Menopause, Calcium and Vitamin D
As women age, the amount of estrogen their body produces begins to decline. This decline in estrogen has been linked to many health issues including osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), heart disease, weight gain, depression and some types of cancer,.
While there’s no doubt that bone loss occurs and health risks increase, there are some very simple things that can be done to not only alleviate the symptoms of menopause, but to reduce some of the health risks associated with the decline in estrogen.
Research has shown that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements can reduce the rate of bone loss and fracture in postmenopausal women and can even help reduce the weight gain associated with menopause. This is exciting news for women and an easy way to help sustain good bone health as we age.
Doctors agree that most postmenopausal women should be taking daily supplements of calcium, but it’s become evident that daily supplementation of vitamin D can also have a profound effect on your health. Besides, it’s almost impossible to consume enough calcium and vitamin D (fortification) through the foods we eat. Vitamin D and calcium are not a magic formula for weight loss, but together with a low-calorie diet and exercise, they’ve been shown to help with weight maintenance.
So, how much do you need? Recommendations vary and the amount you need can depend on many factors, including your age, lifestyle and any health or risk factors you may have. The vitamin receptors in vitamin D are dependent of estrogen, making postmenopausal women especially susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. The increased use of sunscreen and the typical decline in sun exposure also contribute to lower levels of vitamin D.
As women age, concerns about osteoporosis and bone health are understandable. However, there are some things that women can do to improve their health and bones during menopause.
- Women over the age of 50 should be taking vitamin D and calcium supplements according to the direction of their doctor. Recommended amounts can vary, but it’s generally considered effective to take at least 1000 – 1200 mg of calcium and 400 – 600 IU of vitamin D.
- Be sure to take calcium and vitamin D supplements on a daily basis, they are most effective when taken regularly.
- Some other simple lifestyle changes can be very helpful:
- Eat a healthy low-fat, high fiber diet
- Incorporate weight-bearing exercises in your workout. The benefits not only help reduce bone loss, the exercise also helps to build better balance resulting in fewer falls and so, fewer fractures.
Follow a healthy weight loss program; eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, see your doctor and take daily supplements of Vitamin D and Calcium. Menopause symptoms can be alleviated and health risks reduced by following a few simple steps.