I’ve had a number of people ask me recently how to manage hot flushes. There is no easy answer but Kathy Harris, a naturopath, has written extensively on the matter and has some excellent ideas.
Essentially, keeping hot flushes under control involves changes in lifestyle and diet. A comprehensive list of things to change can be downloaded from our website. Here is a snapshot:
Lifestyle Factors:
- Increase regular physical activity.
- Increase exposure to early morning or late afternoon sunlight without sunscreen.
- Wear natural fibres, light loose fitting layers that peel off easily.
- Investigate emotional issues involving unresolved anger, or suppressed desires.
Dietary Factors:
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol, especially red wine.
- Eliminate hormonally treated meats and dairy foods.
- Increase Phytoestrogens especially flaxseeds, plus nuts (not peanuts or macadamia) and seeds.
- Drink purified or spring water if your intake is low.
- Drink sage tea.
- Introduce Magnesium-and potassium rich foods