alternative treatments once hormone replacement therapy proved to possess too many risks.

Today we recognize that the first line of defense against the often serious symptoms of menopause is a healthy diet.  You'll want to follow the guidelines of healthy eating now more than ever.  This is easy enough to do.  You probably want to make changes in your diet slowly.  You want these to be the beginnings of a new way of eating, not just a temporary alteration.

Start with putting more fruits into your daily diet.  Especially choose fruits like melons and bananas.  Also add more citrus fruit to your daily choices.  Oranges and lemons are especially high in potassium and that's a mineral menopausal women can use.  Potassium-rich foods help to balance the sodium content and water retention abilities of the body.  You'll also want to increase the amount of vegetables you eat daily.  Choose dark, leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli and cabbage.  If available, pak choi is also a great choice.

Now's a great time to slowly introduce soy-based foods into your daily menus.  There are plenty of choices out there starting with soy milk, yogurt and naturally tofu.

Don't forget the fiber!  And when you reach for the fiber, try to reach for the soluble kind.  While you're adding the good foods to your diet, it's also a great time to just junk the junk foods, too.  Stay away, as much as possible, from the fried foods.  Eat your meat broiled or bake.  And if you do fry or sauté your foods, do it in oils like extra virgin olive oil or canola oil.

Stay away also from white bread and flour.  Instead choose wholegrain breads, oats, rye and wheat germ. Instead of eating white potatoes, choose sweet potatoes.  Add more beans and lentils to your meals. 

Your body is going through many changes during this time. There may be some changes in your life that you may never have had to deal with before.  Some women experience their first weight gain during menopause.  Others because of their lifestyle discover they are less active than they've ever been before.  This, coupled with a decrease in metabolism can contribute to gaining anywhere from five to 20 pounds – or more.  And that doesn't even take into account the added stress many women feel during this time period.

How you handle this stress is largely in your own hands. But you may find that menopause is more easily handled if you discover an exercise routine and stick with it.  Exercise helps your body deal with stress more effectively.  It also combats a sagging metabolism rate.

Other great natural treatments for menopause include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.  More than one woman has discovered that cultivating a flower garden has helped her cope with the symptoms of menopause.  Gardening is a mild form of exercise, and it gets you outside communing with nature and beautiful flowers. Additionally, you have plenty of time to contemplate – almost meditate – on your blessings!

You may also want to seek the help of a professional herbalist if you're experiencing stubborn menopausal symptoms.  She can recommend some effective herbs.  Moreover, she'll let you know the best forms in which to take them.  Remember, even though herbs are natural, they may interfere with some of the prescription medication you may be taking.  Always consult your health care practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

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