Hey there, ladies! If you’re in the thick of menopause and those pesky hot flashes are makin’ your life a sweaty mess, I feel ya. We’ve all been there, or know someone who has—feelin’ like you’re suddenly standin’ in a furnace for no darn reason. Now, you might’ve heard whispers about apple cider vinegar (ACV) bein’ some kinda magic potion for hot flashes. But does apple cider vinegar help with hot flashes for real? Let’s cut through the hype and get to the nitty-gritty.
Spoiler alert Alotta women swear by ACV for easin’ hot flashes and night sweats but the science ain’t quite there to back it up. It’s mostly personal stories and not hard evidence. That said, there’s some interestin’ theories about its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could play a role. So, stick with me as we dive into what ACV is why hot flashes happen, and whether this tangy stuff is worth a shot. Plus, I’ll toss in some other natural tricks to keep ya cool.
What Are Hot Flashes, Anyway?
Before we get to the vinegar, let’s chat about what we’re dealin’ with. Hot flashes are like your body’s own personal heatwave, often hittin’ during perimenopause or menopause. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re red-faced, sweaty, and rippin’ off layers like there’s no tomorrow. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes, and for some gals, they strike multiple times a day.
Here’s the deal with why they happen
- Hormonal Rollercoaster: As we age, estrogen levels drop and mess with your body’s thermostat (aka the thermoregulatory system). This tricks your brain into thinkin’ you’re overheatin’, so it tries to cool ya down with sweat and flushed skin.
- Triggers Galore: Stress, spicy grub, hot drinks, or even just a warm room can set ‘em off.
- Night Sweats Too: These buggers don’t just hit during the day—some of us wake up drenched at 3 a.m., sheets soaked and all.
It ain’t just uncomfortable; hot flashes can mess with sleep, mood, and just livin’ your life No wonder we’re all huntin’ for relief!
Apple Cider Vinegar: What’s the Big Deal?
Now, let’s talk about this so-called wonder liquid. Apple cider vinegar, or ACV as we call it, is basically fermented apple juice. They crush apples, squeeze out the juice, add some yeast and bacteria to turn it into alcohol, then let it ferment more into vinegar. The end result is a tangy, sour liquid with about 5-6% acetic acid, plus some vitamins, minerals, and stuff like polyphenols—fancy word for antioxidants.
ACV’s been around forever as a home remedy. Folks use it for everything from cleanin’ wounds to fixin’ bad hair days. It’s got a rep for health perks like:
- Helpin’ with blood sugar control.
- Maybe lowerin’ blood pressure a tad.
- Givin’ a hand with weight loss by makin’ ya feel fuller.
- Some even say it fights off bad bugs in your gut.
But here’s where it gets interestin’ for us menopausal gals. The polyphenols in ACV have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vibes that, in theory, could help with some symptoms tied to menopause. Could that include hot flashes? Well, that’s the million-dollar question.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help with Hot Flashes? The Real Scoop
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. I’ve heard from my own auntie and plenty of online chatter that ACV has been a game-changer for some women. They claim it cuts down the number of hot flashes or at least makes ‘em less intense. Some even say it helps with those drenchin’ night sweats that ruin a good night’s sleep. Sounds promisin’, right?
But here’s the kicker: there ain’t much science to back this up. Most of what we’ve got is what I like to call “kitchen table talk”—stories from women who’ve tried it and felt better. That’s not nothin’, mind ya. If somethin’ works for you, that’s worth a heck of a lot. However, when I went diggin’ for hard proof, like clinical studies or big research papers, I came up empty-handed. There’s no solid evidence linkin’ ACV directly to hot flash relief.
There’s a theory floatin’ around that ACV might help by flushin’ out toxins through sweat or somethin’, but that don’t hold water. Hot flashes ain’t caused by toxins; they’re more about your hormones goin’ haywire. Still, those anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bits in ACV could, maybe, ease some body stress that plays into menopausal symptoms. It’s just a guess though—no lab coats have confirmed it yet.
So, where does that leave us? If you’re curious, it might be worth a try. Many gals report benefits, even if the doc types haven’t signed off on it. Just don’t expect a miracle cure, and definitely don’t ditch other strategies for managin’ your symptoms.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hot Flashes (If Ya Wanna Try It)
If you’re thinkin’ “Heck, I’ll give it a whirl,” I’ve got ya covered with some practical tips. But first, a big ol’ warning: ACV is acidic as heck. You don’t wanna mess around with it straight—could hurt your teeth or tummy. Always dilute it, fam.
