Food to alleviate hot flashes

Those suffering with hot flashes from hormonal imbalances will 

find relief by following these dietary suggestions: 

1. Add  foods that build the yin: wheat germ and its oil (contains lots of Vitamin E which stimulates production of estrogen), mung bean, mung bean sprouts, string bean, seaweed, spirulina, millet, black bean, tofu, kidney
bean, barley, and black sesame seed.

2. Add soy and tofu products, Eat more calcium-rich foods, magnesium-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin E -- like cold-pressed oils, green leafy vegetables, nuts and almonds, as well as plenty of mineral- and fiber-rich foods, like whole grains and fresh vegetables.

3. Avoid these hot flash triggers:

    * alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine (including soft drinks)
    * diet pills
    * spicy food, hot food
    * hot tubs, saunas
    * poor quality meats & dairy products (high protein and fat), excess sugar
    * hot showers, hot beds, hot rooms, hot weather
    * smoking

4. Most important vitamins: E (300 IU 3 times a day at meal times), B-complex, C, A and Calcium. To help absorb calcium, need adequate Magnesium and D.

5. Good Herbs: Aloe vera gel (unless you are often cold or have loose stools), take 2 teaspoons into 1 cup of water 2 or 3 times a day.

6. Some women find a low fat diet is helpful. So, if you are going to cut down or cut out meat, use Royal jelly (100-400 milligrams daily)

7. Drink plenty of water and fresh vegetable juices

Acupuncture treatments are also very helpful, and herbal formulas

are sometimes prescribed. Contact your local acupuncturist for a 

consultation on alleviating this and other symptoms of menopause 

or side effects from medications such as chemotherapy.