Japanese diet fights menopause

(14 October, 2003)

Australian women who adopt a Japanese diet and exercise program can significantly relieve menopausal symptoms within 12 weeks, a study has found.

The study of 120 women aged between 50 and 65 also found adopting Japanese lifestyle habits resulted in weight loss and blood pressure reduction - well-known risk factors for heart disease.

Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), who studied the women over three months, hope to find more funding to continue the study.

They believe "turning Japanese" may also make western women less prone to osteoporosis and breast cancer as they age.

Debra Anderson, a senior lecturer in women's health and nursing at QUT, said Japanese women were regarded as the healthiest in the world, averaging a life span at least five years longer than their western counterparts.


Australian women in the trial undertook an exercise program involving walking and strength exercises and changed their diets to include plenty of water, more calcium and foods high in phytoestrogens - such as soy-based products, fresh fruit and vegetables, tofu and grains such as linseeds and wholegrain breads.

Dr Anderson said women in the trial reported a reduction in menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and palpitations as well as in feelings of depression, fatigue and lack of motivation.

They also experienced improved bladder tone and reduced symptoms of incontinence.

"Some of the women have ceased hormone replacement therapy, or are considering doing so," Dr Anderson said.

She said she was surprised the women had noticed changes after just 12 weeks.
 

AAP 2003.