Benefits of Black Cohosh Supplements for Menopause

Avoid the following food items in your diet. Most women found these foods make hot flashes worse.

• Tea
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Caffeine containing soft drinks
• Spicy foods
• Smoking

Soy

• Soy contains phytoestrogens, an estrogen-like substances. In Japan, where soy foods are commonly consumed daily, women are only one-third as likely to report menopausal symptoms as in the United States or Canada. In fact, there is no word in the Japanese language for "hot flashes". However, clinical trials have generally yielded unimpressive results. The safest approach is to incorporate whole soy products such as soy milk or tofu in you diet. Indeed, the North American Menopause Society in 2000 recommended that 40 - 80mg of isoflavones daily may help relieve menopausal symptoms.

Other common supplements for hot flash:

• Vitamin E (400 - 800 IU)
• Dong Quai
• Wild Yam
• Evening Primose Oil

Scientific evidence of these supplements for hot flashes is not strong as black cohosh. It's best to discuss with your physician before taking these herbal supplements as they may interact with drugs you are taking.

Other related Women's Health articles:

Osteoporosis and Nutrition
High Cholesterol Diet
Healthy Eating Guidelines