Do you have symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, moodiness, weight gain and other menopausal symptoms that are disrupting your life? If you are, then you can try many different remedies such as hormone replacement therapies, exercise, and mind spirit control. However, completely safe nonprescription 100% natural supplements can reduce or eliminate your symptoms too.  It has to be your decision on what to try, and whether it is worth the risk or not.

Ensure that with any method you research the studies. For instance, there is a natural supplement called Amberen that is very safe for most people to use. If you are allergic and have issues with MSG, you may want to try something else but there are many studies showing that a 90-day course of Amberen can give you as much as six months relief of your unpleasant symptoms.

The company that created Amberen, Lunada Biomedical, claims, “Amberen restores the communication between the hypothalamus and the endocrine system” which allows the body to create its own hormones getting the balance back to normal. You can read about the clinical trials by going to their website. The thing to remember when trying any sort of treatment whether recommended by your doctor, a friend, or an article like this is to do your own studying and due diligence.

Once you have determined that the supplement is not dangerous for you to take, and then it is okay to go ahead and try it. Follow all the directions exactly!  It is very important to take supplements, as you would medicine exactly as the package insert instructs you. If you don’t follow the directions you can cause yourself serious problems. For instance, women who have had breast cancer should avoid soy, estrogen based supplements or hormones. Breast cancer is an estrogen fed cancer and you could accidentally set yourself up for very dangerous consequences if you do not pay attention.

In addition, it is important to talk to your doctor about any supplements you want to add to your daily regimen. Many supplements can interact with certain medications and foods. It is imperative that you research each addition to your body to avoid problems. Many people take for granted that supplements are safe, and many of them are, but sometimes mixing them with a particular medicine, or other supplement can actually cause severe reactions and even death.

It’s not abnormal to experience midlife issues, especially if you’ve suffered a divorce, are single, or you’re having issues within your marriage. Suddenly you look around and the world is full of tight 20 something young bodies assaulting you at every turn. In magazines, and in movies, women your own age appear flawless. In your mind you’re still that 20 something young woman but the moment you look in the mirror you look behind you quickly to make sure your mom isn’t really standing in front of that mirror.

You know intellectually that the magic of Photoshop and airbrushing is to blame and even the sweet young 20 something’s aren’t really perfect, but nonetheless you find yourself competing with them since many men your own age who aren’t gay or otherwise attached seem to be attracted to women 20 years younger than they are.

The truth is many men go for women like that because those are the women with the confidence to approach them, or the insecurity to swoon at an older man’s advances. Sometimes it really is true love, but one thing it is not is a competition. True love has no age. However, the truth is, most men don’t really go for younger women on purpose it is likely they have no idea the age of the woman before they date her. All they know is she is attractive to them, whether physically or mentally. Men are visual there is no doubt, but if you talk to then they’ll tell you that maturity is sexy as long as the woman is confident in herself.

You don’t need to wear the same clothing that a young 20 year old wears to be attractive. Style is ageless. If you have sexy long legs, it is perfectly okay to wear short skirts at any age. If you have gorgeous long silky locks in your 50’s or 60’s that is perfectly acceptable if that is what makes you feel good and is comfortable. What you should do is make sure the fit is impeccable, the cut and color are right for you and that the materials aren’t dated. A short skirt from the 70’s just isn’t the same thing as a short skirt made today so make sure you update your clothing to modern times.

The other thing to remember is that being healthy is youthful. Keep yourself as healthy as you possibly can. Eat right, get plenty of exercise, and drink fresh filtered water every single day. Watching your weight is important as well because you can’t be either underweight or overweight and be healthy. Keep a balanced weight, and you will automatically look more youthful. Your skin will look radiant and your eyes will sparkle. Lastly, attitude is everything. It might sound trite but your attitude plays a major role in everything you do. We all know the woman who is not that attractive on the surface but seems to attract both men and women to them like flies. That is confidence and a good attitude at work.

Lately, you can’t turn on the TV or flip through a magazine without hearing the praises of soy. It’s in everything from diet foods, health foods, to desserts. Many health gurus sing its praises and encourage large amounts of consumption of soy products. Many times, it is considered a good meat substitute for vegetarians. However, the truth is soy is not good for you and should be avoided as much as possible outside of fermented soy such as soy sauce and perhaps occasional use as a condiment.

