Bhagyashree’s health and wellness tips on social media have garnered a significant following, thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness. The Bollywood actor has used her Instagram profile to share healthy recipe videos, spread awareness about sustainability, and promote exercises for spinal and foot health. Her recent upload focuses on women’s health.
“Life post menopause is not the end, but should be a start to looking after yourself more. Take care of the nutrients your body needs and keep active. Slower the metabolism, bigger the problem. Consult your doctor to help you combat menopause effectively,” she captioned her post.
Bhagyashree talked about mood swings, hot flashes and exhaustion as common symptoms during this phase of life. “Menopause mein estrogen kam hone se direct asar heart par padhta hai, ye mujhe abhi pata chala. Isliye menopause ke baad cholestrol aur BP dono check karein,” she said, adding that including magnesium in the diet is crucial along with regular exercise and movement.
We reached out to a health expert to determine how Bhagyashree’s tips fare in terms of efficacy and sustainability over the long term.
Sleep is crucial for rest and recovery (Source: Freepik)
Hot flashes
Dr Jagriti Varshney, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, told indianexpress.com that one of the most common menopausal symptoms is hot flashes. For this, Dr Varshney suggested doing yoga and meditation to stay calm and composed. Wearing loose and breathable clothing and avoiding heavy blankets, especially during nighttime, can also help. “Maintaining the temperature of your home is equally important,” she added.
Exercise and diet
Exercise is a meaningful way to reduce the symptoms related to menopause. “Exercising also helps in weight management, promotes better sleep, and releases stress,” the expert said, suggesting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain overall health.
Since menopause affects the bones, Dr Varshney recommended supplementing one’s diet with calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and other multivitamins. “Women should also include certain ingredients like lignans that mimic oestrogen to maintain the levels of the hormone in the body,” she said. Flaxseed, pumpkin seed, poppy, sesame and whole grains are naturally occurring foods that act like oestrogen. Also, she advised quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to remain healthy during menopause.
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Hydration and sleep
Drinking water regulates the body temperature, so staying hydrated is another key point to remember. Additionally, staying hydrated can help alleviate other symptoms, such as bloating and dryness. Dr Varshney mentioned that declining oestrogen levels in the body mean that less moisture is retained, so drinking at least 3 litres of water every day is crucial for health.
“Since night sweats can make it difficult to sleep, menopausal individuals need to take extra steps to control sleep disturbances. This includes putting electronic gadgets away, sleeping in light clothing and making sure your bedroom is comfortable,” she added.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.