Diet In Hot Flash

The type of diet that is consumed too has a profound influence on the condition. It has been found that spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, excess sugar, hot drinks and large meals could aggravate the situation. Hence these foods are best avoided.

Pumpkin and sesame seeds are a source of L-tryptophan (an essential amino acid), which plays a role in mood control, and can be eaten freely. So consume nuts and snacks based on the above as well as other nuts.
Avoid caffeine, as it is believed to block the absorption of calcium and other minerals. As alternative herbal teas, biotea, tulsi (Indian basil) tea should be consumed.

Additionally a few alternative therapies like herbs, vitamin supplements can be tried, if deficiency is seen.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) helps in relieving hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
Tribulus and withania are androgen promoting herbs which may help to support adrenal gland function and promote ovarian androgen synthesis.
Research says that supplemental magnesium can increase bone density in many women and prevent bone loss in others. This mineral may assist with improving and maintaining bone integrity.
Phyto-estrogenic herbs may be useful for improving menopausal complications.

Hot Flash - References:

Avantina Sharma, Textbook of Food Science and Technology, International Book distributor (IBDC) publishers, India.
Albertazzi P et al. The effect of dietary soy supplementation on hot flushes. Obstetrics and Gynecology 1998;91: 6-11
Charles L Loprinzi et al. Venlafaxine in management of hot flushes in survivors of breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial. The Lancet. Volume 356 Page 2059
Jeri AR. The effect of isoflavones phyto-estrogens in relieving hot flushes in Peruvian postmenopausal women. Paper presented at: 9th International Menopause Society World Congress on the Menopause; October 20, 1999; Yokahama, Japan.
Vasomotor symptom relief by soy isoflavone extract tablets in postmenopausal women: a multicenter, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2000 Jul-Aug;7(4):236-42.

Published on Oct 17, 2014
Last Updated on Mar 21, 2018

guest Tuesday, March 20, 2007

My worst hot flashes feel similar to a slight electrical shock, short-lived but very significant (as if I have stuck my finger in a light socket.) Has anyone else experience a similar type of hot flash? I have also had the type where you feel as if your temperature immediately rises and you must remove clothing while profusely perspiring.