Nights sweats are hot flashes that occur during the night. Symptoms come on suddenly and typically include intense warmth, discomfort and perspiration, particularly within your face, chest and neck. Although night sweats may be caused from infections, cancer, nervous system problems and using too many blankets, according to MayoClinic.com, they are particularly common among menopausal women. In addition to medical treatment, when needed, dietary changes may help manage your symptoms. Soy, a protein-rich legume, may enhance your efforts.
Function
Soy contains plant-based substances called isoflavones, which have properties similar to the estrogen in your body. Although researchers aren't sure how strong these effects are, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, they may help reduce menopause symptoms associated with estrogen imbalances, including hot flashes. Drinking cold beverages, such as chilled soy milk, may also guard against oncoming hot flashes.
Research
Roughly half of studies regarding soy isoflavones and menopause symptoms show benefits for reducing hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. In a study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in 2001, researchers analyzed the hot flash occurrence and soy intake of 1,106 women living in Japan for six years. During the study, 101 women experienced new moderate or severe hot flashes. Women with a high intake of soy products, including soy milk, showed the lowest risk for hot flashes. Women who consumed the most soy experienced the fewest symptoms. The researchers concluded that soy products appear to have a protective effect against hot flashes.
Safety
Because soy isoflavones affect your estrogen levels, some researchers believe supplemental forms can increase the risk of breast cancer after menopause. Until more definitive research is available, the UMMC suggests that food sources of soy, including soy milk, may be safer than supplements. In other words, although soy-containing foods are considered safe for consumption, soy-based dietary supplements may bring health risks. If you are allergic to soy, soy milk and other soy-based products can cause severe physical reactions. Consuming soy in excess can make it difficult to manage thyroid disease. To avoid general health risks, do not use soy milk in place of doctor-recommended treatment. For maintained freshness, keep open soy milk containers in your refrigerator and finish or dispose of them before their expiration dates.
Suggestions
For improved hot flash symptoms, the UMMC recommends consuming 40 to 80 mg of soy isoflavones per day. One cup of soy milk provides 30 mg, which is more than the amount found in one serving of edamame, tofu, tofu yogurt and soy cheese. Other isoflavone-rich foods include tempeh, boiled soybeans and miso. For best potential results in minimizing night sweats, incorporate soy milk into a nutritious, balanced diet.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Night Sweats: Causes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Soy Product Intake and Hot Flashes in Japanese Women: Results from a Community-Based Prospective Study; Chisato Nagata et al.; 2001
- MayoClinic.com: Hot Flashes: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy
- Linus Pauling Institute: Soy Isoflavones
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