A fruit salad to cool your menopausal hot flashes

Menopause is a natural, unavoidable time in a woman's life. Though it is a different experience for each woman and not everyone actually experiences symptoms from the rampant hormone fluctuations, somewhere between 75 and 85% of women report hot flashes at some point during their transition.

Probably the only consolation for getting a menopausal hot flash in the middle of summer is the excuse to eat a fresh, crisp fruit salad, not that you need more of a reason. The most nutrient dense fruits are going to be locally grown and in season, which can be difficult because we don't all live in a tropical paradise surrounded by banana trees. However, fruit is its tastiest when it's in season so read on to find inspiration for a fruit salad to cool off with this summer.

Hot flash fruit salad

To cool down on a hot summer day chop up the following fruit:

Orange

Oranges not only have vitamin C which is necessary for a healthy immune system, but are also filled with calcium. Women suffering from menopausal symptoms are often told to eat more calcium; it also helps prevent osteoporosis.

Raisins

Dried grapes are probably the most notorious fruit for containing iron. Anemia, or iron deficiency, is often associated with more intense hot flashes so eat plenty of iron to keep them at bay.

Banana

Probably most famous for containing potassium, bananas are also an excellent source of magnesium, which helps to replenish the electrolytes you lose when you sweat.

Kiwi

Is rich in many vitamins and minerals, but is a particularly significant source of copper. It also contains calcium which is extremely useful in the war against hot flashes.

Raspberries

Berries with a deep color like raspberries or blueberries are often nutrient dense. Raspberries are full of antioxidants which help stimulate the production of estrogen, which controls your body temperature.

Now, mix everything in a medium sized bowl. If you like a little dressing on your salad try adding orange juice to create a juicier salad. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for an hour, or serve right away.

For more information

If you have the luxury of the presence of a farmer's market in your area, this is one of the best places to get the freshest fruit available. If not, ask your local grocer what fruits are in season in your area. Also, talk to your doctor about other common fruits recommended for menopausal hot flash relief. Follow this link for more information about hot flashes treatments.

To learn more about Hot Flashes