HRT Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Hormone Replacement Therapy is to enhance the reduction of bone mineral loss, to control weight gain and to provide a dietary source of plant oestrogens for menopausal women undergoing HRT.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

1. Phyto-oestrogens which have an effect similar to oestrogen in the body (although remember they are not actually oestrogen, and are not converted to oestrogen in the body contrary to popular opinion). Sources include:
-Soybean products: sprouted soybeans, tofu, lecithin, soymilk, tempeh and cooked soybeans
-Legumes: roasted soybeans, peanuts, kidney beans, lima beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas
-Grains and cereals: wheat, wheat germ, rye, barley and oats, sunflower seeds.
-Nuts: walnuts, almonds and cashews.
-Fruits: apples, gooseberries, and guava.
-Vegetables: yams, broccoli, and cauliflower.
2. Calcium-rich foods to prevent osteoporosis. It is recommended women on HRT should consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily. 1 cup of milk or calcium-fortified orange juice contains about 300 mg of calcium. A cup of yoghurt contains about 400 mg. 30g of cheddar cheese contains about 200 mg of calcium, and 4 sardines (including the bones) contain about 184 mg. A combination of these foods throughout the day can easily provide the daily requirement of calcium.

DIET SHOULD BE ADEQUATE IN

1. Good quality protein foods such as lean red meats, chicken, fish, eggs and vegetarian substitutes.
2. Fresh fruit. Two to three pieces daily is sufficient.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

-Caffeine in any foods which leaches calcium from bones.
-Phosphorus in carbonated beverages which can increase bone loss.
-Saturated fats which decrease the body's ability to metabolise oestrogen. Avoid visible meat fat, butter, fried foods, cakes, pastries, packaged snack foods and biscuits.
-Sugar which also limits the metabolism of oestrogen and impairs the immune system.
-Sugar which also limits the metabolism of oestrogen and impairs the immune system.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this condition:

BREAKFAST

1. ½-1cup rolled oats porridge. Sprinkle with lecithin and add soy milk (both oestrogenic
foods) OR 1-2 slices wholemeal toast with ½ cup baked beans or scrambled tofu.
2. One piece fresh or stewed fruit.
Herbal tea, weak tea, coffee or decaffeinated coffee.

MORNING TEA

Two glasses water through the morning.
1-2 Rye crispbreads with tomato or asparagus.

LUNCH

Two glasses water.
1. 2 slices wholemeal bread or 1 bread roll or 1/2 cup steamed rice.
2. 30-60g lean ham or cold meat or chicken or 60g salmon or sardines or 1 soybean pattie.
3. Plenty of salad or vegetable soup with soybeans or sprouts.
4. One piece fresh fruit.

AFTERNOON TEA

Two glasses water.
1. 2 wholemeal crispbreads with cottage cheese.
2. Small tub of low fat yoghurt.

DINNER

Two glasses water.
1. 90-120g lean red meat or chicken or 180-240g grilled fish or 1-2 soybean patties (tofu) or
tempeh burgers with low fat flavourings.
2. One medium potato or ½-1cup rice or pasta.
3. Plenty of fresh vegetables or salad with soybean sprouts and low oil dressing.
4. One piece fresh fruit with low fat yoghurt or custard.
Herbal tea, weak tea, coffee, or decaffeinated coffee.

REMEMBER

1. Include adequate serves of low fat dairy foods daily.
2. Eat small meals and snacks through the day to control hunger.
3. Include soybean products where possible.
4. Avoid refined sugary and fatty foods, added fats and oils.