HOT
FLUSHES OR FLASHES
About Hot
Flushes
Some
women go through menopause with few or no noticeable symptoms, whilst other
women experience short-term or acute symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats,
mood swings, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, depression, poor libido,
bladder problems, vaginal dryness and itching, burning and discomfort during
sexual intercourse, breast tenderness, dryness and ageing of the skin, shortness
of breath, heart palpitations, poor memory and insomnia.
All of these symptoms are due to oestrogen and progesterone deficiency
and other hormonal imbalances.
Osteoporosis is a major problem for women after menopause.
Menopause
is not a disease. It is the next
natural phase of life, and with proper diet, nutritional supplements, and
exercise, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, and
often eliminated.
Nutrition facts & Diet
Advice for hot flushes
Consider the following nutrition guidelines:
-
Eat
a diet high in raw and lightly steamed vegetables, particularly green
leafy varieties.
-
If
you have a tendency for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), always mix some
protein with your carbohydrate intake.
-
Eat
oily fish, and if you use tin fish eat the bones also.
-
Eat
phytoestrogens as found in miso, soybeans and tofu.
-
Substitute
garlic or onion powder for salt in cooking, as salt increases urinary
excretion of calcium.
-
Drink
at least 2 litres of filtered or bottled water per day to help prevent
drying of skin and mucous membranes.
-
Avoid
dairy and excessive meat, which can cause hot flashes and excrete calcium.
-
Avoid
alcohol, caffeine and sugar, which can cause hot flashes and mood swings.
-
Avoid
spicy foods.
-
Avoid
stress when possible.
-
Get
regular exercise.
Health Supplements
Often, a combination of
supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may
wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice.
Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are
shown below:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement
medical claims)
-
1
Vitamin E mixed softgels 400iu. (Solgar)
(The multivitamin and mineral above contains 400iu per 3
tablets. Take this for a week, then add 400iu daily of the Vitamin E
400iu softgell, and slowly increase the dosage until hot flashes are
relieved, up to a total of 1600iu daily (that is, 3 x Multivitamin and
mineral + 3 x 400iu Vitamin E.)
If
reducing, also reduce slowly.
-
2-3
x Black Cohosh (Standardized Full Potency, from Solgar)
-
2
x Osteoplex (Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, plus) (BioCare)
-
3-9
Essential Balance capsules, or 1-3 teaspoons Essential Balance Oil (omega
3 and 6) (Higher Nature)
Also
consider:
Natural
Progesterone Cream
Recommended
Books
health book - Is It Me, or Is It Hot in Here? health book - Strong Women, Strong Bones health book - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause health book - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause
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