Good Fat Is Good for Women: Menopause

by Elizabeth Bright

Menopause. Why do we go through it? How can we enjoy this time of life? There is a plethora of confusing and misleading information out there about what to take, what to eat. Women may begin to is there something wrong with our bodies? And if menopause is natural, why do doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and the media recommend so much medication to treat menopausal symptoms? The last sixty years of dietary advice, warning women to avoid fat, have actually worsened women’s health. If you’re approaching menopause, in menopause, or are interested in improving your health naturally, here is a book that explains the history of menopause, the evolutionary benefits of this life event, and how to eat the right foods to help you enjoy what should be the longest and most fulfilling part of your life. This book is the first of a three-book series that shows how important eating good fat is for a woman’s health at every stage of her life.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2019

About the author

Elizabeth Bright DO, ND, a graduate of Columbia University, is a highly respected American Osteopath and Naturopath living in Italy. She is former Chef-owner of Coppi’s Organic and The Vigorelli Restaurants in Washington, D.C. She is a master in Chau Ka Kung Fu. She has been eating a high-fat carnivore diet and has been using it as a treatment modality since 2016.

Reviews

[Angela McVay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well researched book on the evolution of menopause and how we got to where we are today with hormone replacement therapy and low fat diets are not beneficial. About 70% of the book takes the reader back in time on the origins of menopause in the medical community and how big pharma plays a part in selling women hormones.

The last third of the book delves into the benefits of the keto diet for the female body. I definitely have some take aways that I am going to try tomorrow morning!

Thank you to Goodreads for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This is worth the read if you are interested in making a change in your diet or if you’re wanting to learn more about the history of menopause.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Good Fat is Good for Women: Menopause Elizabeth Bright demonstrates why menopause has always gotten a bad rap and how women can prevent and treat the physical changes associated with it naturally and without medication. The out-dated dietary guidelines to avoid saturated fat and increase carbohydrate consumption have worsened women’s health in world-wide. Because these nutritional imbalances start in adolescence, this book can also help young women ensure good health throughout adulthood.'

[Susan Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This to this book I learned the HRT is never necessary nor is surgeries on reproductive organs! To learn that the medical community has destroyed so many women’s lives is pathetically disgusting. Thank GOD for people like Dr Bright who teach us that real food and fat heals us of man made diseases and problems ♥️

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of historical information in this book, which is nice but nearly 80% was tied to this. Would have preferred more detail on how to know when and how much fat an individual person should consume. Not everyone will need "1 stick of butter" and for some 1 may not be enough.

[Rebekah S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elizabeth, I just want to know about endocrine systems, please stop talking about feminism 😭

There was about 20% useful knowledge packaged in 80% thinly veiled misandry. I skimmed till the relevant stuff in the last two chapters, but if it had been any longer I wouldn’t have made it

[Fos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paperback

Elizabeth Bright is very knowledgeable regarding health and hormones during perimenopause and menopause.

Excellent read. Definitely worth the $$$

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this book very informative. Lots of history on the treatment of menopause by society, culture, big pharma. Very inciteful. However, the last portion of the book was hard sale on the Keto diet. HARD sale. I don't doubt the validity and benefit of going Keto, but it's not for me. I lean more towards all things in moderation. I do agree that processed sugar is to be avoided, and that we should all look for high protein and nutrient dense foods in our diet. But I am not willing to give up my fruits and veggies. I would still recommend this book simply for the first half, and I will always keep an open mind to various diets that provide health benefits.

[Terran]

A wonderful read for women's nutritional needs. Elizabeth is brilliant.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but perhaps should be called a A Historical Review of Women's Medicine?

More than half of the book is a history lesson with a heavy focus on the systemic bias around women's health created by big pharma and a male-centric medical establishment. It's well researched and interesting, but definitely not what I thought I was buying. Once the book does get into dietary advice some sections get confusing as good foods and bad foods will be mixed into the same paragraph and it's not always clear which is which. It also assumes that you already know a lot about which foods contain certain macronutrients or are willing to do a fair bit of extra research on your own.

I do agree with the author that fat has been unfairly vilified in our society and that sugar and other simple carbohydrates are far more problematic. However the author seems to lump in complex carbohydrates as equally bad and claims that what we are taught are healthy vegetables are actually full of anti-nutrients instead. I do recognize that there are many reasons why 'veggies are healthy' could be misinformation (similar to how 'fat is the source of all disease' is misinformation), but strangely this was one aspect of the book that had few to no sources backing the claim and I'll need to do more independent research before I believe it. The author also seems to advocate for maintaining an unending state of ketoacidosis. Again I have learned from other sources that this is unhealthy in the long term and has serious negative consequences, and the claim in the book seems to be supported more by anecdotes than by research, so I'll need to do more independent reading before I believe it.