Many people will point to the use of Soy by Asians but the truth is, soy is not eaten at high levels in Asia as it is in the USA. They typically eat less than 8 grams of soy per day. Whereas in America that amount is growing rapidly to totally, replace animal proteins. Asians did not eat unfermented soy products because soybeans are impossible to digest properly and cause many digestive upsets. Today, studies have shown soy to be an estrogen, which causes cancer in test animals.

In addition, soy also has a substance that causes red blood cells to clot called haemagglutinin, which can increase the chances of contracting dangerous flu as well as contribute to stroke and heart attack. Also, soy is known to actually block the body from absorbing certain nutrients like protein, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. The fermentation process helps avoid these issues to a point, but the other factor is that 99% of soy is genetically modified and very contaminated with pesticides.

Products containing such ingredients as soy protein isolate are highly processed foods. To be healthy humans need to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible and soy protein isolate is not something that can be made easily. A highly detailed chemical process has to take place to produce soy protein isolate. This ingredient, unfortunately, found in baby food, many health foods, school lunch programs and snacks is quite dangerous since it blocks absorption of vitamin and minerals. Unfortunately, marketing and the greed for money is at work in making soy into the so-called health food that it is perceived as today. You may agree or disagree with this article, but I invite you to look at the research regarding soy products and determine for yourself what is healthy for you and your family.

Probably one of the most irritating issue women have with menopause are hot flashes. Some women don’t have them but others have many. They wake up from sleep covered in sweat to the point they need to change their sheets. Worse, they might be in public when a hot flash hits and they are immediately covered with sweat and overcome with the desire to jump in an ice-filled lake. Thankfully, there are ways to be more comfortable as you go through this transition.

Technology has created some wonderful fabrics that wick away sweat from your body allowing you to stay a lot dryer. You can purchase clothing, as well as bedding, that stays cooler thus allowing you to avoid drenched nights and embarrassing public displays of menopause. The fabric is made with polyester microfiber and other blends that helps sweat vaporize easier by creating chambers where the liquid can collect but air can get to it so that it can evaporate. You have likely seen some of this clothing already in the form of yoga clothing and baby clothing.

Thankfully, now you can purchase under garments, bedding, blouses and pants made with the wicking fabric that is fashionable and simple to care for. When you wash your wicking-fabrics, do not use any bleach or fabric softener and always use the gentle cycle. It will come with instructions so ensure that you follow all the instructions to keep you wicking fabrics comfortable for a long time to come. Some the different types of clothing you might choose are:

• Blouses
• Cami
• Leisurewear
• Night Gowns
• Pajamas
• Pants
• Sleepwear
• Towels
• T-shirts
• Under clothing
• Yoga Clothing

The moisture wicking fabric feels soft to the touch and is very comfortable to wear. You’ll feel cool and sleep better than you have in years and wish that you had found these clothing before you started having hot flashes because you’ll wear them long after you have transitioned through menopause. There are even some brands that use recycled silver making super-fast drying fabrics; this is often use in beach towels. These special towels dry fast as well as help cover you from the sun and give a cooling effect on a hot summer day.

Suffering from vaginal dryness is a common complaint of perimenopausal and menopausal women. Usually you will feel uncomfortable and maybe have a burning and itching feeling, or pain during sexual activity if you suffer from vaginal dryness. The reason is that declining hormone levels decrease natural vaginal secretions. These secretions not only keep your vagina clean and fresh but also provide lubrication during sexual activity. The absence of these secretions can cause a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort not only physically but mentally between you and your partner.

Most women are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about this problem, but you don’t have to suffer. There are things you can do to eliminate and even cure this problem. It is important to deal with the situation to avoid infections as well as sexual discomfort. Additionally, you don’t want your partner to feel inadequate or like it is his fault, and you shouldn’t feel like it is your fault. If related to menopause, this is probably completely hormonal in nature and can be fixed with hormone replacement therapy or lubricants.

Before assuming hormones are the issue, look at your diet as well as your medicine cabinet. Many medications like antidepressants, allergy medications and anti-estrogens can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, if you practice douching you could be causing more damage than you know because there is never a need to wash inside your vagina, all it does is destroy the naturally perfect balance in your vagina. Only douche by doctor’s orders for very specific conditions and problems. Also stop using bubble bath or scented soaps in the bath or at least rinse very well after a bath.

