Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-10-08T07:50:12.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best supplements for perimenopause – to support transition through the menopausal years
items: The best calcium supplements 2025 – tried and tested
items: The best supplements and vitamins for your immune system 2025 - tried and tested
items: Can you avoid weight gain during menopause?
items: Best menopause supplements – to support mood, metabolism and vaginal health
items: There are 67 signs you might be entering perimenopause. What should you do about it?
items: What has working from home done to our diets?
items: What is perimenopause?
items: Food and hormones – what to eat during your period
items: What is gestational diabetes?

Best supplements for perimenopause – to support transition through the menopausal years
type: item
date: 2025-10-08T07:50:12.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: goodhealth
description: Hormonal changes leading up to menopause can result in a range of symptoms. Our expert nutritionist looks into which supplements might help
encoded: Perimenopause, the time leading up to the menopause (defined as a year after a person’s last menstrual period), usually refers to the time when cycles start becoming disrupted in the years preceding the menopause. Should I take a perimenopause supplement? Many people transition through the menopausal years with no issues and minimal symptoms. However, for those who do experience some of the very wide range of symptoms, there are some supplements that may complement lifestyle changes such as eating a nutrient dense diet, getting regular movement (particularly strength training), managing stress and prioritising sleep. There are nutrients that are important in supporting our natural hormone production and metabolism, and in supporting the other systems in the body that can be under strain during this time of turbulence. Many people can get what they need from eating a diet based around good quality protein, a wide variety of plant foods, and healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil – read what to eat to ease the menopause, for more. If you do decide to try a supplement, try to stick with a product for three-four months before deciding whether it is the right one for you, rather than chopping and changing all the time. If you are taking supplements alongside HRT, it is important to make sure that these have been professionally checked for possible interactions. JUMP TO REVIEWS How we tested perimenopause supplements All perimenopause supplements were assessed using a clear set of criteria, with detailed notes recorded during the process. Products came from a range of manufacturers and included different formats such as tablets, capsules, gummies and powders, at a variety of price points to reflect what’s available on the market. We focused on the following areas: Ease of use: we considered how straightforward each supplement was to take, including the taste, size of tablets or capsules, and how simple it was to build into a daily routine Ingredient qu…

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The best calcium supplements 2025 – tried and tested
type: item
date: 2025-10-08T07:50:06.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: goodhealth
description: A must for supporting strong bones and teeth, calcium supplements should be considered if you're vegan, allergic to dairy, or menopausal. Read our expert's assessment of the top supplements
encoded: Please note, this review was originally written by Katy Bradbury, but subsequent additions may be added by the Good Food team. Around 99 per cent of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it contributes to their strength and structure. Calcium works with phosphorus to build and maintain bone density, which is especially important for children, adolescents and older adults, particularly menopausal women, to prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis. As well as being essential for strong bones and teeth, calcium is essential for muscle function and nerve signalling. It helps with blood clotting and supports the release of hormones and enzymes that regulate body processes. If there isn’t enough calcium in the diet, the body takes it from bones, which can weaken them over time. Dairy is generally thought to be the highest source of dietary calcium, but it is found in other sources too. It should be relatively easy to get enough calcium from your diet, although the groups mentioned above might need a supplement, as well as vegans and people who avoid dairy. We tested and reviewed a variety of calcium supplements to find the best offerings on the market. JUMP TO REVIEWS Why you can trust Good Food reviews When reviewing calcium supplements, we combined expert guidance with practical testing. Our freelance nutritionist advised on the different forms of calcium – such as carbonate and citrate – and how well they are absorbed by the body, as well as what levels are appropriate for daily use. Meanwhile, our testers looked at how these products fit into real life. That meant checking whether tablets or capsules were easy to swallow, if powders had a pleasant taste and whether the daily dose felt realistic to keep up with. Cost was also factored in, with value judged by both dosage and overall quality. We don’t share our reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they’re published and we don’t accept payment for positive coverage. The recommendations you’ll fi…

