Clin Nutr Res.  2020 Jan;9(1):1-10. 10.7762/cnr.2020.9.1.1.

Marine Healing, but Not Additional Intake of Undaria pinnatifida, Benefits Physical and Emotional Exhaustion Symptoms of Menopause

• Yun H
• Lee B
• Lee SJ
• Park CY

• KMID: 2468659
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2020.9.1.1

Abstract

Menopausal symptoms can persist or worsen even years after menopause and affect women's quality of life. We investigated whether menopausal symptoms were alleviated through a marine healing program and if sea mustard intake additionally benefits these symptoms. A total of 42 menopausal women self-selected to participate as the marine (n = 22) or city group (n = 20). The marine group participated in a 5-day marine healing program consisting of a balanced diet, exercise, and mind-body practices using ocean resources. The city group continued one's daily routine without any intervention. Within the marine group, participants were randomly assigned to consume sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) (15.4 g dry weight/day; n = 11) or control (n = 11). Changes in menopausal symptoms were measured using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the end of the marine healing program. The city group completed the MRS at baseline and on day 20. Within subject differences of menopausal symptoms between baseline and immediately after the marine healing program were assessed using paired t-test. Intervention effects were assessed by mixed analysis of variance. Somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms were immediately alleviated after the marine healing program. No effect of sea mustard was detected in the marine group. After 2 weeks, the effect of marine healing persisted in physical and mental exhaustion only. A 5-day integrated marine healing program, but not additional sea mustard intake, temporarily alleviated menopausal symptoms. The reduction in physical and mental exhaustion after marine healing can be maintained for 2 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0004025

Keyword

Marine healing; Seaweed; Undaria; Menopause; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Diet
Female
Humans
Information Services
Menopause*
Mustard Plant
Quality of Life
Seaweed
Undaria*

Figure

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  Figure 1 Study design. The marine group participated in a 5-day marine healing program. Diet was controlled for these 5 days. Within the marine group, the marine seaweed group additionally consumed sea mustard during the controlled feeding period (day 0–5, 15.4 g [dry weight]/day) and free-living period (8 packets of seaweed noodles per 13 days [180 g/packet]). The city group did not receive any intervention. ▲, menopause rating scale survey.

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  Figure 2 Marine group implementing the marine healing program. (A) ‘Watsu’ using sea water and (B) mind and body relaxation exercise using sea sand and sea breeze.

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  Figure 3 Total MRS scores of participants that participated in marine healing by status of sea mustard consumption and time point. The thick lines represent the means of each group (marine control and marine seaweed). MRS, Menopause Rating Scale.

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