In this period there is a lot of talk about energy and the possibility of conserving the fundamental energy sources for productive activities and for everyday life. Moving from the macrocosm of the world in which we live to the microcosm of the human organism, and in particular to the female body, with menopause something similar can happen. But be careful: we must not think that with the change in hormonal flows within the body and with the decrease in circulating estrogens there is always a change in the rate of use of fats, resulting in the deposit of a greater quantity of adipose tissue.
What matters is not to overdo it at the table, and above all to move regularly. In fact, even after the end of the fertile age, fats can be consumed, obviously if the amount of energy proposed for the body is lower than the energy expenditure that is created. To report this, recommending attention to nutrition and obviously also to regular physical activity, is a research conducted by the experts of the University of Jyväskylä, which appeared on Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.
Space for resistance activities
We must not fall into a syllogism that is still to be kept in mind. The estrogen hormonesyou know, I am able to favor the cconsumption of fats. Given that with the advancement of the menopausal period there is a decrease in circulating estrogen, it would seem that as a result the ability of women to use fat as a source of energy can be reduced, with “unwanted” effects such as an increase in body weight and the consequent alteration of metabolism. But beware: according to the study, we must not hide behind the alibi of age and hormonal changes.
In fact, research shows that probably the only term of fertile life would not have as significant a weight on the use of fats as eating habits and especially physical activity. In short, the important thing is to train constantly and not let yourself be taken by laziness. Also and especially in this season, paying attention to heat and humidity which can also create uncomfortable conditions for the body.
According to what has been shown by the research, which has examined menopausal women with or without hormone replacement therapy, physical activity is essential to effectively use any energy surplus that is transformed into storage fat. In fact, it was seen that on this front those who were in better shape and consumed more had fat consumption profiles similar to those who had not yet entered the age of menopause or in any case were taking hormone replacement therapies. In short, the advice is simple. And the experts clearly indicate this in their publication. Those who want to have a better and better ability to consume fat in physical exercise, must keep constantly in training. And it should probably aim for resistance exercisesrather than on short activities and with very intense efforts. There is ample evidence in this sense that the ability to burn fat during exercise improves with training even after menopause.
The value of aerobic exercise
It takes a tailor-made exercise. We must not overdo it, but neither should we spare ourselves as soon as we feel the weight of fatigue. This way you keep fit more easily and counteract excess fat. Even if you were sporty in your youth, so it is better not to ask too much of the body.
Excess of effort, especially anaerobic (ie with very intense and close efforts, which do not allow sufficient oxygen exchange) can in fact be counterproductive if not downright dangerous. For this reason, not all sports are indicated always and in any case. Fundamental rule: before performing an activity it is always advisable to follow the doctor’s warnings, including the execution of tests such as the stress test, which allows you to evaluate the response of the cardiovascular system to the stresses of a very intense activity.
Once you have obtained the “placet” from the carer, then, it is better to choose the type of sport based on your characteristics, including age, and not only on the basis of individual preferences. It is proven that the greatest benefits on the body in this period of life, if you are not particularly trained, come from aerobic activities, such as slow running, cycling and swimming. In fact, these disciplines involve constant commitment and make the heart and lungs work at their best.