I thought I would share with you some of the research I have been doing on weight gain in women in the menopause years. Many of you know what I am talking about! Where "the belly" (I am calling it "menopause belly") seems to come out of no where making you wonder where your waist went!

I am frequently asked about this problem as even with strict dieting and exercise, the belly does not seem to go away. The reason why is.... this is a hormone problem.

In our 40's estrogen levels start to drop (and you may see some signs of belly fat creeping in) and when we hit menopause... BOOM, estrogen plumets, and there goes our waist line.

Scientists have long known that lower estrogen levels after menopause can cause fat storage to shift from the hips and thighs to the abdomen. Now, a groundbreaking study, co-authored by the Mayo Clinic, has determined why: Proteins, revved up by the estrogen drop, cause fat cells to store more fat.

The study also revealed a double whammy: These cellular changes also slow down fat-burning by the body. (I will cover this in my next article)


So the obvious question is: What can we do then to raise estrogen levels (without HRT or birth control)?
A. There are several foods and things we can do to raise estrogen levels.
1. Flax and Flax Lignans - the estrogens are in the lignans.
If you want to use flax seeds, you must grind the seeds first. and PLEASE purchase the ORGANIC to reduce exposure to chemicals!

Flax seeds have the highest quantity of phytoestrogens: 379,380 mcg per 100 g. There are about 85.5 mg lignans in one ounce of seeds.

Personally, for breakfast, I like to add two tablespoons of freshly ground flax to 3/4 cup of plain kifer. I like to add lemon juice and stevia, but you can also add cinnamon or other flavors. Simply stir together and eat with spoon or drink. The longer it sits, the thicker it will get as the flax absorbs the liquid.
You can also add lignans or ground flax to your morning smoothie or bowl of steel cut oats.

For other recipe ideas using flax check out either of my flax books listed at the left.


To Purchase Flax Lignans, contact Lon Cummings. Call or text 320-304-4324 or
email RaphaGlobalCorp@gmail.com
Tell him Dr. Beth sent you!

NOTE: If anyone is wondering about soy as a source of estrogen, I strongly suggest AVOIDING IT (and anything made from it - tofu, soy milk, soy protein, etc)! Soy is highly detrimental to the thyroid which can cause weight gain. This is true even if you find organic soy!

2. Other foods high in Phytoestrogens:
Sesame seeds: One ounce of sesame seeds contain 11.2 mg of lignans, or 8008.1 mcg of phytoestrogens 100 g.
Hummus/chickpeas/garbanzo beans and other legumes: Provides 993 mcg of phytoestrogens per 100 g.
Garlic: about 603.3 mcg of phytoestrogens per 100 g.
Dried apricots: 445.5 mcg of phytoestrogens per 100 g.
Dried prunes: 177.5 mcg per 100 g

3. Essential Oils that contain Phytoestrogens:
Clary sage, lavender, tea tree

If you prefer to take a natural supplement to raise estrogen and balance hormones, PLUS lower cortisol (stress hormone) and aid memory, etc. Check out Pregnenalone. Start with one 50 mg capsules in the am. Yes, you can take the lignans and the Flax and the Pregnenalone without a problem.

For those of you with evil hot flashes... there is a solution for that too:
Some women take both the Menopause product (1 to 3 capsules daily) combined with Maca (2 to 4 capsules daily): Please click on the links for more info.


Maca is a great choice for anyone with weakened adrenal glands or low libido.

I am happy to work individually with you... click on my Nutrition Counseling link.