With menopause, women’s bodies are prone to hot flashes. A particularly painful situation in normal times… So imagine during the heat wave! Here is the advice of a doctor to better manage these feelings of intense heat.
This summer, France will experience many heat waves. While there are tips to avoid heat stroke in your pet, what about the right things to do when you, your mother or your friend suffer from hot flashes due to menopause? According to nutritionist Raphaël Gruman, there are simple solutions to better manage them during the heat wave. Because yes, menopause brings with it this feeling of heat, which spreads from the neckline to the neck, then goes up to the face and often lasts between 30 seconds and a minute to repeat sometimes 15 to 20 times a day.
Discomfort complicated by the outside heat. Also, hot flashes can be alleviated through diet. Dr. Raphaël Gruman explains to us which foods will make your days easier and which ones to avoid during the heat wave.
We avoid peppers and favor draining foods
To feel good in your body for the next few days, the nutritionist explains that you will have to stop with spicy dishes. Indeed, pepper is to be banned if you want to avoid thermogenesisthat’s to say “an increase in body temperature“who goes then”accentuate the hot flash effect“. Thus, hot peppers and spices will have to stay in your cupboards this summer.
On the contrary, some foods are perfect for soothing feelings of heat. Starting with those rich in water, but also draining. “There are vegetables that promote the elimination of water like asparagus, leeks, courgettes… All these vegetables are rich in water and rich in fiber, which will help drain more easily and also avoid water retention“, explains the nutrition specialist. Indeed, the more water we retain, the more we increase the risk of having hot flashes.
Another point to respect during menopause, especially during a heat wave episode: avoid salt. “The saltier you eat, the more water you will retain“, which risks creating even more discomfort. It is also possible to take dietary supplements such as chasteberry, recommends the nutritionist. “It is a plant that helps normalize hormones. It is a hormone regulator and we know that during menopause, hormones fluctuate very significantly and very quickly, both estrogen and progesterone and that is what can trigger hot flashes.“.
“Eating water” during menopause
Summer rhymes with aperitifs… Which is very bad for menopause. In general, alcohol is not recommended. “Avoid alcohol which will create additional sweating in the body. What causes hot flashes?“, recalls Dr. Raphaël Gruman. We also pass our way in front of drinks that are too hot such as tea or coffee which are stimulants natural, just like energy drinks. In summer, it is therefore advisable to favor water, but not just any: potassium-rich water“a draining mineral“.
In conclusion, the nutritionist explains that‘it’s necessary “eat water” during menopause. How ? By hydrating regularly in small quantities and sparingly in the evening before going to bed, postmenopausal women can reduce feelings of intense heat. It is also in foods such as tomatoes, melon, watermelon or orange that you will find water, essential for the proper functioning of your body.