In recent years, soy products have become all the rage in the search for a perfect hot flash remedy. Hot flashes are a very common symptom of menopause and can cause other quality of life issues, such as insomnia, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. Since hot flashes can be so disruptive to most women’s lives, it is no wonder that so many women are turning to soy.
One of the reasons that soy has become so popular is the knowledge that Asian women have a far lower incidence of hot flashes than American women. The reason most often cited is that in Asian countries, soy is a dietary staple. Western diets, until very recently, used very little soy products.
This information has resulted in a surge of interest in soy products, and more widespread availability as well. These days, soy milk and tofu can be found in most mainstream grocery stores. In fact, my own supermarket carries 3 different brands of soy milk, each in a variety of flavors. For any woman who wants to try soy as a hot flash remedy, it’s as easy as shopping at your favorite grocery store. And it’s very easy to add to your diet. I add soy milk to my oatmeal for breakfast. Other women add tofu to their recipes.
Why do soy products work? Basically because soy products contain plant estrogens, particularly isoflavones, which are thought to have effects similar to estrogen, which may act to reduce hot flashes. A number of research studies have found that soy is a good hot flash remedy. In Australia, researchers did a study showing a 40% decrease in hot flashes in women who used a specific amount of soy flour daily in their cooking. Other studies have shown similar results. One particular study showed that soy in combination with increased exercise was the most effective.
Is there a downside to soy usage? One thing to keep in mind is that with all medicines and remedies, one solution does not work well for everyone. Women with hot flashes related to breast cancer treatment may not benefit from soy, one study has shown. There has also been some recent concern about soy and thyroid problems. Dr. Mike Fitzpatrick, a leading scientist and soy expert, has stated that the overconsumption of soy products can impair thyroid function. Overconsumption is more apt to occur when taking soy in pill form than just adding soy products to your diet. So if you have a history of hypothyroidism, you may want to search for a different hot flash remedy.
In conclusion, soy is becoming more and more a common addition to the American diet. Soy products have been shown to be a very effective hot flash remedy for many women, especially when coupled with improved diet and exercise. However, it may not be the right treatment for all women. The best course of action could be to try it in small amounts while improving your diet and exercise routine. Discussing your choice of hot flash remedy should also be done with your doctor.
Tags: menopause, hot flashes, hot flash remedy, soy
