Live Well. Play Well. No Matter Your Game.™
Posted: November 6, 2023
By: Match Point Wellness
Reviewed by: Julie Kulp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Slash Your Hot Flashes by 92%: A Pickleball Power Move!
Introduction: The Power of Diet in Managing Hot Flashes
Hey there, pickleball enthusiasts and active lifestyle aficionados! 🏓
Interested in possibly reducing your severe hot flashes by 92%? Yes, you read that correctly! This is information I wish I knew when I was going through menopause! It’s not too late….
The Unpredictability of Hot Flashes
Ever felt like you're on the court, smashing that wiffle ball, and suddenly, you're not just sweating from the game but from an unexpected internal heatwave? Or maybe, you’re out in public having a conversation and suddenly the other person thinks you’re getting mad because your face is turning beet red and you start sweating? Laughing? Maybe 10 years later. Embarrassed? Definitely! Welcome to the world of hot flashes! But what if I told you that the secret to cooling down might just be on your dinner (or lunch) plate? Let's dive into the delicious world of veganism and see how it might just be the game-changer you need.
The Science Behind Diet and Hot Flashes
Imagine your body as a finely-tuned pickleball paddle. Just as different materials and designs can affect your paddle's performance, the foods you consume can influence your body's reactions. Now, let's talk about those pesky hot flashes. Think of them as those unpredictable shots that catch you off guard. Annoying, right?
Recent studies have shown a fascinating connection between our diet and the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Picture this: A group of women were given two diets, one rich in plant-based foods (like a vegan diet with daily soy intake) and the other, well, not so much. Both groups were given a B12 supplement. The results? The vegan group, who consumed soy every day during the 12-week study, experienced a whopping 73% reduction in dietary AGEs. Not only that, they saw a reduction in severe hot flashes by 92% and 88% reduction in moderate to severe hot flashes. [1]
What Are AGEs and Why Do They Matter?
Hold up, what are AGEs? AGEs, or Advanced Glycation End-products, are compounds formed when proteins or fats combine with sugar in the bloodstream. They can be naturally occurring, but many are found in fried, grilled, or baked foods. High levels of AGEs are linked to various health issues, including those pesky hot flashes. [1]
Making the Dietary Switch: A Tasty Analogy
Now, let's break it down with a tasty analogy. Imagine your regular diet as a grilled cheese sandwich. When you grill it, the bread gets crispy, and the cheese melts - delicious but full of AGEs. On the other hand, a vegan diet is like a fresh veggie wrap. It's light, crisp, and doesn't have those AGEs that turn up the heat in our bodies. Interestingly, the study
also found that a significant chunk of the reduction in AGEs came from cutting down meat, especially white meat. [1] Yes, that is correct; the white meat that is supposed to be better for you. It’s like realizing that one particular move in your pickleball game has been throwing you off and then working to improve it.
The Additional Benefits of Soy
Here's another cool tidbit: The participants in the study consumed soybeans daily. Why is this significant? Well, isoflavones found in soybeans have been shown to reduce the formation of AGEs. So, not only did the plant-based diet help by reducing AGE consumption, but the inclusion of soybeans provided an additional benefit in combating those pesky hot flashes. [1]
Beyond Hot Flashes: The Overall Health Benefits
But here's the real kicker: This isn't just about hot flashes. Reducing dietary AGEs can also boost our overall health, especially for those of us in the postmenopausal phase who might be at a higher risk for certain conditions. [1] It’s like discovering that your new pickleball technique doesn't just score you points but also improves your overall game.
Conclusion: Your Next Move
Whether you're a pickleball pro or someone who loves to stay active and healthy, considering a vegan diet might just be the trick to keep hot flashes at bay.
Ready to serve an ace against hot flashes? 🌱🏓
Stay tuned for our next post where we'll dive even deeper into the world of diet, hot flashes, and how you can keep your cool on and off the pickleball court!
Live Well. Play Well. No Matter Your Game.TM
Resource
1. Science Direct. (2023 June). Dietary Advanced Glycation End-products and Postmenopausal Hot Flashes: A Post-hoc Analysis of a12-week Randomized Clinical Trial.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512223000531
Disclaimer:
Match Point Wellness provides this Blog, including any references, links or other knowledge resources, for informational purposes only and nothing contained herein should be taken as a replacement for medical, clinical or professional advice or diagnosis or treatment for mental or physical health conditions.
All information within this Blog is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or that you shall see results should you follow recommendations within this blog. This information is being provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Further, should you follow any recommendations within this Blog, please understand that you are assuming all risk associated with such actions, with no liability on our part.
The contents of this Blog are the property of Match Point Wellness. You may not copy, modify, publish, or transmit the content of this Blog without prior written permission of Match Point Wellness.