Here’s how women usually take it for hot flashes:
- Basic Tonic: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a full glass of water. Sip it before or with meals, up to three times a day. Easy peasy.
- Fancy It Up: If the taste makes ya cringe (and it might), toss in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Some gals add lemon, ginger, or even a pinch of cinnamon to mask that vinegar punch.
- Tea Twist: Brew some chamomile tea, let it cool a bit, then mix in a tablespoon of ACV with a splash of honey. It’s soothin’ and might just help with relaxin’ too.
- Daily Limit: Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons total per day. More ain’t better—could lead to side effects like tooth enamel wear or low potassium if ya overdo it.
I gotta say, the taste ain’t for everyone. It’s sharp and takes some gettin’ used to. If ya can’t stomach it, some folks go for ACV tablets or gummies, but watch the dosage with those too. And hey, always chat with your doc before startin’ anything new, especially if you’re on meds or got health stuff goin’ on.
Other Perks of ACV During Menopause (That Ain’t Just Hype)
Even if ACV don’t cool your hot flashes, it’s got some other tricks up its sleeve that might help us through this wild menopause ride. Here’s a quick rundown of benefits that do have some science behind ‘em:
- Weight Management: Studies show ACV can help ya feel full, cuttin’ down on munchies. Some folks lost a few pounds takin’ a tablespoon or two daily. Handy, since menopause often packs on the belly fat.
- Blood Sugar Balance: It can lower blood sugar spikes after meals, which is great if you’re battlin’ cravings or worried about diabetes risks.
- Gut Love: The good bacteria in unfiltered ACV (look for “the mother” on the label) might help your digestion, especially if bloating’s a problem.
- Heart Health: There’s hints it could lower cholesterol or blood pressure a bit, keepin’ your ticker happy as we age.
So, even if hot flashes don’t budge, ACV might still be a solid addition to your routine. Just don’t expect it to fix every darn thing.
Risks and Things to Watch Out For
I ain’t gonna sugarcoat it—ACV ain’t all rainbows and butterflies. There’s a few things to keep in mind so ya don’t end up worse off:
- Tooth Trouble: That acid can wear down enamel over time. Always dilute it and maybe rinse your mouth after.
- Tummy Upset: Some folks get a sour stomach or heartburn from it. Start small and see how ya feel.
- Low Potassium: Goin’ overboard could mess with your potassium levels, which ain’t good for muscles or heart.
- Med Interactions: If you’re on stuff for diabetes or blood pressure, ACV might mess with how they work. Double-check with your doc.
Play it safe, y’all. It’s a natural remedy, but it ain’t harmless if misused.
Other Natural Ways to Tame Hot Flashes
If ACV ain’t your jam or you wanna stack the deck with more tricks, there’s plenty of other natural ways to fight hot flashes. I’ve rounded up some faves that have more solid groundin’ or just make sense for everyday life. Here’s a handy table to break it down:
| Remedy | How It Helps | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Hydrated | Cools ya down quick when a flash hits. | Keep cold water nearby; sip often. |
| Mindfulness | Cuts stress, which can trigger flashes. | Try meditation or a stress reduction class. |
| Deep Breathin’ | Slows heart rate to stop a flash in its tracks. | Breathe slow or try 4-7-8 breathin’ method. |
| Ditch Hot Drinks | Hot coffee or tea can spark a flash for some. | Switch to iced versions. |
| Lose Some Weight | Extra fat can make flashes worse by holdin’ heat. | Eat smart, move more—aim for steady loss. |
| Cut Booze & Sweets | They mess with stress hormones, worsenin’ flashes. | Limit wine and sugary treats. |
Beyond this, there’s a few more ideas I’ve come across:
- Herbal Helpers: Stuff like black cohosh or soy isoflavones mimic estrogen a bit and might ease symptoms for some. Always check with a doc first though—they ain’t risk-free.
- Exercise: Gettin’ your sweat on with a brisk walk can cut stress and help with weight, which might dial down flash frequency.
- Sleep Smart: Poor sleep can make flashes worse. Keep your bedroom cool, maybe snack on a bit of almond butter before bed to balance blood sugar overnight.
- Detox Your Space: Ditch plastics or harsh chemicals in products. Some say they mess with hormones, makin’ symptoms nastier.
Mix and match these with ACV if ya want. Sometimes it’s a combo of little changes that finally moves the needle.
Why Ain’t There More Science on ACV for Hot Flashes?
