subject: Know about the Causes and Remedies for Hot Flashes [print this page] Know about the Causes and Remedies for Hot Flashes
If you're a woman and you're in menopause, then it almost goes without saying that you've suffered from hot flashes at one time or another. Hot flashes affect 75-85% of all women in menopause to varying degrees. It is not completely understood exactly what causes them, but most agree that it is due to hormonal imbalances caused by changes in the level of estrogen. Because they can be so uncomfortable and disruptive, most women are searching for a safe cure for hot flashes.
What causes hot flashes?
A hot flash is an attempt by your body to cool you down. They are a "vasomotor" event, which means involving the opening of the blood vessels (in the skin), which allows more blood to flow through them.
The heat and flushing of the skin is experienced when blood vessels in the skin dilate, bringing more blood (and heat) to the surface of the body. This is strategy your body uses to dissipate heat (by radiating it into the environment). Sweating is an additional strategy used to cool down the skin since the evaporating sweat does result in cooling.
One little known hot flashes remedy is apple cider vinegar. Taking a little of this vinegar has given many women relief from migraines, sinus headaches and even allergy symptoms. More importantly, women report fewer hot flashes! If apple cider vinegar works as your hot flashes remedy it may even increase your energy, alleviate dry skin and aid in weight loss. For no known side effects, I say bottoms up!
Another more prevalently known hot flashes remedy is exercise. Women who reported hot flashes so severe that they plagued them day and night sing the praises of exercise as the ultimate hot flash cure. The amount of exercise required to diminish your symptoms and act as your hot flashes remedy will vary.
More and more women are looking for natural hot flash relief or "home remedies" for hot flashes. For many years the treatment of choice was hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but the medical community has now identified the risks associated with long-term use of HRT. Since some women begin to suffer from hot flashes, bed sweats and other menopausal symptoms five or six years before their menstrual cycles end and then may continue to have them for several years afterwards, it is not unusual for a woman to need relief or treatment for ten years. The longer she uses HRT, the greater her risk of developing serious medical conditions including cancer, heart disease, blood clots and stroke.
Here are some simple methods to control hot flashes that work for most women:
1. Stay away from stimulants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. These can trigger hot flashes. Spicy foods are a major trigger of hot flashes. Excess caffeine can act as a diuretic, which can cause magnesium and calcium loss. These minerals are very important for bone building as well as helping women to stay calm. It is advisable to drink no more than one cup of coffee a day. An herbal tea is much better if you are trying to get total control of hot flashes.
2. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar or are acidic. These foods stimulate mood swings. Acidic foods cause nausea especially when you eat them a lot.
3. Stay calm, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of exercise. Take ten deep breaths after you wake up in the morning. You might be surprised at how effective this is. Eat three small meals a day and occassional healthy snacks in between. Above all, get plenty of rest.
4. Take one of the herbal supplements that have been shown to help you get control of hot flashes, such as black cohosh. Oil from flax seeds and the mineral magnesium is also recommended. Magnesium is vital for menopausal women, not only to maintain bone density, but to also benefit the heart. Magnesium helps prevent many diseases and promotes calmness that can help you get a good nights sleep.
