Keep It Cool, Avoid Hot Flashes

Data shows that fifty million women in the United States are going through menopause, and a staggering 80 percent of them suffer from hot flashes. Though harmless, they can be extremely uncomfortable. nnMenopause has become a hot topic of conversation among women of the baby-boomer generation. Menopause, with bothersome symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats, is now material for humor with celebrities from Gloria Steinem to Oprah Winfrey. Actress Cybill Shepherd refers to her hot flashes as power surges. nnBut hot flashes are no joke when they leave you soaked in sweat and feeling dazed. Technically, hot flashes exaggerate how the body normally cools down: blood vessels dilate, letting more blood reach the skin to release heat. They tend to come on rapidly and last from one to five minutes. They range in severity from a fleeting sense of warmth to a feeling of being on fire. Some women have just a few during a week; others get them day and night. nnSince hot flashes are triggered by increases in core body temperature, try to stay cool—literally. Drink cold drinks, carry a fan and dress in layers that you can shed. nnKeep as cool as you can in hot weather or in warm rooms. Wear light, cotton clothing and dress in loose layers. Keep your house cool and use lightweight blankets at night. Don't drink or eat a lot of red wine, chocolate, or aged cheeses. These foods contain a chemical that can affect your body's thermostat and trigger a hot flash. nnAvoid hot, spicy foods. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. Exercise regularly, according to your health care provider's recommendation Use relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, to help relieve stress. A good alternative is deep, controlled breathing: inhale and exhale slowly, allowing your abdomen to expand and contract, at a rate of six or seven full breaths per minute. You can often stop a hot flash with a few deep breaths. nnAlso, you can stay cool by taking zalestra. It contains natural phyto-estrogens that aid in balancing crucial hormones that can be diminished during menopause . Lagging estrogen levels have been linked and are associated with increased weight gain, hot flashes, and a negative emotional state. Check www.zalestra for more cool menopause information.