Ya might be wonderin’ why, if so many gals rave about ACV, there ain’t more studies on it. Well, here’s my take. Natural remedies like this don’t often get the big bucks for research. Drug companies can’t patent a bottle of vinegar and make bank off it, so they ain’t rushin’ to fund trials. Plus, menopause symptoms are tricky to study—everyone’s body reacts different, and flashes can come and go on their own.
That don’t mean ACV is bunk. It just means we’re stuck relyin’ on what women share in forums, blogs, or over coffee. And honestly, that lived experience carries weight with me. If my gal pals say it helped, I’m listenin’, even if the lab folks ain’t caught up yet.
My Personal Take: Should Ya Try It?
Look, I ain’t a doc, just a gal who’s seen the struggle of menopause up close with family and friends. My aunt swears by her mornin’ ACV tonic for keepin’ hot flashes at bay, and I’ve gotta admit, she seems less frazzled these days. But I’ve also got buddies who tried it and felt zip—nada. So, it’s a crapshoot.
Here’s what I reckon: If you’re fed up with hot flashes and wanna try somethin’ natural, ACV is cheap, easy to find, and got other health perks even if it don’t cool ya down. Start slow, dilute it proper, and see how your body vibes with it. Keep track of your flashes—maybe jot down in a lil notebook how often they hit before and after you start sippin’. That way, you’ll know if it’s doin’ squat.
But don’t pin all your hopes on it. Keep other tricks in your back pocket, like stayin’ hydrated or cuttin’ stress. And if them flashes are messin’ with your life big time—can’t sleep, can’t work—don’t hesitate to chat with a healthcare pro. There’s options out there beyond natural stuff, like hormone therapy, if ya need ‘em.
Wrappin’ It Up: Keep Experimentin’!
Dealin’ with hot flashes is a journey, ain’t no doubt about it. Whether apple cider vinegar helps with hot flashes or not depends on who ya ask. Tons of women give it a thumbs-up based on their own stories, and there’s a chance its anti-inflammatory goodies might help in some small way. But the science folks are still shruggin’ their shoulders, so we gotta take it with a grain of salt.
At the end of the day, it’s about findin’ what works for you. Maybe it’s a splash of ACV in your water, maybe it’s breathin’ deep when a flash hits, or maybe it’s a mix of stuff. We’re all different, and menopause don’t play by no set rules. So, experiment a lil, listen to your body, and don’t give up on findin’ relief.
Got your own ACV story or hot flash hack? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears! Let’s help each other through this sweaty phase and come out stronger on the other side. Keep cool, my friends! ️
Emel Ege1The Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, University of Necmettin Erbakan, Konya, TurkeyFind articles by
Collection date 2014. Copyright © Afr. J. Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines 2014
Millions of women experience menopause every year, therefore the aim of this study is to determine the rates of application of alternative methods applied by women in order to reduce their complaints caused by menopause and alternative application methods.
This study was carried out on 246 women in their menopausal period. The data was obtained by the researcher through face to face interviews during the home visits. During the collection of data, a questionnaire form by the researcher that was developed in accordance with the literature information was applied.
37.4% of women were determined to use alternative methods to reduce their menopausal symptoms. In the consequence of statistical analysis, a significant relation was found between the menopausal complaints such as hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping problem and the use of alternative methods in order to reduce their menopausal complaints (p<0.05).
It was determined that the women at their menopausal ages experienced vasomotor complaints and sleeping problems and they used alternative methods to reduce those problems.
Keywords: Menopause, hot flashes, Alternative medicine
Millions of women experience menopause every year. World health organization(WHO) estimates that 1.2 billion women will have been in the menopausal period by 2030 (WHO, 1996). It is important to take the menopausal age into consideration to arrange the present and prospective state of health and well being (Macleran & Woods, 2001), as lots of physical and psychological complaints caused by hormonal changes are experienced in that period. While physical complaints such as vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats) sleeping problem, genitoürine and sexual problems occur in short term, cardiovascular system complaints and osteoporosis occur in long period (Ertüngealp, 2003; Taşkın, 2005). Among the menopausal symptoms, especially hot flushes and night sweats affect the quality of life of women greatly (Avis et al.,2001; George, 2002) . Psychological and psychosomatic changes are also reported (Bromberger et al., 2003). Two of the most important psychological complaints are depression and sensitivity disorders resulted from anxiety (Devanand, 2002).
