According to a recent study, 75 percent of menopausal women over the age of 50 will experience hot flashes. Although not completely understood, hot flashes are considered by most in the medical community to be caused by decreased levels of estrogen. As a result, the hypothalamus and its ability to regulate the body's temperature are affected. Whether or not caffeine causes hot flashes does not have a conclusive answer, but you might find evidence that supports a change in your caffeine consumption. If you get hot flashes, talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Having A Heat Wave
A hot flash is a temporary increase of the body's temperature that causes flushing, perspiration, and sensations of heat. An episode can last from 30 seconds to five minutes, with as many as eight to 10 occurrences a day. Additional symptoms include palpitations, anxiety, and a post-episodic attack of the chills. If you experience hot flashes, you may be prone to sleep disorders, depression, and other symptoms that can significantly reduce your quality of life.
Caffeine: Friend or Foe?
Any possible connection between caffeine and hot flashes is found in the dynamic relationship between caffeine consumption, the kidneys and adrenals, stress, and hormones. One of the kidneys' functions is to detoxify harmful substances, like caffeine, from the body. The adrenals are responsible for the release of hormones that support your body's response to stress. When hormonal levels are altered due to poor nutrition and chronic stress, the result for menopausal women could be hot flashes.
No Single Factor
Claudia Welch, a doctor of oriental medicine, states, "No single factor is the culprit. The problem isn't only due to hormones or pollution or processed food or stress. It's all of them." Likewise, the best approach to managing hot flashes is to address your caffeine consumption and diet, lifestyle, and stress management techniques.
Diet, Lifestyle, and Stress Management
Replace a diet high in refined and processed foods with a freshly prepared diet based on whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and some fruit. Enjoy organic foods and drinks whenever possible. Avoid alcohol; spicy foods; hot, cold, and/or caffeinated beverages; tobacco; marijuana; and hot baths or saunas. Consider adopting stress management techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga, or pranayama, or breathing techniques. Examine your lifestyle and determine where you can make changes to decrease stressful demands on your life.
Natural Remedies
If your doctgor approves, there are some natural remedies you can try. Drink one cup of pomegranate juice with one teaspoon organic sugar and five to 10 drops of lime juice. Drink this two or three times per day as needed to relieve hot flashes.
Drink tulsi, or holy basil, and licorice tea two to three times per day, but do not use licorice if you suffer from hypertension.
Add one teaspoon of ashwagandha and a pinch of pippali to one cup of warm milk. Add a natural sweetener if desired, and drink the mix before bed.
References
- Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life; Dr. Claudia Welch; 2011
- The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies; Dr. Vasant Lad; 1998
- Supporting the Adrenals
- Adrenal Function
- An exploratory study on perceived relationship of alcohol, caffeine...
