Night Sweats and Food

Night sweats are times when you sweat so much during the night that your night clothes or bedding become drenched in sweat. These can happen even if your room is not hot. Night sweats are often caused by hot flashes, which occur in most women around the time they reach menopause. Often what helps hot flashes also reduces night sweats because night sweats are one of the primary symptoms of hot flashes. Speak with your physician before using alternative treatments, such as diet modification, as a course of treatment.

Soy

Soy products such as tofu, soy milk, soy cheese and supplements might reduce hot flashes. A study published in "Menopause," the journal of the North American Menopause Society, in 2000 found that participants taking soy isoflavone extract supplements orally decreased the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Consuming between 25 g and 50 g daily of soy might be beneficial for those with night sweats and hot flashes, according to Healthway Compounding Pharmacy.

Flaxseed Oil and Lignans

Flaxseed oil is a major source of dietary lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. According to an article published in "Alternative Medicine Review" in 2003, mounting evidence suggests phytoestrogrens decrease the duration, frequency and/or severity of hot flashes. Whole grain products and vegetable oils also contain lignans. Taking phytoestrogens is a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, but you should speak with a doctor before substituting an alternative treatment such as dietary phytoestrogens for conventional HRT treatment.

Citrus Fruits and Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids might be beneficial for reducing hot flashes, according to "Hormone Deception." Citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids, as do darker-colored vegetables and buckwheat groats. Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits that might decrease hot flashes and menopausal symptoms, but its structure is similar to estradiol, the most active form of estrogen in your body. Estradiol is an important sex hormone that regulates fertility, mood, thyroid function, skin elasticity and other processes in the body. Estradiol decreases in peri- and post-menopausal women. Low levels of estradiol and estrogen might increase PMS and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods are best avoided if you have hot flashes, according to the book, "Hormone Deception." These foods include anything containing monosodium glutamate, or MSG, a common flavor enhancer that might cause adverse reactions including, among other symptoms, sweating, flushing, and tingling, numbness or burning in the neck, face and other areas. Also avoid hot beverages with caffeine and salt.