Hot flashes come in announced and often cause a sudden feeling of warmth, mostly over your face, neck, and chest. It results in the reddening of the face also leading to excessive sweating.
You may experience
The most common cause of hot flashes is menopause in women, but there are also other conditions that may lead to hot flashes. These are –
These home remedies for hot flashes and night sweats mentioned below could help relieve the symptoms.
Hot flashes are generally caused due to menopause when there is a natural drop in estrogen levels of the body. Soy contains chemical compounds called isoflavones that have estrogen-like properties and is thus used as a supplement to hormone medications.
Research(1) shows that the plant-based phytoestrogens called isoflavones that are present in soy bind to the same receptors as estrogen. When isoflavones dock on to these receptors, they mimic the effect of estrogen and have helped with the occurrence of hot flashes.
Soy is found in foods like tofu and soy milk that can be easily incorporated in your diet. Tofu can be used in salads or stir fry preparations, and soy milk can be used instead of your milk intake twice a week.
There are also some soy supplements available in the market, a tablet every day can be consumed for better results. However, this should not be done without any prior consultation with your physician since it may hinder any preconditions that you may have.
[Read: Treat Hot Flashes Naturally]
Hot flashes generally occur in menopausal women, and hormonal treatment is not usually the best course of treatment as it doesn’t go well with most. In such cases, more natural and herbal methods are used. Herbal teas are popular alternatives to hormone treatment therapies.
Studies(2) have shown that regular intake of these teas reduces the duration and occurrence of hot flashes.
There are various herbal teas that are used for hot flashes, some of these are mentioned below –
The herbal teas can be taken as pills or 1 teaspoon of tea with 1 cup of hot water for each serving. Normally, these teas are not known to have any side effects. However, the same should be taken after discussing it with your doctor.
[Read: ACV for Hot Flashes]
Studies(4) show that flaxseed shows estrogenic effects and thus helps with post-menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Flaxseeds are plant-based estrogens called phytoestrogens that contain lignans and omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans present in flaxseeds are antioxidants that have weak estrogen emulating properties. These properties are what make flaxseed a home remedy for hot flashes.
Take 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed every day for breakfast. You could either sprinkle it in your cereal or have it directly. Flaxseed is not known to have any side effects when consumed in moderate quantities. However, if you experience symptoms like diarrhea, immediately consult your physician.
[Read: Home Remedies for Menopause]
Hot flashes mainly occur in postmenopausal women. Postmenopause, the female body stops producing estrogen and results in a hormonal imbalance. Hormone replacement therapies were used to tackle this problem, but it had a range of side effects on the body. For this reason, women are now moving towards more natural methods and home remedies to help with the postmenopausal symptoms.
Many women try to include more plant-based estrogens called phytoestrogens in their diets. They work in the body like a weak form of estrogen. Mentioned below are foods rich in plant estrogens that can be incorporated into one’s diet –
[ Read: Supplements for Hot Flashes ]
During menopause, the estrogen levels begin to decline. This results in low metabolism and may lead to weight gain. There are certain foods that should be moderately consumed during menopause. These are mentioned below –
[Read: Treat Hot Flashes in Men]
Before taking any kind of medication, it is beneficial to try some lifestyle changes that can help with hot flashes. Some of the recommended changes are listed below.
[ Read: Vitamins for Hot Flashes ]
There are certain measures that can be taken consciously to avoid hot flashes or at least reduce the frequency and intensity.
[Read: Essential Oils For Hot Flashes]
Studies(6) show that the plant-based estrogen called isoflavones present in soy are very effective in reducing hot flashes.
Yes, the cooling pillows work, especially when you’re experiencing night sweats while sleeping. However, it is only temporary relief. The pillow takes away the body heat and absorbs it, getting warm in the process.
The main cause of hot flashes in women is menopause. However, it is also linked with a couple of other conditions like hyperthyroidism and hyperthermia.