Listen to Your Body
While research continues to look at the underlying causes of hot flashes, one thing is certain: Every woman can learn to stay cool by paying attention to her own individual triggers. What seems to trigger a hot flash for one woman, may give another woman no trouble at all. Learning your triggers may be all you need to control your hot flashes. Here are some common triggers that you may want to experiment with.
Hot, Spicy Food
Many women find that spicy food aggravates or even triggers hot flashes. However, some researchers now believe that hot peppers can be great for combating hot flashes, as women in South American and Mexico rarely experience them.
Hot Drinks
Warm beverages can heat you up just enough to trigger a hot flash. If this is true for you, stick with cold or room-temperature drinks instead. Eliminate all caffeine (even decaffeinated drinks) for 1 week to see if caffeine is a trigger for you.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a refined carbohydrate that acts like sugar in the body. It can cause an epinephrine release, which can trigger a hot flash. Red wine is particularly potent.
White Sugar
Sugar has also caused heart palpitations in some women.
Stress
Stress causes a hormonal chain reaction in the body that has been linked to increased number and severity of hot flashes. Find ways to combat stress.
Hot Weather
You can’t control the weather, but you can set your thermostat at a comfortable level; 70 degrees during the day and 65 at night may help keep you cool.
Hot Tubs and Saunas
Hot tubs and saunas can cause your body temperature to rise and trigger a hot flash. It’s best to avoid these if you’re sensitive.
Tobacco
Tobacco is a trigger. Avoid tobacco use for overall health.
Unexpressed Anger
Keeping feelings of anger and shame bottled up can lead to a whole host of health problems. Identify the root of your anger and express it openly. You may want to keep a journal to help you uncover patterns.
Care you will love.
Source: Dr. Christiane Northrup. The Wisdom Of Menopause; www.drnorthrup.com