Its common knowledge that menopause causes hot flashes for many women, but did you know that there are triggers for these
hot flashes? By recognizing the triggers and knowing how to avoid them, you can greatly diminish the frequency and severity of your hot flashes. Here are 5 common triggers for hot flashes during menopause.
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Spicy foods. It may seem crazy, but eating spicy foods throughout the day can increase your chance of getting hot flashes. Even if you’re not going through menopause, eating spicy foods like hot wings, Mexican foods or hot peppers can make you feel hot or flushed.
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Hot beverages. Hot drinks like coffee or tea can raise your body temperature, which makes you more likely to feel overheated and even start to sweat. If you frequently get hot flashes from menopause, you may want to switch to iced coffee instead.
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Caffeine: Aside from the temperature of your beverages, the caffeine in your coffee or soda is also a leading cause of hot flashes. Why caffeine causes hot flashes is not entirely understood, but many studies show that after drinking caffeine, women experience more hot flashes.
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Alcohol: Just like caffeine, alcohol is a known trigger for hot flashes, though it is not entirely understood why.
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Hot baths and showers. If you love taking a long, hot bath before you go to bed, you may be adding to your nightly hot flashes. Because the hot water increases your body temperature, you’re putting yourself at risk for hot flashes, sweating and even dizzy feelings. Instead, try relaxing with a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature, prevent hot flashes and even ward off night sweats throughout the night.
