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Soy has been proven to reduce hot flashes. There are many ways to add soy to your diet. Eat edamame as a snack or in salads, pour soy milk over your cereal, chop up some tofu and add it to egg salad sandwiches. Tofu can also be grilled or added to baked goods.
Whole grains and vegetables also help to reduce or eliminate hot flashes. Add more salads to your diet, because leafy green vegetables contain calcium and fiber. Choose whole-grain breads and pastas, and eat whole-grain cereals in the morning.
Cold-pressed oils have been shown to be helpful, as well. Cold-pressed oils are extracted from seeds and fruits by granite millstones or stainless steel presses. They are extracted under lower temperatures than many other oils. Because of the lower temperatures, the oils retain more of their nutrients, aroma and flavor. Try olive, peanut and sunflower oils.
Drink even more water than usual during menopause, because you may lose more to perspiration and night sweats. Hydration will keep you cooler. -
Alcohol and caffeine strain the liver and acidify the blood, aggravating hot flashes. If you are accustomed to drinking coffee in the morning, try switching to caffeine-free herbal teas.
Excessive sugar has also been shown to induce hot flashes. If you are in the habit of eating sweets throughout the day, try to indulge in just one dessert. Also, pay attention to labels. Corn syrup is increasingly used in foods you wouldn't suspect, such as condiments, meat dishes and soups.
Reduce your consumption of dairy and meat products. The sodium, saturated fat and lactose in these products can make hot flashes worse. Try substituting soy or rice milk for cow's milk, cut down on cheese, and try out vegetarian dishes. When you eat meat, choose lean cuts and white meat.
Spicy foods can also contribute to hot flashes. Cut down on spices when you cook. When eating out, consult your server about spices in the dishes you order.
