Hot flashes are the first signs of a woman entering menopause. It is a short lasting warm feeling caused due to the flow of blood caused by hormonal change. Not all women go through this distress however for those who do there is not prediction about the frequency and intensity and impact. Hot flashes do not cause any physical damage, however they are quiet disturbing and distressing.

If you are in the perimenopause stage (the years before) here are a few tips that may help your dilemma. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol trigger the hot flashes, so staying away or reducing the intake of such foods would be advisable. Increase soya products in your diet. Soya milk, beans and powder would have a better impact that supplements. Also try wearing cotton clothes that let your skin breathe. Research proves that women experience hot flashes more during the summer so wearing appropriate clothes would definitely help.

Exercising during the day helps prevent or reduce the intensity of the hot flashes. You may choose to run, jog, or cycle or just use the treadmill. Either ways exercise for 30 minutes to an hour in the day (not the night as it may lead to night sweats). Yoga is known to have a great impact in improving the health of woman during menopause.

Always keep your body well hydrated. Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juices. Stay clear of citrus juices as they will cause more harm than good. Drink an extra glass of water for every cola drink or cup of coffee that you consume. Drinking green tea instead of normal tea or coffee helps.

Try to include 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Although that seems difficult in the age of fast food and high carbohydrate diets, think of the benefits you will reap by enhancing your diet.