When searching for treatment options for hot flashes, you may have come across low doses of antidepressants like Effexor XR, Paxil, and Prozac, along with medications such as Neurontin and Kapvay, which can offer relief. However, if you prefer a more natural approach, apple cider vinegar could be a choice.
Hot flashes are a common experience for many women as estrogen levels significantly drop after menopause. In the U.S., around 75% of women going through perimenopause or menopause report experiencing hot flashes, making them the most prevalent symptom of this transition. While some women find these episodes of heat and redness manageable, others experience them as quite intense and disruptive.
Interestingly, hot flashes can occur for anyone, including healthy women and men, at any age and for various reasons. These episodes might include symptoms such as heart palpitations, skin redness, or chills. If you’re frequently experiencing hot flashes, you might be reluctant to use hormone therapies like estrogen due to potential health risks such as breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Hence, natural remedies like apple cider vinegar can be an appealing option.
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits and is effective in dealing with hot flashes. It acts as a natural antioxidant filled with enzymes and beneficial bacteria, which help your body detox and support functions like digestion. Historically, apple cider vinegar has been used through enemas to make people feel cleaner and less bloated. In menopause, it might even help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by extracting toxins via its antioxidants.
Moreover, apple cider vinegar’s alkaline properties may assist in balancing hormones. Some theorize it aids in the production of hormones such as estrogen, which could potentially alleviate menopause symptoms. Hot flashes typically involve a sudden sensation of heat, sometimes causing flushing and sweating, possibly due to changes in circulation where blood vessels close to the skin expand, inducing sweat. When they occur during sleep, they are called night sweats and can disrupt rest.
For some individuals, hot flashes are mild, while for others, they can be as intense as the aftermath of a hot yoga class. Night sweats can vary similarly, from unnoticed to those severe enough to wake you in sweat-soaked sleepwear. Along with hot flashes, women often experience other symptoms. In working environments, hot flashes can impact professional productivity, leading to increased doctor visits, work absences, and decreased job performance compared to those who don’t experience them.
Many women advocate for using apple cider vinegar for hot flash relief, as it helps detoxify the body by removing toxins that might otherwise be expelled through sweat. Drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar can aid this process and reduce the need for sweating. Thanks to its potassium and magnesium content, apple cider vinegar also supports bone health, nerve function, and mood balance, helping manage depression and mood swings.
While you can’t completely avoid the hot flashes associated with menopause, avoiding certain triggers can reduce their frequency and intensity. Apple cider vinegar seems to be safe when consumed in moderation, and many people anecdotal cite its health benefits, including easing hot flashes. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as an alternative therapy is limited.
You might have also heard about phytoestrogens and isoflavones as remedies for hot flashes. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with mild estrogen-like effects, and isoflavones, found in soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are the most studied type for menopause symptoms. Research indicates that the isoflavones genistein and daidzein in soy may be most beneficial.
Black cohosh, part of the buttercup family, has been used in Europe for menopausal symptoms and may help with hot flashes and, when combined with St. John’s wort, can improve mood. Evening primrose, native to North America, contains gamma-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, yet its effectiveness for hot flash relief remains scientifically unsupported.
Sage, a common culinary herb, is also traditional for treating hot flashes, with limited but some promising evidence. It’s generally safe as long as you avoid oil-based forms. If you’re suffering from hot flashes, consider alternative therapies like apple cider vinegar, but consulting your doctor for personalized advice on potential treatments is also wise.
There’s no specific duration for using apple cider vinegar for hot flashes, but a common advice is to take about 2 tablespoons a day. You can mix it with water, honey, or fruit, or use it in salad dressings. When you feel a hot flash coming, don’t be ashamed. Pause, take some deep breaths, and relax to help lessen its intensity.
