Hot flashes commonly occur in women in the midst of menopause caused either naturally or through surgery. This sudden onset of flushed skin, rapid heart rate, sweating and other symptoms actually result from hormonal fluctuations that cause the body to react as if your temperature has suddenly risen. Regardless of cause, hot flashes can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for some women, mainly because they are so unpredictable. You can't prevent menopause but fortunately, you can decrease or stop hot flashes with natural vitamins or foods.
Step 1
Consume foods that are high in phytoestrogens. These foods, which include soy products, flaxseed, whole grain products and some fruits and vegetables, may provide some relief from hot flashes. According to the book, "Our Bodies Ourselves," some research has supported that women can get relief from hot flashes using this approach. They add that if women obtain phytoestrogens from eating healthy foods, there is little risk involved for them in trying this approach. Isoflavones, substances found in some phytoestrogens, may have effects similar to estrogen, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are at risk or have had an estrogen driven form of cancer, speak with your doctor before eating foods that contain phytoestrogens.
Step 2
Take a vitamin E supplement daily. The website Breastcancer.org explains that taking a vitamin E supplement has been found to help relieve hot flashes in some women. They add that the benefit appears to be minimal, with nearly the effectiveness of a sugar pill. However, some women have reported relief from menopausal symptoms with this supplement. MayoClinic.com advises that you should not take supplemental vitamin E of more than 400 IU daily. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which can accumulate to toxic levels in the body if you take too much.
Step 3
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that contains fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats and low fat dairy. MayoClinic.com advises that women experiencing symptoms of menopause - including hot flashes - should follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. Avoid foods that can raise your body temperature, such as spices, hot beverages and alcohol. Maintain a healthy weight too, which can help decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, which become more prevalent with age.
Step 4
Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Caffeine can trigger symptoms such as hot flashes in some women, says Dr. Christiane Northrup. Caffeine, a natural stimulant, raises your heart rate as well as your blood pressure, both of which can cause an elevation in body temperature. This elevation can trigger the body to respond with the symptoms of a hot flash. If you're not sure if caffeine triggers hot flashes in you, Dr. Northrup recommends that you drink decaffeinated beverages for a week, reintroduce caffeine and then monitor your symptoms.
Step 5
Take 400 mg. of a vitamin C supplement that contains bioflavinoids, three times a day. A 2000 study American Medical Association cited by Women's Health. found that women who received treatment for breast cancer had significant relief from hot flashes with supplemental vitamin C and bioflavinoids. Vitamin C is a relatively safe supplement that the body doesn't store and therefor cannot accumulate to toxic levels. High doses of vitamin C however can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some people. If you have a sensitive digestive system, start with a lower dosage and take this supplement with food.
References
- BreastCancer.org: All About Hot Flashes
- Our Bodies Ourselves: Midlife and Menopause - Natural Products: Phytoestrogens and Bioidentical HormonesThes
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause: Alternative medicine
- Christiane Northrup, M.D.: Hot Flashes
- Women's Health: American Medical Association; Practical Issues in Counseling Healthy Women About Their Breast Cancer Risk and Use of Tamoxifen Citrate; Holly Jane Smedira, MD; 2000
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