Hot flashes are described as hot or burning sensations that spread throughout your face and upper body. They are usually caused by fluctuating hormone levels, but they can also arise as the result of stress, certain foods and beverages, anxiety, anger, illnesses and medications. Approximately 65 percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes, according to Valerie Weber, author of the book "Menopause FAQs." Symptoms may include perspiration, facial flushing, heart palpitations, generalized weakness, headaches, dizziness or nausea. Certain vitamins can balance your hormones and alleviate hot flashes.
Vitamin B-5
Vitamin B-5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that regulates adrenal gland function, improves circulation, supports nerve function and relieves hot flash symptoms such as anxiety, weakness, headaches and nausea. It balances your estrogen and progesterone levels and lowers your risk of hot flashes, according to Linda Woolven, author of the book "Smart Woman's Guide to PMS and Pain-Free Periods." Foods rich in vitamin B-5 include roast beef, pork chops, veal, whole-grain bread, peanuts, split peas, whole grain cereal, chicken liver, eggs, mushrooms and pinto beans.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from harmful free radicals that can trigger or increase hot flashes, according to Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon and Lynn Sonberg, authors of the book "Menopause the Natural Way: The Women's Natural Health Series." The authors report that vitamin C also decreases tissue inflammation, improves adrenal gland function, hydrates your body, regulates your estrogen and progesterone levels, transports oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues, and reduces the frequency and severity of your hot flashes. Foods rich in vitamin C include watermelon, papayas, mangoes, kiwi, strawberries, cranberries, grapefruits, pineapples, kale, spinach and tomatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your body from infections, viruses, toxins and infections that can increase hot flashes, according to Gretchen Henkell, author of the book "Menopause Sourcebook." Henkell explains that vitamin E also hydrates your body, regulates your electrolyte levels, aids in cellular metabolism and reduces hot flashes by eliminating stress from your body. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, mayonnaise, popcorn, margarine, Brazil nuts, sweet potatoes, cod liver oil, avocados, pine nuts and corn oil.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a trace mineral that cools your body when it overheats, reduces your stress levels, produces a sense of calmness and eases hot flash symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches and heart palpitations. It also reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes, according to Alan Gaby and Schuyler Lininger, authors of the book "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions." Foods rich in magnesium include spinach, broccoli, lettuce, almonds, walnuts, milk chocolate, chocolate pudding, bananas, raisins, avocados, apricots, halibut and white beans.
References
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby, et al.; 2006
- "Menopause FAQs"; Valerie Weber; 2007
- "Smart Woman's Guide to PMS and Pain-Free Periods"; Linda Woolven; 2008
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Menopause Sourcebook"; Gretchen Henkell; 2001
- "Menopause the Natural Way: The Women's Natural Health Series"; Molly Siple, et al.; 2001
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