Bel Marra Health Reports on a New Study Indicating Reduced Hot Flashes While on the Mediterranean Diet

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) May 10, 2013

Bel Marra Health, who offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, reports a new study explaining the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in reducing the likelihood of hot flashes.

As Bel Marra Health reports in its article (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/anti-aging/a-mediterranean-diet-that-reduces-hot-flashes/) people living along the Mediterranean coast have consumed diets rich in plant based foods without giving it much thought. Over the last decade, countless studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet has the potential to protect us against the development of heart disease, certain cancers, particular neurological problems, diabetes, and obesity. In a recent study, Australian researchers now believe it can also help with hot flashes.

A hot flash is a short sensation of heat that can come at anytime during the menopause stage in a womans life. It can include sweats and even be accompanied by a red, flushed looking face. Some women experience a more rapid heart rate followed by chills. Night sweats can occur with hot flashes as well and often interfere with sleep. It can be a difficult and frustrating time in a womans life.

Mediterranean diets focus mainly on plant based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Butter is normally replaced with healthier fats such as olive oil. Very little salt is used to flavor food, instead a mix of spices are added. Red meat is kept to a minimum; however, fish and lean poultry are consumed two or three times a week.

Fruits and vegetables are known to be packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These fresh foods included in Mediterranean diets have also been associated with a lower level of bad cholesterol; the type of cholesterol that is likely to build up deposits in arteries.

A recent study involving six thousand women who were monitored over nine years, showed the link between a Mediterranean diet and reduced occurrences of hot flashes. Those who closely followed the Mediterranean diet were 20 percent less likely to report hot flashes. Women who were in menopause and ate high-fat diets were 23 percent more likely to experience hot flashes and night sweats.

The study conducted in Australia through the University of Queensland could not specify exactly which foods prevent the flashes, but the researchers say that it is possible that low-fat diets help stabilize estrogen thus easing hot flashes. Eating a Mediterranean diet could also place blood sugar within a normal range, keeping symptoms of menopause to a minimum.

The authors of the study admit that not enough research has been done to start offering recommendations to women with menopause; however, they do remind people that a lot of research shows the Mediterranean-style diet has many health benefits. They say for this reason, adopting it at any point in life is a good idea.

While research continues in the connections between food and flashes, there are other steps women can take to lessen the burden. It may not be possible to completely eliminate hot flashes during menopause, but there are triggers that can cause them to occur more frequently. Doctors recommend avoiding the following during menopause: