Soy: The Tasty Solution for Hot Flashes

A study conducted by the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine found that incorporating soy into the diet can reduce hot flashes by 79% in postmenopausal women. The study involved one group of women who continued their normal diet and another group who consumed a plant-based vegan diet with 1/2 cup of cooked soybeans daily. The soybean group experienced a significant reduction in hot flash frequency, duration, and intensity, along with other benefits such as improved sleep, digestion, weight loss, and overall quality of life. Soy contains isoflavones, plant estrogens that mimic estrogen and help alleviate menopausal symptoms. It is generally safe to consume one to two servings of whole soy foods per day, and organic or non-GMO soy is recommended. However, soy may not be effective for everyone, as its effectiveness depends on the individual's ability to convert soy into equol, an estrogen-mimicking compound. Equol supplements are available for those who cannot produce equol naturally. Other natural remedies for hot flashes include paced breathing, cooling scarves, unsalted tomato juice, and cooling spritzes.