So we all got to talking in the studio the other day about hot flashes and how horrible they can be! Holler if you hear me! Well if hot flashes have left you in a permanently sweaty state? You may be surprised to know that you’ve got many remedies right in your own home to help you out.
- Cut back on coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant, so foods and drinks that contain caffeine may aggravate hot flashes. Try to limit yourself to 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, or about one-and-a-half cups of coffee.
- Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity helps improve your overall health, which may help hot flashes feel less intense. One study found that women who did yoga or other physical exercises five days a week for an hour reduced the frequency of their hot flashes.
- Consider black cohosh. This herbal remedy is made from the roots of a plant in the buttercup family. Some studies have shown it to relieve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Black cohosh is available in health-food stores in various forms, but the most-studied form is Remifemin, a pill that contains black cohosh extract.
- Stop smoking. Here’s yet another reason to stop smoking: Menopausal women who smoke are more likely to experience hot flashes than their nonsmoking counterparts, due to nicotine’s stimulating effects.
- Try dietary changes. Eating a varied diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promotes a healthy weight, which can lead to a decrease in hot flashes. Consuming more soy-rich foods can also help decrease hot flashes.
- Loosen your belt (and your shirt, and your pants). Tight clothing can make hot flashes seem more intense, so put away those form-fitting outfits in favor of comfortable, stretchy clothes for a while.
