Can probiotics help with hot flashes?

Are you a woman going through menopause? Do hot flashes make you feel like you’re walking on the sun? If so, then it’s time to turn that frown upside down because today we’ll be talking about probiotics and whether or not they can help with those pesky hot flashes.

What are Hot Flashes?

Before we dive into the world of probiotics, let’s first talk about what these hot flashes actually are. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, sometimes accompanied by sweating and racing heartbeat. They typically last for a few minutes and occur several times throughout the day.

Women who have gone through menopause often experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes in their bodies. Hormone therapy is one option to manage menopausal symptoms but some women choose alternatives such as natural remedies including herbs, vitamins, minerals or pro/ pre- biotic supplements.

All About Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that provide numerous health benefits when consumed orally. From aiding in digestion to improving overall immune function, these little guys pack quite a punch. There are many strains of probiotics on the market; however, two particular types have been speculated to reduce inflammation: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Our Gut Microbes Control Everything

The gut microbiome plays an integral role in our physiology. Gut microbes influence everything from mood regulation and mental health, weight management, immunity defenseto cardiovascular disease. A balanced microflora is crucial when it comes maintaining optimal well-being.

Of course, while there isn’t too much scientific research just yet linking beneficial effects of consuming specific probiotic-based foods or supplements directly related with Menopausal symptom resolution only, studies suggest great efficacy against common ones:

Night Sweats

It’s thought that good bacteria within the intestines can help support reducing inflammation and night sweats by evening out hormone levels. Lactic acid bacteria might prevent the growth of harmful microbes in the gut, thus preventing infections or allowing quick recovery during this time.

Insomnia

Insomnia is prevalent among women who are undergoing menopause. Good bacteria found within probiotic foods can naturally produce melatonin which – depending on amount produced– can influence your sleep-wake cycle to give you more restful and restorative sleep, causing a positive reinforcement loop: better sleep = reduced stress = mood stabilization. Adding some fermented yoghurts, kefir, tempeh or kimichi into one’s diet could potentially combat insomnia.

Weight Gain

Majority of women tend to experience increased belly fat as an inevitable consequence from age 50 and up.Inversely related: People with healthy gut microflora tend to have less abdominal fat compared to those with high trans-fat intake based on research studies.

Beneficial factors like short-chain fatty acids through properly functioning microflora helps increase insulin sensitivity promoting weight-loss together with facilitating metabolism for maintained body temperature equilibrium. Inflammation reduction achieved via chronic la-based probiotics consumption further proves effective in controlling blood sugar levels

The Connection between Hot Flashes & the Gut Microbiome

The idea behind a link between hot flashes and probiotics comes from previous animal studies suggesting that intestinal bacteria play a role in estrogen metabolism, Hence it has been suggested that supporting bifidobacteria populations may also be beneficial for postmenopausal bone health by favorably modifying estrogen metabolites– However, human trials need more empirical data for conclusive evidence

A few randomized clinical trials testing specific strains against varying Menopause-related symptoms have been conducted; however evidences are limited. Some reports indicate statistically significant effects while others do not produce strong results-not enough standardization-, though no study reported any adverse effect/s.
One trial conducted with a group of women in China showed that consuming 300 mL/day probiotic fermented milk over eight weeks could considerably improve both psychological and somatic symptoms related to menopause including hot flashes. Another study in Iran found L. acidophilus LO3 had positive effects on hot flash duration after subjects consumed daily supplements containing the strain versus placebo for eight weeks.

Best Probiotic Strains for Hot Flashes

If you’re considering taking a probiotic supplement to help with your hot flashes, there are several strains you should keep an eye out for:

Lactobacillus Acidophilus:

This bacterium has been shown to reduce the prevalence and severity of night sweats.

Bifidobacterium lactis:

Research shows that when paired with soy, this bacterial species decreases the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Probiotic combinations

Several specifically formulated brands looking into helping out perimenopausal symptoms include blends like below which show potential benefits based on clinically proven doses but, It is never appropriate/safe without guidance from healthcare professional- Specifically tailored mixes might account diverse variables depending upon what individual needs.
1. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Women’s Care Probiotics
2. Garden Of Life Raw Probiotics Women
3. Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus

Other Natural Remedies

While we’ve talked about probiotics being potentially beneficial for menopausal symptoms, they’re not the only natural option available! Some other options worth exploring include:
– Soy
Soy products contain compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen within the body — thereby contributing towards lowering risk factors commonly increased during Menopause; Heart disease/osteoporosis etc.- Also can be included as S-equivalent nutrient intake.
– Black Cohosh Extract
Used across Europe since ages because it seems to lower luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion which appears to help relieve hot flashes & depression.
– Exercise and Meditation
It doesn’t have to be said the importance of these two in everyone’s life, no matter gender or age. Exercise can improve both physical and mental health, while meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels and overall anxiety.

Conclusion

While more studies are needed on this topic before anything conclusive is confirmed, it’s exciting to see that probiotics could potentially offer relief for those going through menopause. Not only do probiotics pack a punch when it comes to supporting gut health but as suggested may play great role easing down night sweats, irritability,& insomnia among other symptoms almost akin with everyday stresses.

So my advice: Keep feeding your gut’s microbes by consuming real food filled with prebiotic nutrients including everything green you might find; yogurt /fermented foods like miso/sauerkraut/tempeh/kimichi should specifically be incorporated into diets especially since they seem beneficial/harmless based upon various research sources

Take care of yourself during Menopause because SH#! gets hot in there! Out!