How to Deal with Hot Flashes

As women reach the menopausal stage, estrogen levels drop and the body is subjected to the uncomfortable, intense feeling of heat known as Hot Flashes. Many complain about this and doctors have given these women estrogen replacement therapy. Still, there is no permanent cure to hot flashes and night sweats.

When your body experiences hot flashes, a sudden, intense heat sweeps over your face, neck, arm, torso, legs - or the entire body. There can be blotching or reddening and mild to intense sweat with all those heat. Hot flashes lasts from a few seconds to an hour, although there are rare cases when it exceeds an hour. Women experience hot flashes mostly at nights where estrogen levels drop. This is also known as night sweats. When a hot flash occurs, one can feel anxiety, tension, dizziness, heart palpitation, sleep disorder, depression, or headaches. You may feel you are totally out of control of your body.

Common Hot Flash Triggers

1. Foods high in acid content like citrus and tomatoes
2. Hot beverages
3. Caffeine drinks ( soda, coffee, tea )
4. White sugar
5. Hydrogenated or saturated fats
6. Summer or hot weather
7. Sauna, hot pool, hot tub, or hot spring bath
8. Cigarettes, tobacco, or marijuana
9. Intense sex
10. Spicy foods

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

1. Exercise

Walk, run, or do other exercises at least 30 minutes daily, but not before you go to sleep.

2. Avoid Your Triggers

Try your best to avoid any of the triggers listed above and have the discipline to make healthy choices and lifestyle habits.

3. Protect Yourself

Summer is the time of the year where you can experience hot flashes often. Try to wear cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe and have a fan or air cooling system to cool down your body.

4. Dong Quai

A popular remedy for menopausal problems, this herb helps regulate hot flashes and relieve your emotional upset. Dong quai helps stabilize your blood vessels. Stop using this when your hot flash won't subside.

5. Chaste Berry

This herb is famous for the proper regulation of the pitituary glands, helping regulate your hot flashes and dizziness. Considered as a slow-acting tonic, you can see results in 2-3 months time.

6. Black Cohosh

Popularly used by American Indians for relief of menstrual cramps and menopause, there are significant studies showing that it can help reduce hot flashes. Many also swear that it can help relieve the symptoms of hot flashes. Don't use this if you experience menstrual flooding or if you're pregnant. Also, caution must be taken by those who are taking estrogen supplements, birth control pills, sedatives, or blood pressure medicines.

7. Essential Oils

The essence of basil or thyme, when inhaled, may ease an onset of hot flashes. You may also rub your foot with it, use it for massage, or drop small amounts to your bath. Just make sure you choose 100% pure grade essential oils to get the best results.

This coming summer, get yourself ready for another onslaught of hot flashes. Keep Cool!