Is A Vegan Diet The Key To Reduced Hot Flashes At Menopause?

More than 80% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, or the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body. Although other medical conditions can cause them, they are most commonly associated with the time when menstrual periods become irregular and eventually stop.

Past studies show individuals experiencing hot flashes are at a higher risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, hot flashes can also disrupt one’s sleep cycle, negatively impacting overall health.

Study Records 95% Drop In Overall Hot Flashes

Hot flashes can sometimes be reduced through lifestyle modifications, including not eating spicy foods, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a healthy weight. Now, new research says following a low-fat vegan diet that includes soy leads to a drop by as much as 95%.

Dr Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and lead author of the study recently published in the journal Complimentary Therapies in Medicine, said a vegan diet promotes weight loss and can help fight obesity.

She added: “Also, some research shows that women who have hot flashes may be at increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer, and a vegan diet can help lower the risk of both,” according to Medical News Today. The study’s results have been no less than promising.

Larger Sample Size Necessary

Researchers found study participants who consumed the low-fat vegan diet with added soy reduced their overall hot flashes by 95% compared to those who continued their usual diet. The vegan diet also led to a 96% drop in moderate to severe hot flashes.

Monique Richard, a registered dietitian nutritionist, owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition Dietetics, said: “It is a very small sample size to pull from and make a conclusive statement/headline.”