Hot flushes -- also referred to as hot flashes -- are sudden feelings of warmth. Hot flushes are usually most prevalent over your chest, face and neck. You may also experience redness of your skin, chills or profuse sweating. These flushes can occur a few times per week or a few times per day. If hot flashes bother you, treatment is available. Vitamins may also be able to help. Contact your doctor prior to beginning a vitamin regimen for hot flushes.
Vitamin B-5
Vitamin B-5 is also referred to as anthothenic acid and plays a vital role in the normal functioning of your adrenal glands, according to "The Vitamin Book." Anthothenic acid helps to regulate the production and use of hormones -- including progesterone and estrogen. The regulation of hormones helps to reduce the likelihood of hot flushes in menopausal women. Vitamin B-5 can be found in a number of food choices. Nuts, cheese, milk, eggs, chicken, fish, whole grains, legumes and bananas all contain vitamin B-5.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C -- or ascorbic acid -- helps to boost your immune system. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C also help to alleviate inflammation and hot flashes, according to "The Vitamin Book." Vitamin C also helps your adrenal glands to function properly. With the proper release of hormones, you are less likely to experience hot flushes. Vitamin C can be found in a number of different food sources. Broccoli, red peppers, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, watermelon and green vegetables all contain vitamin C.
Vitamin E
According to "The Vitamin Book," vitamin E can be used to help support estrogen loss in women going through menopause -- estrogen loss can lead to menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. As a result, vitamin E is able to help control hot flashes. Vitamin E helps your body to replenish electrolytes that you may have lost by sweating. A proper balance of electrolytes can help reduce the occurrence of hot flashes. Vitamin E can be found in a large number of food sources. Nuts, whole grains, wheat germ, green vegetables, wheat, oats, vegetable oil, peanuts and canola oil all contain vitamin E.
Other Considerations
Vitamins B-5, C and E are the vitamins most commonly used in treating hot flashes. However, there are actions you can take to help control hot flushes. Keep your home cool. Even the slightest spike in temperature can cause you to experience a hot flash. If you feel like you are about to experience a hot flash, grab a cold drink. Watching your diet can also help with hot flushes -- avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods. Take note of how different foods affect your body and avoid foods that appear to trigger hot flashes. You should also avoid smoking. Not smoking can help reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hot Flashes
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 1999
