Dos and Don’ts to Beat those Hot Flashes
It’s 50 degrees and sweat is trickling down your face. Sound familiar? Hot flashes are one of the unfortunate and uncomfortable side effects of menopause. These sudden waves of heat, caused when the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate, can occur at any time for menopausal and perimenopausal women. Hot flashes that hit while snoozing can lead to insomnia and fatigue.
Overall this condition can cause a whole host of energy zapping issues from low libido and depression to anxiety and nausea. Is there any relief in sight? Thankfully there are ways to help treat hot flashes. Read on for a list of dos and don’ts for hot flash relief.
Cool Down with These Hot Flash Remedies
- Balancing Act: Natural hormone replacement can help correct progesterone and estrogen loss, which can prevent hot flashes.
- Turn Down the Heat: Maintaining a cool and calming bedroom will ward off sleepless nights and anxiety. Turn the AC down, turn the fans on and lay your head on a cooling pillow.
- Hydrate: Chug that H2O throughout the day.
- Get Moving: Excess baggage can make hot flashes worse. Stay active and try to shed those extra pounds.
- Munch on This: Adding veggies such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower to your diet can improve hormone function. These cruciferous vegetables encourage cell health by eradicating damaged cells.
- A Bit of This and That: Adding some maca root or flaxseed oil to a smoothie can help balance out those hormones.
What to Avoid
Sorry to break the news but a lot of the fun stuff out there triggers hot flashes. Although it may be difficult to abstain from red wine or sugar, it’s well worth the benefits. It’s also advised to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate and caffeine. In addition, stress can exacerbate symptoms, so take some deep breaths, book a massage and just relax. This too shall pass. Interested in learning more about natural hormone replacement? Contact Dr. David Ghozland’s office at 310-393-9359 to schedule an appointment.