Foods for Hot Flashes and Cramps

On this episode of The Exam Room podcast, two women who were pushed to the limit share how they were able to overcome severe hot flashes and unbearable menstrual cramping with food. Plus, “The Weight Loss Champion” Chuck Carroll is joined by Neal Barnard, MD, who explains why certain foods can trigger these conditions and how the hormones that cause them may be tamed at the dinner table.

Ann Friday felt like a prisoner in her heavily layered police uniform when hot flashes would strike. Underneath layers of clothing and a thick bulletproof vest, she roasted as the sweltering heat became trapped on her body with no escape. She would lose sleep as hot flashes flared up in the middle of the night. Having tried everything, she finally found a way to cool off and calm the hot flashes by making one big change.

Lindsay Nixon would be doubled over in crippling pain every month. The cramps were so severe that she was unable to leave her home. Often she begged her roommate to stand on her belly or would fold herself over the back of the couch thinking that the pressure would bring relief. She also began taking prescription painkillers and considered having a hysterectomy at a young age. The decision would have taken away her ability to have children, but all she could think about was putting an end to her agony. Finally, she found that food was the answer. Today she is living pain free and is famously known as The Happy Herbivore. 

Lindsay also created the recipes from Dr. Barnard's book Your Body in Balance! She and Chuck go over her amazing recipe for Mediterranean Croquettes and Bayou Quinoa from day two of the book's 14-day menu.