Foods That Trigger Hot Flashes: What to Avoid During Menopause

Hot flashes are sudden feelings of heat that occur in women during the first stages of menopause. Although exact causes are unknown, the United States Department of Health and Human Services reports women have found certain foods trigger hot flashes.

Chocolate

• According to the University of Michigan Health Center, chocolate can trigger hot flashes because it contains chemical stimulants that may raise the body's internal thermostat.

Spicy Foods

• Spicy foods, such as cayenne pepper or ginger, can make the body feel even hotter. The Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education recommends limiting spicy foods during menopause because they can make hot flashes feel even more unbearable.

Saturated Fats

• According to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education, foods that contain saturated fats, like butter or red meat, are stimulants and can induce or make hot flashes worse.

Cheese

• The University of Michigan Health Center states that aged cheeses, such as feta, gruyere or parmesan, contain chemical stimulants that are thought to trigger hot flashes.

Acidic Foods

• Acidic foods, such as those that contain sugar or vinegar, can cause stomach irritation or heartburn and the University of Michigan Health Center recommends avoiding foods that cause physical heat or discomfort because they can cause the brain to trigger a hot flash.