Researchers discovered that a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine could be the key to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease among menopausal women.

The strong relationship between healthy eating and good cardiovascular health could be seen in the slowing of plaque buildup among menopausal women who participated in the diet and exercise control group of a study.

The study consisted of 353 women between the ages of 44 and 50 years. Over a four-year period ultrasounds were used to measure the thickness of their carotid artery walls. The participants were divided into two groups, a lifestyle intervention group and an assessment-only "control" group.

Results of the Study

• The women in the control group exhibited an accelerated thickening of the arteries, which increased from 0.003 millimeters per year before they reached menopause and shot up to 0.008 mm during and after menopause

• The thickening of the arteries of the women in the lifestyle intervention group were reduced to 0.004 mm per year

• The women in the intervention group also didn't experience any rise in their LDL cholesterol levels over a 4.5-year period

Based on the results of these studies, experts concluded that menopause represents a unique opportunity for women to work at reducing their risks of cardiovascular conditions.

Yahoo News August 10, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Researchers emphasized that lifestyle changes really do the trick and the results are measurable too. So, if you haven't made the move yet, you have all the tools and information on my site to make those changes today. Here's how: A better diet based on your personal metabolic type Balancing your omega-3 and omega-6 fat intake An exercise program even of the low- and moderate- intensity variety Making these simple lifestyle changes are a lot safer than following some of the common treatment protocols practiced in the field of traditional medicine such as estrogen therapy. If you are one of the women who still believe that estrogen is good for you, you have been brainwashed by the traditional media. I would encourage you to review Dr. Uzzi Reiss' excellent book on the topic, Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and Live Life with Exuberance. Not only has estrogen been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, but studies have also found that it increases insulin levels. Does this mean it should never be used? Absolutely not, but it needs to be used very cautiously and wisely and ideally monitored by someone who understands natural medicine. Related Articles: Doubt Cast On Soy for Menopause Bombshell -- Major Premarin Trial Halted Hormone Replacement Therapy When Is It Necessary? The Estrogen Alternative -- Black Cohosh Premarin Alone Increases Strokes Vitamin E May Help Hot Flashes