Vasomotor hot flashes, also called hot flashes, occur when the blood vessels in the skin of the upper body and face dilate more than normal, allowing more blood to flow to the area, resulting in heat and redness. Some may also experience sweating and an increase in their heart rate, which can lead to sleep problems, weight gain and mood disorders. Hot flashes can occur in both men and women for a variety of reasons, but are most often experienced by women in perimenopause and menopause.
Although Western medicine would tell us that hot flashes are the result of declining estrogen levels, researchers suggest that these vascular changes are the result of changes in neurotransmitter activity in response to changing hormone levels. The truth is that the cause of hot flashes isn’t completely known, but there are some common triggers to be aware of, including:
Stress and anger
I emphasize the importance of stress management and adrenal health in all hormone-related posts and it is certainly relevant here as well. Elevated levels of cortisol, the long-term stress hormone, can increase the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Pent-up anger can also affect stress hormones. Writer Louise Hay has written that the liver, the organ where estrogen and testosterone are produced and where all hormones are metabolized, the seat of anger and primitive emotions. In other words, suppressed anger can disrupt the healthy functioning of the liver and subsequently affect hormone balance. Food for thought!
Blood sugar imbalances
Blood sugar levels spike and fall inappropriately, a stress hormone response from the adrenal glands that is ultimately intended to release stored sugars (glycogen) from the liver and fat cells and prepare our bodies for fight or flight. It is important to maintain blood sugar levels by eating regularly (breakfast an hour after waking, meals every four hours, snacks as needed) and eating healthy, whole foods.
Certain foods
Hot, spicy foods can cause hot flashes in some women, but not all women. Refined, processed foods and a diet high in carbohydrates are exhausting for everyone, but can be especially aggravated by hot flashes because they are taxing on the liver. Only sugar can cause palpitations. Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods are triggers and which aren’t, but the basics start with a rainbow of low-glycemic vegetables (particularly cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts), antioxidants. rich fruits such as dark berries, high-quality proteins and unrefined fats. Yes, I did say FATS! The belief that fat is bad for you is archaic, disproven, and harmful to hormonal health. Grass-fed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds are very health-promoting when consumed in moderation. It’s those adulterated “vegetable” fats like shortening, margarine, canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil and more that should be avoided.
Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
Caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), and tobacco all tax the adrenal glands. Caffeine can trigger a hot flash no matter where it comes from: coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even chocolate. Alcohol behaves in the body in a similar way to sugar and can trigger the release of adrenaline, which can lead to a hot flash. It can also be hard on the liver and adrenal glands. Red wine often contains sulfites that can cause rashes, so those who are already sensitive to red wine may want to avoid it if they suffer from hot flashes.
During perimenopause, the stage leading to menopause (defined as the absence of menstruation for at least twelve consecutive months), a woman’s ovaries will reduce ovulation until it stops completely at menopause. In women of childbearing age, progesterone is produced primarily by a temporary endocrine gland known as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms from the empty follicle (after egg release) that remains during ovulation (day 14 of a menstrual cycle). This is such an important part of women’s health to understand because although the adrenal glands produce some of our progesterone, most of it comes from the corpus luteum until we reach perimenopause and menopause, when that responsibility falls to the adrenal glands. is. As ovulation ceases, we lose that source of progesterone, a hormone that in many ways counteracts the effects of estrogen. Estrogen also decreases, but at about half the rate that progesterone does, often resulting in estrogen dominance characterized by weight gain, poorly functioning thyroid, decreased libido, and possibly hot flashes.
As is common among women in the Western world, stress is endured in a way that previous generations did not experience. Women work full-time while still maintaining family, household chores and extremely busy school and after-school activities. As a result, stress can exhaust the adrenal glands that are so crucial for a smooth transition to menopause. It is for this reason that I always come back to adrenal health first!
No post about hot flashes would be complete without mentioning Black Cohosh! Black cohosh, Actaea racemose or Cimicifugabelongs to the buttercup family and is native to North America. Although its exact mechanism of action in the body is unknown, black cohosh is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. By balancing the actions of estrogen, acting as an antioxidant and/or modulating inflammation – black cohosh has become known for its benefits for hot flashes. Well-published studies in the National Institute of Health database have found that black cohosh “reduces menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and combinations of symptoms.”
In WishGarden Herbs’ Hot Flash Mitigating Tonic formula, you’ll find black cohosh root leading the way with additional support from raspberry leaf, vitex berry, wild yam root, borage antennae, bugleweed antennae, burdock root, and lemon balm leaf. This herbal team helps strengthen, support healthy progesterone levels, strengthen the adrenal glands, cleanse and soothe. This formula is a tonic and should be taken daily to get the most benefit.
References
- Hooker, Linnea, et al.”Causes of symptoms according to Louise Hay.” The alchemy of healingJuly 22, 2014.
- Mercola, Joseph. “Simple Strategies to Stop Hot Flashes Naturally.” Mercola.comJuly 31, 2010.
- Northrup, Christiane. “Hot flashes.” Christiane Northrup, MDApril 30, 2015.
- “Bureau for Dietary Supplements – Black cohosh.” NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, August 30, 2018.
Writer Danielle Cicak is the sales representative and regional educator for WishGarden Herbs in Northern Colorado and Wyoming, based in Louisville, Colorado. In 2003, Danielle started her career in the supplement aisle at Natural Grocers. Inspired to help others with their health and wellness, she trained in holistic nutrition at the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado. As a Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT), Danielle served as a Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) before advancing to NHC Development Specialist, where she led and developed the NHC Natural Grocer Training Program. As a Colorado native, Danielle is excited to partner with another local family business that promotes health and activism through education: WishGarden Herbs! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, making healthy dishes in her kitchen, and enjoying the beauty that Colorado has to offer!
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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