I did learn some useful information about women's health and in particular the roles of various hormones and what can interfere with their healthy functioning. It just came with what feels like a heavy bias in some attempt to counterbalance the opposing bias presented by current conventional medicine. I would have liked more about how the body works and how to recognize and treat imbalances on my own, and a lot less of the focus on how we women have been wronged by the medical establishment.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is slightly deceiving, as this book explores women’s hormones generally, with a focus on menopause. I’m hopefully 8-10 years out from this next phase of my life, but I enjoy learning more about it as I likely begin to enter perimenopause within the next several years.

Bright pushes high fat, esp. butter. Not sure butter or high saturated fat is my jam after tracking my blood sugar (and seeing spikes in spite of zero sugar and carbs) but this book is still relevant. Interesting history on women’s health, how menopause has been labeled, misunderstood, and hyper-marketed to benefit pharmaceutical industry. It seems a high-carb diet plus lack of adequate protein and whatever fats work with your body chemistry are the main culprit of hormone struggles, whatever stage you’re at.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the author’s views while listening to a podcast. Balancing our endocrine system with good fat, especially animal fat—and avoiding seed oils like the plague, will make women feel better, have more energy and more. Menopause was not supposed to come with symptoms.

The author told the history of the medical gaslighting of women through the years. I didn’t need to read all that. But I get it.

Menopause is good—
It seems a pity to have a built-in right of passage and to dodge it, evade it, and pretend nothing has changed—that is to dodge and evade one’s womanhood and pretend one is like a man. Men once initiated, never get the second chance, they never change again. That’s their loss, not ours.

I would give it 3 1/2 stars

[Holly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

Thank you for putting this information out there for all of us. It has been very informative in explaining a lot of the autoimmune symptoms I’ve experienced throughout the years and how to manage them through diet and lifestyle and how Tom allow the body to rebalance and heal itself naturally. This information is better late than never, for me. I wish all females would read this as early as their teen years to spare them the pain and suffering of those of us who came before them. I transitioned to all animal/carnivore high fat and I’m very happy with the results and benefits, so far. Keep up the good work. 🙏🏻👋🥩🧈🥚

[Courtney Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone nearing the age of 50, this was an encouraging read. The book is about more than just menopause, and I feel it would benefit women of any age. Over the past few years, I have been focusing on what foods and activities work best not only for my body but my mind. I certainly have regret over many of my past choices/habits, but I am thankful to be looking ahead now, continually learning and changing as needed. The facts and suggestions listed in the book just make sense to me and are so simple. While I do not agree with the author's evolutionary beliefs, I would still recommend the book.

[Marilyn Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and Helpful

I'm glad I discovered this book. Some of the reviewers suggest skipping the first portion of the book, but I found many interesting and helpful gems interspersed that I would've missed if I followed their advice. What the author proposes fits my lifetime experiences. I think she's right but I'm not going to jump into an 80% fat 20% protein diet. I'm not suffering like many of her patients. I do plan to reduce the carbs, though. Years ago, I went on a strict low sugar diet for 2 months and felt so calm and at peace with the world, but my social world lured me back in. I recommend this book.

[Chrystene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly eye opening book taking you through the sordid history of female negligence, abuse and gaslighting by the medical profession. Hormones for profit seems to be the underlying pharma message without any consideration for short or long term physiological risks.
Diet, insulin resistance, High cortisol seem to be the biggest contributors to both menopausal symptoms and many chronic ailments.
A thoroughly engaging and well researched read that will leave you questioning everything you have been told about Female health.

[Joann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dont wait till menopause to read this book!

Read this book even if your 20. Dont wait till menopause. The Dr. Is right. I had no menopause symptoms at all! I was keto for year because of diabetes, and menopause was notheing. This book should be given to every female college freshman., so women don't suffer needlessly for most of our lives. It didnt need to be that way. Just read this book! Even if your not in menopause. Its just all makes sense now. Thank you for writing this book.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

#goodreadsgiveaway This book had amazing information in it. I've been bothered by hot flashes night sweats and brain fog for years and now come to find out it isn't menopause but my hormones being out of whack. I asked my primary care doctor to refer me to an endocrinologist and I'm waiting an appointment with that gentleman.

