Hot flashes are an intense and sudden feeling of warmth that affects millions of men and women around the world. Typically, hot flashes affect women during the stages of menopause, however there are other medical conditions that can cause a hot flash.
During a hot flash, you may experience the following symptoms:
- A sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your upper body and face
- A flushed appearance with red & blotchy skin
- Rapid heartburn
- Perspiration, mostly on your upper body
- A chilled feeling as the hot flash disappears
If you experience hot flashes, or know someone who does, follow these 5 simple ways to help curb the heat!
Layer Your Clothes
Layer your clothes? Why would you want to layer up if you know you’re going to have a hot flash? This is more of a tip to keep you prepared… Wearing a sweater out with no tank top is going to make the hot flash harder to recover from if you don’t have anything under your sweater to allow you to take it off and cool down.
Pro tip: Loose fitting clothes will also help your body cool down faster after a hot flash.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water and staying hydrated on a daily basis is important to many aspects of our health overall. Specifically in women with menopause, it helps with hot flashes because your body’s cooling system is operating within a thin margin of error during menopause, and a critical component of managing that system is providing enough water to keep the system cool.
Skip the Spices:
Go easy on the hot and spicy food if you’re experiencing hot flashes. Spices are the easiest and most natural way to heat your body up, and if you want to avoid the heat, avoid those peppercorn flakes!
Pilot Flaxseeds in Your Diet
A small study done by the Mayo Clinic found that women who incorporated 40 grams of ground flaxseeds a day in their diet noticed a significant decrease in their hot flashes. Flaxseeds also added an additional benefit of joint and muscle pain relief in some lucky ladies.
Now’s the Time to Go Herbal
Science does not support this tip quite yet, but many women swear by vitamins, plants and herbal remedies to help reduce hot flashes. Here are a few:
- Vitamin E
- Yam phytoestrogens
- Black cohosh
- Dong quai
- Ginseng
If you or a loved on suffer from hot flashes, Pharmasite Research is currently enrolling individuals for a research study near Baltimore Maryland. Fill out your information below and a study representative will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your potential qualifications.