Tired of Fuzzy Thinking and Low Energy?
Try Maca Root
Maca root has active compounds that stimulate the hormone system and this action can balance your body’s hormones. This will help with numerous menopause symptoms such as fuzzy thinking and low energy among others.
Maca for menopause has several essential minerals and fatty acids and is rich in proteins and vital nutrients. The combination of active compounds appears to be very beneficial for our body.
Research is still lacking to show that is works for women in menopause. Numerous anecdotal reports claim Maca effects benefit hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, fuzzy thinking and low energy.
Maca root belongs into the group of natural remedies calledAdaptogens. Compared to several other herbs and plants, this herb does not contain plant hormones but benefits can be felt throughout the body.
What Are Maca Benefits for Menopause
Maca benefits stem from its unique combination of active compounds. These compounds stimulate many activities of the endocrine (hormone)system, especially the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
This is the part of the hormone system where a lot of the menopause problems begin. For example, causes for hot flushes are found deep in the hypothalamus.
Use Maca for menopause symptoms such as
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats,
- Fuzzy thinking
- Fatigue
Who knows, Maca benefits might even help with low libido and give us more energy.
By providing the perfect level of nutrients, Maca benefits the balance of the hormone levels, which, in theory, should lead to a decrease in most of the signs and symptoms of menopause.
The beneficial effect on the adrenal system among others should help withfatigue and fuzzy thinking and give women more energy. There is no evidence that women with low levels of libido will benefit from Maca Root.
Maca Dose: How Much Should I Take?
There is no daily recommended dose of Maca by the FDA. Most manufacturers recommend 500mg to 2,000mg per day. It is probably not wise to take higher doses (just like every herb or supplement) for longer periods.
Dosage depends on the supplement that is used and how the supplement is derived, as well as the concentration. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer.
It is recommended to cycle the use of Maca Root. A general rule of thumb is to take at least one week without the supplement for every month of use. Again, there is no recommendation we could find that would explain for how long to take Maca Root uninterrupted.
Side Effects of Maca for Menopause
Maca Root appears to be well tolerated. Side effects include mild intestinal problems if taken in normal doses.
Some women report an orange coloration of urine when taken the supplement, depending on which kind of root is used (Maca root comes in different colors). It is important to be properly hydrated and women should drink plenty of water while taking this herb. (This is very important during menopause anyway).
High doses of Maca may lead to an iodine deficiency which can cause goitres. Because it can stimulate fertility (proven in rats in clinical trials), the effect on birth control is unknown. Also there is no research regarding the use of Maca for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
What is Maca Root?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii or peruvium) is a root vegetable, related to radishes and turnips. It only grows well in cold climates above 4,0000 ft, and has been grown in Central Peru for centuries. In Peru, the plant is used and prepared as a vegetable.
For medicinal purposes, the root is dried and ground to a flour. Another form that is becoming popular is gelatinized Maca (meaning the fiber is removed) which is much stronger than the powdered root. Maca is also available as a tincture and a liquid.
- Maca has many nicknames:
- Superfood of the Andes
- Peruvian Ginseng
- Nature’s Viagra
Maca’s claim as the Superfood of the Andes is probably due its many beneficial compounds such as the essential minerals selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron, as well as important fatty acids (incl. linolemic acid). It also contains starches and proteins.
Maca has a high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients which probably accounts for the claim that it boosts energy (and libido). This is the reason for the name Peruvian Ginseng, although it is not related to the ginseng plant.
One compound in Maca is p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which allegedly acts as an aphrodisiac. It is also said to increase the fertility of sperm (proven to be true in rats) and to improve sexual performance in men. So it is little wonder that Maca is experiencing such an increase in popularity and has received the nickname Nature’s Viagra.
In summary, it might be beneficial to use Maca for Menopause symptoms such as Hot Flashes (hot flushes), night sweats, fuzzy thinking and fatigue.
Who knows, Maca benefits might even help with low libido and give us more energy (is this a chicken and egg problem?)