In recent years, it has been established that the demand for using alternative treatment methods has increased (Newton et al., 2002; Sluijs et al. 2007; Seidle & Steward, 1998). In spite of this increase, the literature and scientific data are not efficient enough to prove that whether alternative methods are effective and reliable (Seidle & Steward, 1998; Geller & Studee, 2007). Although researchers conducted do not provide exact evidences that alternative treatment methods reduce menopausal complaints, women in menopausal ages use the alternative methods (Gollschewski et al., 2005). In Turkey, there was no evidence of alternative methods to reduce menopausal complaints in the studies conducted on menopause. At the end of this research, it is expected to achieve significant results to be used in the future researches by determining the rates of applying alternative methods in reducing menopausal complaints and alternative treatment methods. This research was conducted to determine the rates of applying alternative methods and alternative methods used to reduce the complaints.
This is a descriptive study conducted to determine the rates of women applying alternative methods to reduce the complaints and the alternative methods used.
Konya, among the Provinces of Turkey, consists of three central districts. By negotiating with Provincial Health Department of Konya, we selected one health care center from each three central districts to constitute a heterogeneous socio-demographic group and data to be able to represent Konya. It was determined that the research be conducted at number 10 health care center in Meram district, number 15 in Karatay, and number 17 in Selçuklu district. According to information obtained from Konya local health authority, 2655 women aged 45–59 living in the region of number 10 health center in Meram district, 693 women aged 45–49 living in the region of number 15 health center in Karatay, 1832 women aged 45–59 living in the region of number 17 health center in Selçuklu district of Konya, total 5180 women constituted the scope of the research. While selecting this age group, it was taken into consideration that the average age of women when they experience menopause was 47 years old (Ertüngealp, 2003).
While determining the sample extent of research the proposed chart of ‘Estimating a population proportion with specified absolute precision’ was used (Lwanga & Lemeshow, 1991). we benefited from the findings of the research conducted on women aged between 45–65 in the USA related with the use of alternative methods (22.1%) to reduce menopausal complaints (Newton et al., 2002).
Accordingly, 5 % relative accuracy at 95% reliability level was taken into consideration and it was found that the extent of the sample stated in table was 246. In addition, the number of women from whom samples would be taken from in health care centers with proportional selection method was determined as 126 at number 10 health center in Meram, 33 at number 15 health care center in Karatay, 87 at number 17 health care center in Selçuklu district (Sümbüloğlu & Sümbüloğlu, 2002).
In selecting samples; benefiting from the records of FIC (Family Index Card) related with the women aged between 45–59, simple and random sampling method was used.
Selection of the samples was based on: i. Being in the age group between 45–59 years old, ii. Being at the age of premenopausal, perimenopausal or postmenopausal period, iii. Not receiving hormone replacement therapy, iv. Not being at surgical menopause age were taken into consideration.
Data was obtained by a researcher during home visits with the method of face to face meetings. Filling up the forms of data collection lasted nearly ten minutes. Data were obtained during home visits to women selected by simple random sampling method through face to face meetings. In three regions where research findings were collected, total fifteen women were excluded from the samples as they did not correspond with the research criteria, and the substitutes were selected instead of the excluded ones. The required permission was obtained from the local health authority (education department) of Konya governorship before beginning the research. Before filling up the questionnaire form, the individuals were informed and their verbal consent was obtained.
Statistical analysis of the data was made with SSPS 11.0 package programmer. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.
Considering the distribution of socio-demographic characteristics of women in the scope of the research, it was determined that the mean age of the women was 51.87±3.88. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 28.94±3.69. It was determined that 35.4 % of women regarded their monthly income were fairly good. It was determined that 91.9 % of the women were married, 73.6 % graduated from primary school, and 92.7 % did not work. When the distribution of obstetric characteristics of women included in the stud was considered, it was established that the average number of delivery was 3.22±1.46 and the average number of children living was 2.99±1.19. When the distribution of menopausal status of women was analyzed, it was seen that 30.1% of women were in premenopausal, 19.5% in perimenopausal and 50.4 % in postmenopausal period. When the distribution of menopausal complaints was investigated, it was determined that 69.5 % of women experienced hot flushes, and 55.3 % had night sweats. And It was determined that % 53.7 of women experienced insomnia and % 24 had sexual problems.