After eliminating, all other causes of vaginal dryness make an appointment with your doctor to find out the various things you can do to eliminate the problem. Do be sure to talk to your partner and assure them that it is not their fault, or yours, that your doctor will get to the bottom of the problem and soon enough you and your partner will be back to normal sexual activity. You can also try some over the counter lubricants, be careful with scented or lubricants with additions until you have cleared up the problem. If you’ve already been experiencing pain and even bleeding during intercourse you need to allow your vagina to heal before trying the extra fancy lubricants with additions.

Fad clothing was okay in your youth but now that you’re a mature, confident woman it is important to avoid faddish clothing, especially faddish clothing from your youth. One of the things that ages anyone is dressing the same way during the 30 years after you’re 20^th birthday. It really doesn’t matter if you’re male or female dressing in the fashion of your youth, whether clothing, hairstyle or makeup will age you.

This isn’t to say that you can’t modify a style that you like to be more modern and enjoy wearing that style. For instance, big hair was a popular style of the 80’s, today if you wear that same big hairstyle it will age you. However, you can modify the big hair look by getting an updated version of that idea and you will immediately look and feel younger. If you used to bleach your hair blond, try subtle highlights instead. Try a more relaxed big hair look by avoiding the cement hairspray and having a more tussled look. More relaxed styles a little less made up will create a younger impression.

If you liked wearing leggings you still can, just avoid the silly patterns and harsh colors of the old days and opt for the newer sleeker fabrics, and tunics of today.  If your legs still look great you can keep wearing short skirts and dresses, just make sure they fit well and that the patterns are not school girlish. You can wear jeans that have a rise below the belly button if you have the body for it but it’s probably better not to wear shirts that show your belly. Simple modifications are all that you need to bring what you like into the times. Be sexy with soft silky fabrics instead of showing too much skin.

Don’t forget makeup and accessories. As you age, lighter make is usually better. Thick makeup often sinks into fine lines that would not show had you not caked on the pancake makeup. Choose lightweight foundations, avoid powders opting for creams unless you still have oily skin powders age you and look less natural than creams. You can get cream foundations, eye shadows, and blush today that will enhance your appearance without over powering your skin. As for accessories, wear then!  You don’t always have to use accessories for which they were created, you can use a necklace in your hair, double it up for a bracelets, use an extra-long necklace as a belt. Have fun with it. After all, you deserve to feel great!

As you get older, it becomes easier to either block out everything that is negative about yourself, or to start accepting yourself for your flaws and faults. The only way to get to self-acceptance is to start getting real with yourself. It’s perfectly okay to be imperfect. Once you accept yourself a neat thing happens, you start being more accepting of others too and your entire world opens up. You can take steps to get real with yourself by:

Journaling – Keep a journal every day that tells the truth about your dad, both the successes and failures. You can also journal about the past, once a month choose a past event to journal about. Write it as if you’re writing a story to someone else. Write down the truth of what happened exactly as it happened. Include how you felt then and now write down how you feel about the event today.

Meditate – Spend time every day in meditation or prayer. This simple act will bring you closer to your inner self and help improve your self-talk. Self-talk is when you tell yourself inside your head either good or bad things. It is important to try to keep self-talk positive in nature. This is not to say you cannot acknowledge when you have done something wrong. Making mistakes is human. You should never beat yourself up any more than you would someone else you loved for not being perfect.

Self-Acceptance – Do you have faults such as not knowing your left form your right, or being late a lot? Maybe you’re a stickler for being on time, every time. Are you messy and unorganized? Perhaps you’re super organized and alphabetize your spice rack. Do you need a lot of “me” time, or do you prefer to cuddle a lot and be with others? All of these are traits that some people seem to be born with or not born with. Sure, you can modify and change to a point, but at some point you have to realize that it’s okay to be who you are. As long as you’re not putting your health or someone else’s health in danger just accept yourself.

Everything is a choice in life, including getting real with yourself and coming to self-acceptance. Even deciding to change an issue or not change an issue with yourself is a choice. Not making a choice is a choice. As soon as you realize that and take the credit for the choices and decisions you’ve made over your life time the sooner you’ll be to a place where you are getting real with yourself.

You probably read about smoothies all the time. They’re the new super health foods! Actually, they’re quite old, and the ones you buy in the store can be very unhealthy full of high fructose corn syrup, soy and other additives. The best smoothies are the ones you make at home from scratch with organic unprocessed whole foods. There is no reason to use protein powders, or freeze dried foods, or unhealthy sugars in your diet. Whole fruits and vegetables taste great all on their own. If you want to add sweetener choose wholesome disease and bacteria fighting honey!