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The best supplements and vitamins for your immune system 2025 - tried and tested
type: item
date: 2025-09-30T11:25:15.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Review
description: Discover the best immune support supplements of 2025, tested by nutritionists to help fill gaps in vitamin C, D, zinc, selenium and more
encoded: Please note, this review was originally written by Katy Bradbury, but subsequent additions may be added by the Good Food team. Your immune system is constantly working behind the scenes to protect you from infection, and what you eat can make a real difference to how well it functions. While no supplement can stop you from catching a cold or flu, research shows that certain nutrients play a vital role in keeping your immune response strong. A balanced diet packed with fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein should always come first, but supplements can help to fill gaps, particularly during the winter months, stressful times, or if you have increased nutrient needs. Key nutrients often included in immune-support formulas are vitamin C (for its antioxidant properties and role in white blood cell activity), vitamin D (essential for immune regulation), zinc (important for healing and infection defence), and selenium (a trace mineral that supports antioxidant defences). Some supplements also contain probiotics, iron or omega-3s, each of which may play a role in supporting overall resilience. In this guide, we’ve reviewed a range of immune-support supplements available in 2025, looking at the science, the formulations and how they measure up in practice. Best immune support supplements at a glance Best immune support supplements: BioCare Immune Complex, £31.39 Best value for money immune support supplements: Vitl Immune Support, £11.99 Best mid-range immune support supplements capsules: Inessa Immunity Complex, £22.99 Best food-form immune support capsules: Cytoplan Immune Complete, £30.49 Best premium immune support supplements: Wild Nutrition Immune Support, £36 Best budget-friendly immune support supplements: KIKI Health Immunity, £26 Best liquid immune support supplements: Microbz Immunity, £22.45 Jump to section: Best immune support supplements to buy in 2025 What nutrients and vitamins can boost your immune system? How to choose a good immune…

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Can you avoid weight gain during menopause?
type: item
date: 2025-09-05T12:32:29.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Developing a bit of a tummy is a common experience for women during perimenopause. Can it be prevented, and is it even a problem?
encoded: For many midlife women, one of the changes they notice most – or first, before any other noticeable shifts – is weight creeping on, particularly around the middle. So many women tell me that this occurs even when nothing else has changed, and it can feel incredibly frustrating. We already know that body image issues can be a cause for poor mental health in menopausal women, not least because we live in a society that is still fat-phobic and that values youth above wisdom. It can feel a particularly poignant development for those experiencing natural midlife changes. When we have lived the first half of our lives being conditioned into the notion that looks and certain body shapes are currency, if these start to change it can feel like we are losing much of our value. It can take some rejigging of ingrained attitudes to fully appreciate midlife you, and your inherent worth. If you are looking for practical advice on how to support your body and wellbeing during this transition, you may find it helpful to explore this guide on what to eat during menopause, which offers dietary tips and lifestyle strategies tailored to this stage of life. How your body changes in perimenopause and menopause From a health point of view, the type of fat that’s more likely to be stored in perimenopause and beyond is called visceral fat which tends to be stored around the middle, and this type of fat is associated with cardio-metabolic risks. This is exemplified by the fact that throughout the lifespan, men are at higher risk of heart attack, up until menopause at which point women catch up. By understanding what’s happening in your body, and making supportive choices around food, movement, and lifestyle, you can feel more comfortable in your skin during this transition, as well as help buffer against some of the primary causes of death in the Western world. The years leading up to menopause (the point 12 months after your last period) are called perimenopause, and you can find out more ab…

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Best menopause supplements – to support mood, metabolism and vaginal health
type: item
date: 2025-08-13T13:02:20.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: goodhealth
description: Changes to your health following menopause mean that additional nutritional support can be useful. Find out which supplements are best for you with advice from our expert nutritionist
encoded: Menopause is a natural stage of life, and for some, it comes with physical and emotional changes that can be a new challenge to navigate. Although the menopause transition (perimenopause) is frequently discussed, the health challenges and priorities that arise after menopause are equally important. From managing hot flushes and mood swings to supporting bone density and cardiovascular health, many women seek solutions to ease this change while also maintaining overall wellbeing. While lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet are crucial, targeted supplements can offer valuable support tailored to menopause-specific needs. If you would like guidance on how your diet can help ease menopause symptoms, read our helpful guide on what to eat during menopause. Supplements can help address a variety of concerns, including hormonal imbalances, sleep difficulties and joint discomfort, while also boosting energy, cognitive function and skin health. Choosing high-quality products and understanding your unique health requirements are essential steps in finding the right support for your journey. We’ve tested and reviewed some of the best menopause supplements available, exploring their benefits and how they can complement a holistic approach to health. Read on for our top picks. Best menopause supplements at a glance Best general menopause supplements Paused menopause all-in-one, £29.99 OTO menopause complex, £39 Nu Mind Wellness Menopause Support, £74.99 Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Menopause Complex, £35 Best menopause supplements for mood Integrative Therapeutics HPA Adapt, £44.99 Best menopause supplements for metabolism Vitanica Metabolic Manager, £51.91 Best menopause supplements for musculoskeletal health Vitanica Osteoblend, £36.97 Pharma Nord Bio-Pycnogenol, £15.35 Thorne Curcumin Phytosome, £26 Best menopause supplements for vaginal health Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Peri and Menopause Biotic, £39 Pharma Nord Sea Buckthorn Oil, £22.95 Jump to …

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There are 67 signs you might be entering perimenopause. What should you do about it?
type: item
date: 2025-07-11T13:03:04.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: goodhealth
subject: Menopause
subject: what is perimenopause
subject: women's health
description: Unusually bloated, having sleep issues, or crying unexpectedly over the smallest of things? You might just be perimenopausal...
encoded: If you’ve been unusually bloated, can’t seem to get a full night’s sleep, or you’re suddenly crying at dog food adverts, you might – just might – be perimenopausal. According to the Balance app, there are 67 possible symptoms of this life phase, ranging from night sweats and brain fog to itchy skin, joint pain, and – yes – excessive wind. But how can we be expected to keep track of such a lengthy and varied list of symptoms? And to what extent are they reliable indicators of perimenopause, or could something else be going on? More importantly, what – if anything – should you do about them? What is perimenopause and why is it important? Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to shift and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. It typically starts anywhere between your late 30s and early 50s, though most experience it in their mid-to-late 40s. Unlike menopause – defined as 12 months without a period – perimenopause is more like a hormonal prequel. It can last 4 to 8 years, though for some, it lingers even longer. According to the NHS, symptoms may begin gradually and intensify over time. People usually associate the menopause transition with a decline in oestrogen, but it’s actually progesterone that tends to reduce first, while oestrogen for people in their forties can experience peaks of over 3x that of people in their thirties. Whilst some people have a seamless transition to menopause, the hormone fluctuations can impact nearly every system in the body. Is it perimenopause — or something else? Here’s the kicker: having some of the 67 symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you’re perimenopausal. Many signs – like fatigue, bloating, or low mood – are nonspecific and can be triggered by stress, poor sleep or even diet. But if you’re noticing clusters of symptoms, especially alongside changes in your menstrual cycle, it could be time to consider the perimenopause lens, particularly if you’re over 40. Women’s Health specialist …

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What has working from home done to our diets?
type: item
date: 2025-06-13T09:31:11.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: Covid
subject: covid-19
subject: goodhealth
subject: working
description: Our nutritionist takes a deep-dive into the research to find out whether we’re healthier pre- or post-pandemic
encoded: Before 2020, lunch often meant queueing at a cafe or eating a soggy sandwich 'al desko'. But in the post-pandemic world, with more of us working from home (WFH) than ever before, have our food habits shifted dramatically? In the UK, around 40 per cent of working adults reported WFH at least once a week in 2023 (ONS), and in the US, 35 per cent of full-time employees are still remote all or some of the time. But what’s that done to our diets? Is it helping us to eat better, or are we just snacking more? Office lunches: the bad old days? Before the pandemic, office life left many of us at the mercy of overpriced meal deals, vending machines, and a rushed lunch break. Research shows only 37 per cent of European workers took a full lunch break when working on-site, while 10 per cent of UK workers skip their lunch breaks altogether. Data suggests that office lunches can lean heavily on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – quick and convenient, but low in nutritional value. One survey found that as many as 17 per cent of workers in the UK consider themselves addicted to UPFs at work, largely because of stress and convenience, with these options being widely available in the workplace. However, the data is mixed, and it’s up in the air whether the move toward WFH has enabled us to improve our health in the lunch hour or whether new problems have arisen. In the US, a 2023 survey suggests that workers are 40 per cent more likely to skip lunch than they were a year prior, with almost half reporting that they skip lunch at least once a week. Having back-to-back remote meetings was one of the reasons reported for not having lunch. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has highlighted challenges associated with home working, noting that it's easy to lose track of time and skip lunch when lacking the visual prompts from colleagues. The shift to home cooking Working from home has undoubtedly shifted the dynamic at lunchtime. In many cases, people now have access to their own kitchen, t…