Distribution of using alternative methods to reduce menopausal complaints can be seen in Table 1. It was determined that 37.4 % of women used alternative methods to reduce menopausal complaints. It was observed that among the types of herbal tea, 5.4 % women consumed ginseng, 9.8 % licorice root and thyme tea, 6.5 %chaste tree berry, valerian, 16.3St. Johns wort, 26.1 % achillea millefolium, 23.9 %sage, 12 % camomile tea, 8.7 % green tea and linden tree, and 17.4 % used other herbal tea. It was determined that 75 % of women paid attention to healthy nutrition, 5.4 % used nutrient tablet, 22.8% calcium tablet, and 7.6 % vitamin tablet. It was determined that 79.3 % of women consumed dietary phyto-oestrogen, and 8.7 % phyto-oestrogen tablets. And 90.2% of women applied stress-reducing executions, 26.1% got massage or massaged themselves and 4.3 % underwent acupuncture.
The distribution of the use alternative methods in reducing menopausal complaints
| Characteristics | Yes n (%) | No n (%) |
| Use of Alternative Method (n=246) | 92 (37.4) | 154 (62.6) |
| Alternative Methods (n=92)a | ||
| Herbal Teas | ||
| Ginseng | 5 (5.4) | 87 (94.6) |
| Licorice Root | 5 (5.4) | 87 (94.6) |
| Chaste tree berry | 9 (9.8) | 83 (90,2) |
| Valerian | 6 (6.5) | 86 (93.5) |
| St. Johns wort | 15 (16.3) | 77 (83.7) |
| Achillea millefolium | 24 (26.1) | 68 (73.9) |
| Sage | 22 (23.9) | 70 (76.1) |
| Camomile Tea | 11(12.0) | 81 (88.0) |
| Green Tea | 8 (8.7) | 84 (91.3) |
| Linden Tree | 8 (8.7) | 84 (91.3) |
| Thyme Tea | 5 (5.4) | 87 (94.6) |
| Othersb | 16 (17.4) | 76 (82.6) |
| Nutrition | ||
| Attention to Healthy Nutrition | 69 (75.0) | 23 (25.0) |
| Use of Nutrient Tablets | 5 (5.4) | 87 (94.6) |
| Use of Calcium Tablets | 21 (22.8) | 71 (77.2) |
| Use of Vitamin Tablets | 7 (7.6) | 85 (92.4) |
| Phyto-Oestrogen | ||
| Consumption of Dietary (Such as Soya beans, lentils, chickpeas) | 73 (79.3) | 19 (20.7) |
| Phyto-Oestrogen Tablets | ||
| 8 (8.7) | 84 (91.3) | |
| Other Applications | ||
| Stress-Reducing Executions | 83 (90.2) | 9 (9.8) |
| Relaxing Massages | 24 (26.1) | 68 (73.9) |
| Acupuncture | 4 (4.3) | 88 (95.7) |
The distribution of reasons for preferring alternative methods used to reduce menopausal complaints has been shown in Table 2. It was determined that 80.4 % of women used alternative method as they thought that they were reliable and effective, 10.9% could not receive hormone therapy because of health problems, and 53.3 % received advice from people except health staff.
Distribution of Reasons preferring alternative methods used to reduce menopausal complaints
| Reasons of Used Alternative Methods (n=92)a | n | % |
| Thinking of reduce menopausal complaints | ||
| Yes | 74 | 80.4 |
| No | 18 | 19.6 |
| Not Receiving Hormone Therapy Due to Health Problems | ||
| Yes | 10 | 10.9 |
| No | 82 | 89.1 |
| Receiving Advices from Friends | ||
| Yes | 49 | 53.3 |
| No | 43 | 46.7 |
Comparison of using alternative methods according to menopausal ages and menopausal complaints was stated in Table 3. It was determined that 41.1% of women at postmenopausal age used alternative methods, and statistically there was no significant relation between menopause and use of alternative methods in order to reduce menopausal complaints (p≥0.05). It was determined that 48 % of women having hot flushes, 56.6% of experiencing night sweats, 54.5 % of having sleeping problems used alternative methods and there was significant relation between the state of hot flushes, night sweats, having sleeping problem and use of alternative methods in order to reduce menopausal complaints as a result of statistical analyses (p<0.05). There was a significant relation between the use of alternative methods in order to reduce menopausal complaints and having sexual problems (p≥0,05).