Smoothies with antioxidants from berries and probiotics protein and calcium from Greek yogurt and enzymes from leafy greens are the anti-aging miracles that you are looking for. You’ll lose weight, feel energetic and even feel and actually be smarter. The following one serving recipes offer many benefits include them in your diet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Anti-Aging Super Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½-cup organic blueberries
• ½-cup organic spinach
• ½-cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½-cup filtered water
• ½-cup crushed ice
• ¼-cup honey (optional)

Place water first then all the other ingredients in a high-speed blender, blend until smooth.

Variations:

Use these as a starting point and create your own smoothie recipes. Remember to use organically grown, fresh, not canned ingredients. You can use pre-frozen organic ingredients but fresh is always best. Also use a very high speed blender such as a Vita Mix or Health Master.

Studies are showing, more every day, that massage is the best cure and treatment for low back pain. Low back pain is one of the most common ailments with age that causes people to miss work. Low back pain is worse most of the time than any type of menopausal symptoms that you might have even hot flashes. The reason is that low back pain can be so debilitating that you cannot go to work, or even fully participate in your life. The other factor regarding massage is that no massage machine matches the magic of human touch to make you feel better.

The great thing is that aside from alleviating back pain massage can assist with overcoming and dealing with other issues related to menopause such as diminished sex drive, up and down moods, tension and more. Ask your massage therapist to pay special attention to your lower back and your lower abdomen. A side benefit of massage is that regardless of your current physical shape, massage makes women feel better about herself. A really awesome side benefit is that massage also aids in weight loss by lowering stress hormones like cortisol.

In addition to lowering stress hormones like cortisol, you will experience improved circulation, less physical pain post exercise (which will make you want to exercise more) and improved posture. Massage has also been proved to help eliminate fat deposits and cellulite improving body contour. What can be better than that, better body contour, weight loss and relaxation, while making you feel younger due to relieving menopausal symptoms.

A certified massage therapist can also give you tips on how to improve your diet, exercise regimen and how to show yourself more love. There are different types of message that are helpful with dealing with menopause symptoms making you feel more youthful. You can get deep tissue massage, Chinese massage that includes compression, pushing, vibration, slapping (not too hard!) friction, joint manipulation and more to get your blood circulating better. Be sure that your massage therapist is certified in whatever type of massage they are performing. To get deep tissue or hard massages by someone who is not knowledgeable about the human body you can damage your liver or other internal organs.

Just reading the title of this article probably makes you laugh because you’re pretty sure you cannot ever possibly love exercise. I mean, who in the world loves sweating, huffing, and puffing? Well, many people do, and studies show that you can become addicted to exercise physically just as you can to unhealthy substances and food. You know that exercising will make you feel better but so far you’ve had a hard time sticking to anything.

The key to keeping up your workouts is to love your work out! Who said that exercising has to mean running on a treadmill, or doing strenuous (and boring) calisthenics? There are exercises that you can do that don’t feel like anything but fun. Try them, get addicted, lose weight, and improve your health! Here are some fun physical activities you can do to get healthy.

Garden – Not only will you have fresh, organic fruits and veggies at your disposal when you harvest but the act of gardening, weeding, and taking care of your garden will increase your metabolism, infuse you with natural vitamin D, pulling weeds can pack quite a calorie burn. A 55 year old, five foot six inch tall, 150 pound woman would burn 227 calories per hour gardening.

Dance – It is likely your town has ballroom dancing or line dancing lessons or groups that meet up every week to shake their booties toward better health. As you learn the dances you’re burning calories, having fun, laughing, and then when you learn them, and go out at night to show off what you’ve learned you’re burning additional calories at 113 calories an hour, in addition to all the tummy tightening laughing, it can’t be beat for falling in love.

Set a goal – If you participate in exercise for a reason such as training for an event then you have a starting and end which makes it easier to stick to. Gyms all over the country have programs such as six weeks to 5K where they will work with you and train you to get off the couch and work up to running or walking 5k (or more). Doing this type of activity with a friend or partner will make it that much more fun and keep you motivated when you’re feeling frustrated.

Take lessons – Have you always wanted to play tennis, golf, or other sport. Well, learn! Take a lesson. The lessons will be calorie burning, as well as exciting and fun. You can switch up your lessons and learn to skate, roller blade, or anything your heart desires as long as it’s physical in nature. Keeping on moving is the answer to feeling ageless.