Menopause and hot flashes – How to ease the symptoms?

The appearance of hot flashes is a real torture for many women entering the period of menopause. According to some studies, more than 50% of menopausal women are struggling with hot flashes, while about 30% of them have as many as ten episodes of hot flashes each day. These numbers are amazing.

It is good to point out that hot flashes are a symptom of menopause that can significantly affect the quality of life of women. Sudden feelings of rising heat in the body are often associated with unpleasant and sometimes annoying sweating, which can be so intense that women have to change their clothes. What is even worse is that these hot flashes are not appearing only during the day. Hot flashes can seriously affect the quality of sleep too.

To be honest, we should point out right away that hot flashes cannot be completely eliminated, but there are certain things that every woman can do that can affect them and make their appearance more acceptable. There are no rules when it comes to their length – in some women these symptoms diminish over certain period of time and in other women these hot flashes will remain present for years. If you want to ease them you should definitely avoid these things: alcohol consumption, stress, caffeine, cigarettes, spicy foods, tight clothing made of materials that are known for sweating stimulation etc.

One of the best tips to fight hot flashes is to lose weight. There are numerous researches that have confirmed that visualization of certain area that people link to cold weather and cold in general during hypnotherapy can significantly reduce the appearance of hot flashes. The results from these researches show that the imaginary images are activating certain areas in the brain that are activated in reality during real life experience. Therefore, a woman who imagines that she is on some cold place will definitely feel the chilling and avoid the hat of hot flashes.

In order to ensure that you really have lower temperatures around you, make sure to regularly open the doors in the rooms especially in the bedroom. Wear layered clothing in order to easily and quickly remove abundant parts of your outfit. Another thing that you can do is to perform some form of physical activity on a daily basis. This doesn’t mean that you have to be part of some aerobics or zumba class or some similar organized and intensive activities. It is more than enough to walk fast for half an hour a day, dance, ride a bicycle, swim or do something similar to these activities.

Many women are trying hormone replacement therapy in order to avoid the negative effects of hot flashes. These therapies are also used to remove other symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness or mood swings. Short-term practice of this therapy can lead to certain complications too like blood clots or inflammation of gallstones. So, before you decide to take a therapy like this it is necessary to talk to your doctor. 

Natural Treatment to Restore Erectile Function

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection which is needed for sexual performance. This is the most common sexual problems among men, and almost all men experience an episode of erectile dysfunction in a phase of your life. Persistent erectile dysfunction affects about 25% of men over 50 years of age, and this scenario tends to increase with age. This article will help you to know how to restore erectile function the natural way.

In the development of an erection, there are several factors involved. Sexual arousal causes nerves in the brain and spinal send signals to the arteries in the penis which fill with blood. The spongy tissue of the penis expands and it becomes erect. Any obstruction with this particular process, whether physical or mental, can prevent an erection.

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by physical factors such as diabetes and nerve damage. It can also be caused by psychological problems, or by the use of certain medications. In most cases, is not caused by lack of sexual desire.

Although once erectile dysfunction has been a sensitive discussion topic, the advent of drugs like Viagra brought this topic into the spotlight, and more men are seeking treatment.

In addition to drug therapy, there are many things that can be done to prevent impotence and improve erectile function.

Signs and Symptoms

• Inability to get a full erection;

• Inability to maintain a hard erection for sexual performance.

Risk Factors

• Diabetes: elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels of the penis;

• Diseases of the nerves, blood vessels, heart, kidney and prostate;

• Hormonal imbalances: low testosterone, growth hormone or DHEA levels;

• Surgery or trauma that cause nerve injury (spinal cord injury, prostate surgery);

• Medicine for antidepressants, beta-blockers, antihistamines, tranquilizers, anti-cancer drugs;

• Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drugs;

• Tobacco causes damage to blood vessels and nerves of the penis, affecting erectile function;

• Psychological factors: stress, anxiety, depression and lack of sleep.

Dietary Recommendations

Foods to include:

• High fiber foods help to promote the balance of blood sugar;

• Zinc helps in the production of testosterone; the best dietary sources of zinc are pumpkin seeds, soybean, wheat germ, and oysters;

• Vitamin E dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow; the best food sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Foods to avoid:

• Foods high in saturated and processed fats, which can be harmful to blood vessels and reduce the circulation (red meat, milk, processed foods and fast food);

• Minimize refined flours and sugars because these foods cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which may be harmful to the blood vessels;

• Avoid drinking alcohol before sex.

Lifestyle Tips

• Practice exercise: Regular physical activity is essential to improve blood flow and circulation, reduce stress and increase energy levels. Activities such as walking, squats and jumps are particularly good for increasing blood flow to the pelvic area;

• Do not smoke: Smoking has serious consequences because it damages the nerves and blood vessels;

• Maintain a healthy body weight: Obesity leads to diabetes and heart disease, both of which can have an impact on sexual function;

• Have adequate sleep at night, and be aware that lack of sleep can affect sexual performance;

• Reduce stress through meditation, breathing techniques or visualization. Find something that works for you, to promote relaxation, and practice it regularly;

• Communicate with your partner and your doctor.