Night Sweats & Nutrition

Night sweats, also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, are periodic bouts of nocturnal sweating, a relatively common health complaint. In most cases, notes MayoClinic.com, night sweats are not an indication of serious underlying health problems. Night sweats may be most common among middle-aged women experiencing menopause. If you are considering using nutritional therapies to help treat your night sweats, first review the risks and benefits of this approach with your primary care provider.

Night Sweats Info

Night sweats, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians, are a symptom, not a disease, and may result from numerous health problems, including lymphoma, tuberculosis, HIV, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia. Certain prescription medications -- anti-hypertensives, antipyretics and heroin -- might also cause night sweats. Along with hot flashes and insomnia, night sweats are one of the most common menopausal symptoms. Menopause-related night sweats may respond to conservative therapies, including nutritional therapies.

Diet Recommendations

Dietary changes may be helpful in treating your night sweats, especially if your night sweats are associated with menopause. In his book, "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. reports that consuming phytoestrogen-containing foods --- fennel, celery, parsley, soybeans, flaxseeds, nuts, apples, whole grains and alfalfa --- may be helpful in reducing menopause-related symptoms. Reduced consumption of animal and dairy products may also be helpful.

Appropriate Nutritional Supplements

Several nutritional supplements may be appropriate in treating your night sweats. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports of two in particular: astragalus and soy. Other beneficial nutritional supplements for night sweats may include essential fatty acids, lecithin granules or capsules, vitamin E, quercetin, vitamin C, hops and valerian root. More scientific research evidence is perhaps required to support the use of these supplements for this health purpose.

Disclaimer

Although most cases of night sweats are associated with menopause, some causes may be serious and require immediate medical intervention. If you suffer from recurring bouts of night sweats, visit your doctor to discuss possible underlying causes and the most effective treatment methods. Before using nutritional supplements or other therapies to help treat your night sweats, discuss appropriate procedures, alternatives and side effects with your family physician.