Menopause Menu: ASUs and Arthritis
May 14, 2020
My “MENOPAUSE MENU” series is dedicated to exploring foods that can be easily assimilated into your diet and can have a positive effect on menopause-related symptoms. Today’s Menopause Menu is all about Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables, known as ASUs. They are vegetable extracts made from fruits and seeds of avocado and soybean oil. ASUs are usually sold in a capsule format and can be found over-the-counter. Why are they so magical? Because they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Also, they have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of menopause-related symptoms and risk factors.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is the most common form of arthritis and is more prevalent in women than in men. It is characterized by the deterioration of the cartilage that serves as a cushion between your bones. Once that happens, the ends of your bones start grinding against each other without protection, thereby causing inflammation and pain. Menopause has been associated with an increased risk for hand and knee OA. Multiple studies have indicated that ASUs can help reduce pain and stiffness while improving joint function in people with OA. According to Harvard Health Publishing, several studies have reported that taking 300 mg daily for three to 12 months slightly improved pain and functioning. Reports suggest that ASUs can play a key role in preventing the development of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis-related fractures.
Menopause-related symptoms
ASUs have strong phytoestrogenic effects and studies have shown that they can be a valuable treatment option for women experiencing menopause-related symptoms. Results from a recent study indicate that supplementation with ASUs may improve mood and quality of life in postmenopausal women. There’s also evidence to suggest that ASUs can exhibit positive results in the treatment of hot flashes.
Note: this article is for informational purposes only and should by no means be taken as medical advice or endorsement of any food, supplement, or product. Always consult your physician before adding new supplements to your routine. As with any supplement, success is dependent on many individual factors as well as dosage. Supplements can interact negatively with medications or other supplements you may already be taking.
