3 Ways To Naturally Prevent Hot Flashes During Menopause

While you have the option of heading to a gynecologist--like Darin L Weyhrich--to get medications to reduce menopausal symptoms, you also have some alternative options to try. Here are three of the best natural preventatives that could reduce or eliminate your hot flashes. 

Change Your Eating Habits

There are a few foods that are known to trigger hot flashes. These include:

• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Because these things are common in many people's diets, the best way to reduce the risk of hot flashes is to change your eating habits. 

Change Your Lifestyle

Are you a fan of relaxing in a sauna? Do you enjoy wearing clothing that conforms to your body? Are you constantly worried or stressed? Do you smoke? Menopause may be more difficult for you if you've answered "yes" to any of these questions.

Hot rooms, wearing tight clothing, and even being stressed can all cause your body to suffer a hot flash. By dressing in layers to reduce the buildup of heat, drinking lots of cool water, and wearing loose, airy clothing, you could reduce your hot flashes.

If you smoke, it could trigger your hot flashes. Smoking increases your blood pressure and reduces the oxygen intake in your body, which tends to make you feel warmer. This can quickly trigger a hormonal hot flash that keeps you feeling toasty for more than just a few minutes. Reduce or eliminate your smoking habit to stop this trigger. 

Much like smoking, stress can cause your blood pressure to rise and your hormones to go haywire. Both of these things contribute to triggering a hot flash, so do what you can to eliminate stress in your life. To reduce stress, you can:

• Exercise
• Meditate
• Get enough sleep
• Do something you enjoy

Change Your Supplements

If you only take a normal multivitamin, you may find that supplementing your diet with alternative herbs and oils may be beneficial in preventing your hot flashes. Two common herbs and oils to try are:

• Evening primrose oil: This replaces a commonly deficient omega-6 essential fatty acid in the body. It may help reduce blood pressure and thin the blood, reducing hot flashes. 
• Black cohosh: This has a effect similar to estrogen therapy, and some studies have found it reduces hot flashes, sleep problems, and night sweats in menopausal women.

These are just a few of many natural ways to prevent hot flashes during menopause. Try each one, and you may find the relief you're looking for.