Typically when you think of hot flashes, you associate the condition to menopause and low estrogen. While low levels of both estrogen and testosterone hormones often lead to a rapid increase in skin temperature due to dilatation of the skin blood vessels, many other events, ingested substances, and certain foods can also cause the skin vessels to rapidly dilate and release heat. Hot flashes, which are characterized by a sudden feeling of intense heat typically confined to the upper half of the body followed by sweating, affect not only 85 percent of menopausal women but also men and non-menopausal women. Whether you are experiencing menopause or in general waking up in the middle of the night in a pool of sweat, there are certain foods to avoid reducing the likelihood of hot flashes.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, such as hot pepper, curry and chili, can cause a rapid outbreak of a hot flash. The pepper, for example, directly stimulates nerve endings that affect and dilate the blood vessels leading to a hot flash. Avoid spicy foods to reduce the likelihood of hot flashes.
Refined Sugar
Consuming too much sugar or simple carbohydrates can trigger hot flashes. When you ingest sugar, there is a spike in blood sugar which then elevates the body's temperature. In addition, sugar has a vasoconstriction effect increasing the heart rate. This increase in body temperature and heart rate can trigger hot flashes. According to Rose Paisley, N.D., a naturopath at Nature Cures Clinic in Portland, Oregon, you should avoid processed products containing refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Natural sources of sugar like maple syrup, honey and pure cane sugar are better choices in small amounts, but avoid "food in a box" containing refined sugar.
Caffeine
Foods and drinks, such as chocolate and coffee containing caffeine, can trigger a hot flash. Caffeine is a stimulant that when consumed, increases the body's blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid fluids containing caffeine, and instead focus on drinking more water to balance the body's functions.
Hot Drinks
Hot drinks, such as tea or coffee, heat up the body's core temperature. If one is prone to hot flashes, drinking a hot drink would trigger a sudden elevation in the body's core temperature sending a message to release the heat through sweating. Consume cool water throughout the day to help keep the body temperature level.
Alcohol
Drinking excess alcohol can lead to hot flashes. Alcohol increases blood levels of estrogen. After the alcohol digests and leaves the blood stream, there is a severe drop of estrogen. This extreme drop in estrogen, especially in menopausal women, may trigger hot flashes. In addition, drinking alcohol increases the blood flow in the heat regulating center of the brain. When the brain detects a temperature increase, a signal is sent to release chemicals that cause the skin's blood vessels to dilate and dissipate the surplus of heat. Therefore, reducing the amount of alcohol consumed will help to reduce the likelihood of hot flashes.
