Why we get hot flushes during Menopause and can food help?

Why we get hot flushes during Menopause.

Hot flushes happen because of changing estrogen levels. Estrogen regulates many functions in your body, and plays a role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

When interacting with other hormones, it also performs various other functions. As you age, those estrogen levels go up and down.

This fluctuation interferes with your body’s ability to maintain a steady blood flow, because changing levels of estrogen can cause your blood vessels to constrict or dilate.

When the levels bounce around, it creates a not-so-rhythmic change of pace between the constricting and dilating of these vessels, meaning that it’s very possible for you to experience surges of blood and the fact that estrogen has a role to play in regulating body temperature is what causes you to feel the hot flushes.

How can food help

Foods like tofu and soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which help mimic biological estrogen and may help control hormonal levels. Almost all edible beans may have a positive effect, so make sure your diet is rich with them.

Try following the traditional Mediterranean diet as studies have show this seems to be a long-term solution for helping control hot flashes. In one study women who followed this diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, olives and olive oil were 20% less likely to experience hot flushes and night sweats.

And finally a important point is to cut your coffee/caffeine intake. A study found that caffeine intake is associated with more hot flushes.