God has blessed those of us who have survived childhood, youth, and middle age. These later decades of mortality should be the most influential time of our lives—a period to reflect on past mistakes, trials, and successes, and to pass our insights forward to fellow travelers.

If we find our progress impeded by obstacles, we must determine if we ourselves have caused these diversions. If we have, we must correct course. It is never too late. As I reflect on my own ability to be more productive, I realize that even with a healthy lifestyle, there is always room to strive for better.

This transition into the elder years—this "Rite of Passage"—should not be a season of decline, but of peak performance.

I observed this firsthand with my wife, Fawn. She didn’t consider menopause to be a barrier or a biological "shutdown." Instead, she saw it as an opportunity and plowed through it, accomplishing more than she ever did in her youth—which is saying a lot.

Her experience shouldn't be the exception, but the rule. Globally, many women are not ill-affected by menopause; for them, it isn't even a speed bump. Decades ago, the term "hot flashes" wasn't even translatable into Japanese because the symptom was virtually non-existent there. When researchers compared these women to their American and Canadian counterparts—who suffer greatly—the determining factor was clear: Diet.

If you are suffering, a course change is required. While it may not result in an overnight miracle, the biological math is simple. Sprouted soybeans are the highest source of phytoestrogens—plant hormones that take up binding sites and gently stimulate hormonal action. This results in steady relief rather than the wild mood swings caused by over-stimulation or synthetic interference.

It isn't just soy; most sprouted legumes contain these vital phyto-sterols. By exchanging highly processed foods for a fresh, whole-food diet—combined with fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and grounding—you provide the body with the environment it needs to create its own miracle.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist, director of The School of Natural Healing, and son of our beloved Dr. John R. Christopher. He is continually helping others improve their health and that of their family members. The School loves having him as the director.