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What is perimenopause?
type: item
date: 2024-12-20T11:14:09.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: Recipes
subject: goodhealth
subject: help with menopause
subject: Menopause
subject: what is menopause
subject: what is perimenopause
subject: women's health
description: Find out about perimenopause – what it is, when it starts, the signs and what changes you can make to manage symptoms and live well through this period of life
encoded: When does perimenopause start? Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to the menopause, which is defined as being a year after a person’s final menstrual period. In the UK, the average age of menopause is 51, but the range is anything from 45-55 years old. How is perimenopause diagnosed? Perimenopause usually refers to the time when cycles start becoming disrupted in the years preceding the menopause, but hormonal changes can begin before cycles become irregular and can last for up to a decade, meaning some women may begin to notice symptoms as early as their mid-thirties. Although blood tests to ‘diagnose’ perimenopause by hormone levels are available, as hormone levels fluctuate on a daily as well as monthly basis, this isn’t an accurate way to establish whether perimenopause has begun. It’s more aptly assessed by symptoms. Signs of perimenopause Despite recent media attention and the narrative that the menopause is a life phase marked by deteriorating health and well-being, many people transition through the menopausal years with no issues and minimal symptoms, and there is evidence to suggest that people from different parts of the globe experience menopause in different ways, though more research is needed to better understand this. Symptoms most associated with the perimenopause include menstrual changes, such as heavier or lighter periods, irregular periods or unexpected bleeding; vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats; psychological symptoms, such as mood changes, anxiety, brain fog, low libido, memory loss and poor concentration; metabolic changes, such as weight gain and an increase in belly fat; pelvic symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, urinary urgency or incontinence; and musculoskeletal symptoms, such as joint pain. Can perimenopause be treated? Many people think that the loss of oestrogen alone is to blame for these symptoms, but this is to misunderstand the nature of the perimenopausal transition. The first hormone to decrease i…

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Food and hormones – what to eat during your period
type: item
date: 2024-02-05T15:59:37.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: goodhealth
subject: hormones
subject: International Women's Day
subject: Menopause
subject: menstruation
subject: pregnancy
subject: women's health
description: How much influence does your diet have on your monthly cycle, and can what we eat improve hormonal issues?
encoded: While male hormones can of course go up and down, and may be subject to daily and other small variations, female hormones are very different and subject to significant fluctuations that can have a wide-ranging impact. The monthly menstrual cycle, and indeed the dramatic hormone changes seen at the menopause, mean that women can experience strong fluctuations across the month and over the years. Such hormone fluctuations can impact wellbeing, from energy levels to mood, to fertility and bone health. Diet and hormones The interplay between diet and hormones is multi-layered but, fundamentally, we need certain nutrients for our hormones and reproductive system to function normally, and this may change across our lifespan. Certain nutrients play key roles for specific hormones, and there is some interest in the idea of "balancing" hormones. But, again, the complicated interplay between diet and hormones means there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Which foods affect hormones? Phytoestrogens have been shown to mimic oestrogen in the body and may help regulate hormonal fluctuations, though the research is limited. Find them in plant-based foods like soy, flaxseeds and lentils. Zinc is suggested to be an excellent hormone modulator and has suggested benefits for multiple hormone-related conditions including period pain, PCOS, PMS, acne, thyroid disorders and perimenopause. It is abundant in foods such as seafood, meat, chicken, nuts and seeds. Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone production, which plays an important role in ovulation and reproductive health. In addition, selenium may help lower thyroid autoantibodies, and has been shown to play an important role in both fertility and miscarriage. Find selenium in Brazil nuts and liver. Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant and could help to maintain normal hormone levels in women. Specifically it’s been suggested it could be helpful in developing a healthy uterine lining for pregnancy, and may play a role in managi…

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What is gestational diabetes?
type: item
date: 2023-11-08T10:45:58.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: diabetes eating plan
subject: gestational diabetes
subject: goodhealth
subject: healthy pregnancy
subject: pregnancy
description: A common pregnancy problem, find out how to avoid or control gestational diabetes with our expert's advice
encoded: Gestational diabetes (GD) is a common condition referring to high blood sugars that are diagnosed in pregnancy, and it’s on the rise. While it often resolves after giving birth, it can have immediate and long-term health implications for both mother and baby. The good news is, when caught early, it’s a condition that many people are able to manage using a combination of diet and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at how. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes refers to high blood sugars that manifest (or are first picked up on) in pregnancy. It is thought that many women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the third trimester of pregnancy may have had undiagnosed high blood sugars prior to or in the earlier stages of pregnancy, meaning that early testing could be helpful. It impacts approximately 2-10% of expectant mothers in the UK, and arises when the body cannot effectively produce or use insulin, a hormone crucial for blood sugar regulation. It is more prevalent in these groups: people who are not caucasian in ethnicity mothers who have previous babies weighing more than nine pounds people who have a high BMI women with a family history of diabetes women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. The implications for both mother and baby include: heightened risk for developing type 2 diabetes in future premature delivery c-section shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during vaginal birth) birth defects intra-uterine growth retardation low blood sugars at birth. Whilst this might sound scary, the good news is that keeping blood sugars well controlled can alleviate these risks. What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes? Your healthcare professionals should be assessing your risk factors for gestational diabetes right from the start of your pregnancy. If they deem you high risk, you may need to undergo additional testing. Whether you are low or high risk, it is worth being mindful of the signs and symptoms, giv…

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