New National Survey Reveals An Unmentionable Part Of Menopause—Gas (NAPSA)—Women eating a healthy diet to counter the physical challenges posed by menopause are facing another obstacle—gassy episodes associated with consuming nutritious foods. Nearly two-thirds (69 percent) of women recently surveyed reported that they experience stomach gas during menopause, ranking gas higher than more commonly known symptoms, such as hot flashes (66 percent), sleep disturbance (65 percent), mood swings (64 percent) and night sweats (55 percent). Results are from a newly released independent national survey conducted on behalf of Beano, the only overthe-counter natural food enzyme supplement that prevents gas beforeit starts. The North American Menopause Society recommends that menopausal women eat diets low in saturated fats and high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits to defend against menopause symptoms and the enhanced risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. These foods include vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, legumes (beans/peas), and whole grain breads—all of which are nutritious, but also are proven gas culprits. Not surprisingly, the survey found 71 percent of women are changing their diet during menopause by eating healthier. Sixtyfour percent are eating more fruits and vegetables. “As women approach and experience menopause, it’s extremely important for them to eat healthier by adding more vegetables, legumes, soy and whole grains into their diets,” said Jackie Newgent, a registered dietitian, chef and food industry consultant specializing in culinary and nutrition com- munications. “Although healthy eating can help combat menopause| symptoms and defend against] osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease, it can lead to embarrassing gas problems.| Symptoms Experienced Most During Menopause 69% s hot 66% ashes 65% See?ance reel Mt, 64% 55% A simple and NationalIndependentsurvey Included women effective solubetweentheages of 45 and 60 and was conducted on half of Beano by tion for preventMarket Research Institute. ing gas is Beano.” Beanois the isoflavones in soy foods can help only over-the-counter natural food fight heart disease. enzyme supplement that prevents * Sustain strong bones with gas before it starts. It works with calcium. Do fat-free or low-fat the body’s digestive system to break dairy at every meal—that’s an down complex sugars in gas-causeasy way to three a day. This will ing foods, making them more help you get nutrients that can digestible. ward off osteoporosis and mainAlthough menopause brings tain strong bones. Also, take a callifestyle changes, women whoeat cium supplement as part of your healthy to minimize the sympdaily routine—to assure you're toms of menopause can easily getting all the calcium you need. integrate Beano into their * Pick produce. Get five to lifestyle. Not having to worry nine a day—that’s at least two about embarrassing gas gives fruit and three vegetable servwomen the freedom to eat healthings. Spread produce picks ier and continue to enjoy their throughout the day or enjoy them lives. at one or two meals as an easy Jackie Newgent also recomway to punch up disease-fighting mendsthe following healthy living phytochemicals. tips for women experiencing meno* Go for the whole grains. pause. Remember, when eating Aim for three each day. Choose vegetables, legumes (beans/peas), whole grain bread, brown rice and soy and whole grains, take Beano whole wheat pasta in place of for gas prevention. their “white” counterparts. They * Boost bean intake. Pick provide fiber, essential nutrients pinto, black, navy and more— and estrogen-like compounds they’re filled with fiber. Increase called lignans. intake gradually to adapt to the To learn more about healthy higherfiber level. eating during menopause, nu* Crunch, chew or sip on tritious recipes and additional soy. Coming in numerousvarieties healthy living tips, visit from miso soup to soy “nuts,” the www.beanogas.com. i)
