jo anne's place logo

Menopause

This information is not intended to replace appropriate medical advice.  Please check product labels for contraindications or drug interactions or consult your pharmacist. These suggestions are based on the advice of natural health care professionals and our 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne's Place.


To move comfortably through menopause these three key systems need support.  The adrenal glands, which take over hormone production, the thyroid which controls body temperature, and the liver responsible for deactivating hormones.  Implement as many of these suggestions as possible.


Diet plays a key role in providing maximum nutrition to support the liver, thyroid, lymphatic system and adrenals so their energy can be focused on re-establishing balance.



A Healing Diet:


  • Chlorine can disrupt thyroid function.  Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water.

  • Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. Extremely important.

  • Go organic. Pesticides and chemicals give your liver more work to do!

  • Rely on fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, legumes, beans, and whole grains as your diet mainstays.  Avoid wheat unless sprouted.

  • Fermented tempeh and miso are a natural source of phytoestrogen.

  • Have complete protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.

  • Consume 1-3 tablespoons of ground flax daily.  Lignin fibers act as hormone modulators.  A good source of fiber and essential fatty acids.

  • 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (opt) in water with meals corrects pH, balances blood sugar, reduces fat storage, and provides important trace minerals.

  • Use Herbamare in place of salt.  Contains kelp to balance the thyroid gland.


Cook gently.  High heat generates acrylamides and advanced glycation end products.



Basic Supplements


  • Bio-Strath – corrects PH, increases stress tolerance, improves digestion, supports liver and adrenal glands.

  • Vitamin C 500 – 1,000 mg (winter months) – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

  • Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU daily – steroid precursor, anti-inflammatory, necessary for calcium absorption.

  • Magnesium – relaxes muscles, helps with sleep and anxiety.

  • Omega 3 fatty acids plus gamma linolenic acid (GLA)- to balance hormones.

  • Probiotic – use intermittently to improve digestion and mood.


The basic supplements are recommended for ongoing maintenance of good health.  The following are suggested to alleviate symptoms of menopause.


Special Care - for short term use


  • In a large clinical study women taking 400 IU vitamin E with 500 mg curcumin experienced significantly fewer hot flashes. 

  • Use a menopause formula to relieve symptoms and/or:

  • Maca to support adrenals, balance hormones, relieve fatigue and mental fog and/or:

  • Flor-Essence to detoxify and support adrenal, thyroid, and liver functions.

  • Homeopathic Sepia can help temporarily reduce many menopause symptoms.


Helpful Herbal Teas


Holy Basil – promotes a feeling of wellbeing.

Ginger – helps with digestive issues.

Chamomile – reduces stress, improves thyroid function, aids in digestion.

Fennel - provides an estrogen boost that may help to decrease night-time hot flashes.

Sage - has drying effect to reduce sweating.


Additional Tips & Advice:


  • Dry body brush 2-3 weekly to promote lymphatic drainage and detoxification.

  • Low nitric oxide may contribute to hot flashes.  Perform 4-Minute Workout by Dr Zack Bush 2-3 times daily, check it out here

  • Mix several drops of peppermint oil with water in a small spray bottle.  At the start of a hot flash: relax – breathe – spray neck, chest and pulse points to cool down.

  • Single use plastics, conventional canned goods, household cleaners and many cosmetics are sources of hormone interrupters like bisphenol A.  As you use them up, replace them with chemical free alternatives.

  • Limit EMF exposure.  Cell phones have a negative impact on the thyroid gland.

  • Fresh air and exercise are a health essential that will leave you feeling more balanced.  Breathe deeply.  Exhale completely.  The lungs are a major pathway for elimination.

  • Avoid stressful situations.  Set personal boundaries. Now is a time to put your own peace of mind first, something many women have a hard time doing!

  • Keeping a journal can be a good outlet for thoughts and emotions that can otherwise seem overwhelming.  It also helps track your progress through the process.

If you are having a really difficult time reach out to your support network.

The staff at Jo Anne’s Place are here for you, too!