Comparison of using alternative methods according to menopausal ages and menopausal complaints
| Use of Alternative Methods | |||
| Menopausal Ages | Yes n (%) | No n (%) | Statistical analysis |
| Premenopause | 23 (%31.1) | 51 (%68.9) | X2=1.999 |
| Perimenopause | 18 (%37.5) | 30 (%62.5) | p=0.368 |
| Postmenopause | 51 (%41.1) | 73 (%58.9) | |
| Menopausal Complaints | |||
| Having Hot Flushes | |||
| Yes | 82 (%48.0) | 89 (%52.0) | X2=26.689 |
| No | 10 (%13.3) | 65 (%86.7) | p=0.000 |
| Experiencing Night Sweats | |||
| Yes | 77 (%56.6) | 59 (%43.4) | X2=47.986 |
| No | 15(%13.6) | 95 (%86.4) | p=0.000 |
| Having Sleeping Problems | |||
| Yes | 72 (%54.5) | 60 (%45.5) | X2=35.772 |
| No | 20 (%17.5) | 94 (%82.5) | p=0.000 |
| Having Sexual Problems | |||
| Yes | 27 (%45.8) | 32 (%54.2) | X2=2.319 |
| No | 65 (%34.8) | 122 (%65.2) | p=0.128 |
It was observed that 80.4% of women regarded alternative method as reliable and effective, 10.9% could not receive hormone therapy because of health problems, and 53.3% used alternative methods to reduce menopausal complaints as they followed the advice of the people rather than health staff (Table 2). It was also seen that women gave similar responses to the research findings in a qualitative study of women at menopausal age (Seidle and Steward, 1998).
It was determined that women experienced vasomotor complaints (hot flushes and night sweats) and had sleeping problems and they used alternative methods to reduce these complaints. In this regard, it can be suggested that it is essential to increase the number of studies questioning whether the women at menopausal age use alternative methods to reduce menopausal complaints or not, health staff especially nurses should question the use of alternative methods while collecting data.
This research was supported by the selcuk university scientific research Fund in 2011. The authors thank the women who participated in this study.
Articles from African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines are provided here courtesy of African Traditional Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hot Flashes – How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hot Flashes FAST RELIEF
FAQ
How did I cured my hot flashes naturally?
- Dress in layers that can be removed at the start of a hot flash.
- Carry a portable fan to use when a hot flash strikes.
- Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. …
- If you smoke, try to quit, not only for hot flashes, but for your overall health.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight.
Does apple cider vinegar balance female hormones?
Some studies suggest that this simple step could help reduce your post-meal blood sugar levels (25,26). Hormonal Balance and PCOS Symptom Relief: After your meal, dilute 1 tbsp (15ml) of apple cider vinegar in 100ml of water. This could potentially help regulate your hormones and improve PCOS symptoms (27).
What can I drink to reduce hot flashes?
Enjoying a cup or two of herbal tea daily is a relaxing ritual for many of us, but herbal teas have also been used for centuries to relieve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. These teas have calming and cooling properties that can help soothe the body and alleviate discomfort: Black cohosh. Chamomile.
What will happen to my body if I take apple cider vinegar every day?
Apple cider vinegar can cause side effects such as enamel erosion and tooth decay, low potassium levels, problems with blood sugar regulation, and gastrointestinal problems. Applying undiluted vinegar to the skin for long periods can lead to burns and irritation.
Does apple cider vinegar reduce hot flashes?
Since its discovery thousands of years ago, apple cider vinegar has been associated with many health benefits. Evidence that apple cider vinegar can reduce hot flashes is anecdotal—there is no scientific evidence available to support this theory. However, apple cider vinegar consumption can help regulate blood sugar levels after a meal.
Is lemon juice good for hot flashes?
Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice may regulate blood sugar levels. Since women who experience hot flashes tend to have high blood sugar, lemon juice may fight hot flashes. Lemon juice regulates glucose levels by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates.
How do you cool off a hot flash during menopause?
Some women reach for a glass of ice water to cool off when experiencing a hot flash. Certain foods can offer a similar cooling effect. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cucumbers are a “cooling food” and can help with hot flashes during menopause. Cucumbers are 95% water and so can also help with hydration.
Can eating a diet reduce hot flashes?
Eating a diet with plenty of these foods can help reduce hot flashes. Research suggests that women who eat more fruit and vegetables experience a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes. In addition, these foods can help menopausal women lose weight—another factor that can contribute to hot flashes.
Can eating more fruit and vegetables reduce hot flashes?
Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating a diet with plenty of these foods can help reduce hot flashes. Research suggests that women who eat more fruit and vegetables experience a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Is turmeric good for hot flashes?
You can purchase turmeric ground up or as a root, and it has a mild, earthy taste. Curcumin is a polyphenol found in turmeric that gives it its bright yellow pigment. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One study found that intake of curcumin can reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women.