The only problem that I had with the book was how much research information was involved in it. To give you some idea there were almost 300 end notes on a five chapter book as I recall. But I think this doctor is wonderful and I thank her for writing this book.

[Sylvie Bourgeois · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Menopause should be an easy and harmless transition " I think my jaw dropped when I read this as I have had so many symptoms that have made life more challenging. All to realize that I have mistreated my body with low fat diet, vegetarianism and was lacking nutrients. Eat the Fat!!! There was a lot of history which I found to be most of the book but this information was quite interesting. Aside from that I feel like her message needs to be heard by all women!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information but the book really needs to be edited. It seems to be articles that were strung together to make a book. The only problem is, the information is repeated over and over and over again. One example, the fact that only humans, pilot whales and orcas go through menopause is literally included 10 times. (Do a kindle search on the word orca to see I'm not exaggerating.)

I think the reason I found this book so interesting is because I had already discovered on my own I only had hot flashes when I ate or drank carbs and that my stomach was flatter and my mood improved when I started eating healthy fat again. I know I won't follow a strict carnivore diet as recommended, but I will definitely be striving for a low/no carb, high fat, moderate protein aka keto diet.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st half, really interesting on the history of big pharma with women's health, etc.
The 2nd half is a hard NO for me. Just have some butter on top of your cheese and life will be good. um, no gracias. I believe balance is key to life. The 2nd half of this book, in my opinion is lacking that. I don't think there is one way for every person to eat, no matter what health you are in. But if eating sticks of butter on top of your meat and cheese feels good to you, you do you.

[Lisa Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of history of how women were treated for menopause or any issues related to hormones. If you have a heart it will make you justifiably angry. I would have given it 5 stars if she had spent more time on talking about how the fat helps to regulate hormones. I suggest doing your own research and even looking up Dr. Bright's interviews on YouTube where she goes into much more detail about diet and hormones and thyroid issues.

[Laura Neumaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Women Need to Know

I’ve always believed that aging is a natural process of life, including the menopausal stage of life. However, and unfortunately, I was encouraged to go to a doctor to seek HRT. My body literally broke out and was trying to tell me this is not normal. I feel like the odd one out not being on HRT today but I feel normal again, eating an animal based diet. Thank you Dr. Bright!

[Josefina Nucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keto-animal based fat- hormone activation

Great explanation of the history of pharma related endocrine treatment in women. 1st book relating keto diet high fat-low carb-enough protein) to hormones balance in women of all ages. I found a practicable recommendation to avoid artificial hormone intake after menopause while giving incentive to our body to increase needed hormone production though adrenals glands.
Must read for all women!

[Tanya Pennington-Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for all women to read. Not only do we need to stop being afraid of fat, but we need to start loving fat. We need to stop blaming fat for what sugar has done. I gave it 4 stars because while I appreciated the historical information provided, it became a bit redundant, and I found myself getting tired of reading seemingly the same thing, over and over. Other than that, this is an information-rich book I highly recommend.

[Tracy Marmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info for great health!

Good fat is great for everyone! This book explains so much on how to feel great and be healthy at any age. Dr. bright gave a wealth of information we need to know since we've been lied to about EVERYTHING, including evolution which she hasn't discovered yet. Highly recommend!

[Andrea Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. All woman would gain incredible insight into their body, if not a touch of rage from what big pharma has done in the past and continues to do. This is well written and not just for menopausal woman. Woman of all ages would benefit enormously from the information provided in this book. Read it before taking HRT!!!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A case for carnivore

The more I read, the more I understand that the FDA is a for-profit business and doesn't actually care about the health of the American population. The high-carb low-fat diet I grew up with did more damage to my body then I can possibly reverse before I die, but with books such as this, I'm certainly going to try.

[Ashlie Lepek · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY Female needs to read this book. I went from being angry at all the gaslighting women have gotten from the medical community to being armed with how to fix the issues the low-fat and Standard American Diet have caused. Thank you Dr. Elizabeth Bright!!!

[Gail Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have health issues, read this book

And if you have very little time, go right to the last chapter. But, if you are a woman, or love a woman, read the whole thing! Easy to understand.

[Lindsey Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Changer

Dr. Bright is phenomenal. The text is moving and well supported. It is mainly geared toward women of menopausal age, but every woman should read regardless. Men can definitely learn a thing or two a well. Can’t wait to recommend this to so many.