By Jonathan Tessier March 28, 2025
They say that being healthy takes hard work. While that is true, there are actually a lot of simple ways to add nutritional value to your diet. It may not seem like much, but there are certain products where all you need to do is add a couple tablespoons to a dish in order to indulge in its health benefits.
By April Allen March 25, 2025
Did you know what your skin needs changes based on the seasons? As seasons, and therefore weather, changes our skin adapts to maintain balance. These adaptations can take time, and you can support them with the proper products and ingredients!
By April Allen March 24, 2025
Happy Easter! Looking to switch it up and try some new recipes this year? Here is a roundup of Easter recipes featuring some old favourites and some new additions:
Kidney diagram in hands
By April Allen March 24, 2025
This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medication. The kidneys are an amazing organ system! In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are considered, along with the adrenal glands, a master organ. They perform the critical functions of capturing and recycling nutrients and eliminating liquid acidic waste. When the kidneys fail to perform this detoxification, patients must have their blood filtered through renal dialysis. A Healing Diet - This mirrors recommendations from studies done on kidney function: Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Chloride is a potential carcinogen and potentially damaging to the kidneys as well as the entire body. Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. A urine pH maintained in the range of 6.5-7.4 allows your kidneys to readily eliminate acid waste. Chemical free, organic foods are the safest for kidney health. Make vegetables, fruit, raw seeds, nuts, legumes, beans, and wholegrains the mainstays of your diet. Limit red meat and sweeteners. Studies show a whole food plant based diet and the Mediterranean diet can benefit patients with chronic kidney disease. Fermented foods improve digestion and have a positive effect on pH levels. Apple cider vinegar used as a condiment or mixed in water with meals aids in assimilating nutrients, corrects pH, and dissolves calcium and acid crystal deposits. Replace salt with Herbamare for full flavour but 1/3 the sodium. The combination of whole sea salt with other herbs provides a better sodium/potassium ratio. Cook gently. High heat causes acrylamides and advanced glycation end products, both risk factor in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Basic Supplements – to avoid common deficiencies Bio-Strath – 100% digestible whole food tonic, providing B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and cofactors. Used by more staff at Jo Anne’s than any other supplement. Buffered vitamin C during fall and winter months. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and degeneration. Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000. A steroid hormone precursor that reduces inflammation and the risk of infection. Magnesium – has over 300 biochemical functions. Essential fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, help regulate blood pressure and a deficiency is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Probiotics – intermittent use to strengthen the immune system and correct pH Dietary Aids for Kidney Health - Special foods with science backed benefits: In studies ginger, garlic, and onions improved symptoms of kidney disease and increased renal function. Regular consumption could provide significant protection. Watermelon is 92% alkaline water which helps flush the urinary system of stored toxins. It supports the liver to process ammonia thus easing the strain on the kidneys. Finally, it can actually be used to dissolve kidney stones! Some people perform a watermelon fast one day a week, eating only melon wedges when hungry. Urine testing is a convenient way to monitor chemistry. The best time to check is in the morning prior to consuming food or drinks (other than water). If it’s initially difficult to achieve readings between 6.5-7.4 take 1-2 AlkaPure pH capsules upon rising. Once optimum readings are achieved, test periodically. Special Supplements for Kidneys - For an annual or biannual kidney cleanse: Astragalus – numerous studies show this herb has a protective effect on kidneys, liver, and spleen. It is also used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and immune disorders. It has been shown to slow tumor growth and significantly extend the lives of those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation. Nettle is a wonderful cleansing herb for the kidneys. It also helps with all conditions related to inflammation, including arthritis and allergies. Burdock provides a whole body detox by increasing urine output and drawing out stored toxins. It is a natural option to use instead of prescription diuretics but consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are already on diuretics before making a change. Exercise, fresh air, deep breathing with complete exhalation all benefit the kidneys. For those days that you’re pressed for time perform the 4-minute workout by Dr Zack Bush. This easy routine performed 2-3 times boosts nitric oxide production and kidney function. See it online. Following the diet and basic supplement suggestions should have a beneficial effect on your kidneys and your overall health. One of the biggest changes you hopefully will notice is an increase in energy level. Keep a journal to track your progress. *Revised July 2023
By Jonathan Tessier March 19, 2025
Are seed oils bad for you? You may have seen some Social Media influencers claiming that they are. Is there any truth to this? What are the benefits of not eating seed oils? Let's find out.
By April Allen March 5, 2025
Who run the world? Girls! March is Women's History Month, and March 8th is International Women’s Day. What better time than this to lift up the women around us!
By Jonathan Tessier March 4, 2025
What is Circadian Rhythm?
By Jonathan Tessier March 4, 2025
Baked Pasta, better than regular!
By Jonathan Tessier February 25, 2025
Try out some of these delicious international food recipes, most of which you can make with ingredients from our store! There's a lot of diverse recipes in here from Japanese to Indian food!
Rebecca holding green smoothie in a glass cup with a straw
By April Allen February 20, 2025
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with these festive, healthier St. Patrick's Day recipes! We've added some brand new recipes to the list for 2025 - Slainte!
More Posts
Share by: