age associated cognitive impairment (dementia) and its negative impact on quality of life, including symptoms such as forgetfulness, weakness of memory and poor concentration. |
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These capsules are a source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for the maintenance of good health and must be included in the diet as the body does not produce them. They are non-GMO and gluten-free. |
Menstrual cycle
Although menopause is official once there’s been no menstrual bleed for 12 months, it happens gradually over time. It is rare for monthly periods to stop suddenly. Menopause has several phases. Perimenopause is the lesser-known term for when the symptoms start to become more pronounced.
Most commonly, menstrual cycles become irregular, more painful and a little heavier before stopping gradually. As a rule, periods tend to become further apart over time. There might be spotting in between menstrual cycles. Some months, most women find that they don’t have a period at all, and then suddenly experience excessively heavy periods with acute PMS symptoms.
Heavy periods may be a sign of a gynaecological disorder such as fibroids affecting the womb, especially if there is severe accompanying pain. It is always best to consult the appropriate healthcare practitioner for advice should these symptoms be experienced.
Top tip: Learn more about the menstrual cycle here.
Recommended treatments:
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A.Vogel Menoforce Hot Flush and Night Sweat Remedy This Western Herbal medicine does not contain oestrogen or have an oestrogen-like action. It is a convenient one-a-day tablet that is safe to take with other medication and treatments. It is used for the supportive treatment of menopausal syndrome and associated hot flushes and night sweats. In menopausal women A.Vogel Menoforce is used for the following:
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This homeopathic medicine helps with the acute treatment and symptomatic support of severe symptoms associated with menopause such as headaches, sleep problems, low libido and hot flushes. It also helps with mood changes such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. This tincture option is for immediate relief. It’s important to only use it when needed and discontinue once improvement occurs. |
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This homeopathic medicine assists with the treatment of painful, irregular or heavy periods, abnormal menstrual flow, premenstrual tension and menstrual cycle irregularities. This is a homeopathic medicine which means that it should only be used when needed. Remember to discontinue use when recovery is complete. |
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is also known as the thinning of the bones or brittle bones. It starts to happen with age over time as the musculoskeletal system doesn’t absorb calcium as well as it used to anymore. Oestrogen has many roles in the body and one of them is to stimulate the cells responsible for this process. It plays a key role in building strong and healthy bones.
Lower levels of oestrogen during and after menopause causes a gradual loss of bone strength and density. Bones may start to become frailer and more fragile as a result. Although this tendency is seen in all menopausal women, not everyone is at risk of osteoporosis. Those with a family history, heavy smokers, and women who have been less physically active with poor dietary and lifestyle choices in the past are more prone to osteoporosis.
One of the major dietary factors linked to osteoporosis is that of the acidogenic diet (acid-forming) . This type of diet is typically dominated by meat, dairy, salt, refined grains, processed food and sugar and doesn’t include enough alkaline minerals found in fresh vegetables and fruit. It is considered unbalanced. The acidogenic diet is shown to increase the rate of calcium loss from the body, specifically in postmenopausal women.
Top tip: Make sure your body remains alkaline by eating more fresh vegetables, fruit and drinking at least 1.5 litres of good quality water per day and supplementing with a good alkaline mineral product.
Recommended treatments:
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This is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as citrate and bicarbonate salts (alkalising minerals) and has a systemic alkalinising effect. It is a multi-mineral combination product, containing health supplements (minerals) and a homeopathic complex that supports the body’s acid buffering mechanism by providing essential alkaline minerals required to combat a typical acidogenic diet (high in animal protein and low/deficient in fruit, vegetables and minerals) and lifestyle, thereby assisting in addressing the negative consequences thereof. |
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This homeopathic formulation assists with the maintenance of healthy calcium levels. The ingredients address the healthy absorption and assimilation of calcium and minerals necessary for healthy bones, teeth, hair and nails, and assist the body to manage acidity levels. |
Sleep
We need between six to eight hours of uninterrupted sweet sleep every night to stay healthy. This is when our minds and bodies do their deepest repair work. Sleep has many health benefits. The hormonal fluctuations and decreasing levels of oestrogen, progesterone and other hormones experienced from the time that perimenopause starts might interrupt the sleep cycle.
It might feel a lot like insomnia. Not sleeping properly has short-term and long-term health consequences. Waking up might be caused by hot flushes and night sweats. Sleep quality will eventually improve once these symptoms pass.
Oestrogen plays a role in the circadian rhythm which is the body’s sleep and wake cycle. As this hormone starts to decrease, it leads to problems such as waking up often during the night, poor sleep quality and restlessness while tossing and turning through the night.
Top tip: Learn more about the importance of sleep and how to sleep better.
Recommended treatments:
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This is a Western Herbal formulation for the relief of sleep disturbances, stress, and anxiety. Ingredients support the nervous system by having a calming action and address symptoms such as restlessness and anxiety. When taken at bedtime, it promotes restful sleep. It is made from fresh, organic Valerian root and Hops, is non-habit forming, and will not cause grogginess on waking the next morning. |
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A.Vogel Menoforce Hot Flush and Night Sweat Remedy This Western Herbal medicine does not contain oestrogen or have an oestrogen-like action. It is a convenient one-a-day tablet that is safe to take with other medication and treatments. It is used for the supportive treatment of menopausal syndrome and associated hot flushes and night sweats. In menopausal women A.Vogel Menoforce is used for the following: · To reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and night sweats. · To improve sleep quality. · To improve mental focus and anxiety in stressful conditions. · To improve energy levels and mood. · To improve the somato-vegetative symptoms of menopausal syndrome (hot flushes and sweating, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, sleep problems, joint and muscular discomfort). |
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A.Vogel Nervousness Insomnia Formula This homeopathic medicine is for the supportive treatment of nervousness, nervous exhaustion and sleeplessness. The ingredients have been specifically blended to address symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and tension which lead to sleep disturbances and nervous exhaustion. |
Weight
Muscle mass tends to decline and body fat percentage increases as we age. It is most likely to gather around the belly area first and then the hips and thighs. The body’s metabolism slowly starts to decrease with age, so we start to burn fewer calories, and this is quite normal.
This coupled with the drop in hormones influences our body weight and how we use energy and absorb the nutrients from our diets. When combined with other factors such as genetics and low energy levels from disturbed sleep, it might result in comfort eating, to create noticeable weight gain.
Top tip: Weight gain is common during menopause but you can be prepared with this useful information.
Recommended treatments:
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This homeopathic medicine is for regulating appetite and assisting with weight loss. The ingredients address water retention, detoxification, lymphatic drainage, healthy metabolism, and control appetite. This product may assist with weight loss when used with increased physical activity and an energy reduced diet in healthy individuals. |
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This homeopathic medicine is for the supportive treatment of cellulite, management of healthy weight and regulation of appetite. The ingredients promote lymphatic drainage, elimination of excess fluid, improve metabolism and detoxification via the liver and digestive system and address excess appetite. This product may assist with weight loss when used with increased physical activity and an energy reduced diet in healthy individuals. |
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This homeopathic medicine assists with weight management by regulating blood sugar, appetite and metabolism, and addresses water retention. It may assist with weight loss when used with increased physical activity and an energy reduced diet in healthy individuals. It is made from freshly harvested Helianthus tuburosus also known as Jerusalem Artichoke. |
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These tablets are mineral and micronutrient dense and a source of iodine. It is used for general wellbeing, for support of thyroid function and healthy metabolism. Kelp, also known as brown algae, is a herb that comes from deep under the sea. It is seaweed that thrives on sunlight and takes in the host of nutrients and minerals present in the water around it. |
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This is made from lacto fermented whey and is a prebiotic food supplement and digestive tonic. It assists in promoting better digestive health. Very helpful for addressing symptoms of irritable bowel conditions that can be exacerbated during menopause, such as bloating, cramping, gas and constipation. Molkosan can be taken either alone, before or alongside a probiotic supplement. It is rich in a substance known as L+ lactic acid which is known to support the growth of good gut bacteria. |
References and further reading:
- Diets higher in omega-3 fatty acids reduce headache frequency and severity in people with frequent migraines (2021) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/research/research-results/diets-higher-in-omega-3-fatty-acids-reduce-headache-frequency-and-severity-in-people-with-frequent-migraines
- Headache disorders (no date) World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
- Headache pain: When to worry, what to do - Harvard Health Publishing (2020) Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/headache-when-to-worry-what-to-do
- What you need to know about menopausal hypertension (no date) Living Naturally. Available at: https://livingnaturally.co.za/articles/women-s-health/what-you-need-to-know-about-menopausal-hypertension
- Thornton, E. (2019) Fact or fiction? the truth about salt, A.Vogel Herbal Remedies. Available at: https://www.avogel.co.uk/food/fact-or-fiction-the-truth-about-salt
- Salt reduction (2020) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction
- Your body doesn’t want the extra salt: Heart & stroke foundation: South Africa (2017) Heart & Stroke Foundation | South Africa. Available at: https://heartfoundation.co.za/topical_articles/your-body-doesnt-want-the-extra-salt
- Treating interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome naturally (2023) Living Naturally. Available at: https://livingnaturally.co.za/articles/general-healthcare/treating-interstitial-cystitis-or-bladder-pain-syndrome-naturally
