Red Flash Drink - Natural Hot Flash Relief for Menopause

What is Red Flash Drink?

Red Flash drink is a non-alcoholic beverage that has become popular for helping relieve hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The main ingredients in Red Flash are red clover and sage, two herbs that have been used traditionally to treat hot flashes. Red clover is thought to help regulate hormones and sage may help reduce perspiration.

Red Flash comes in a powdered mix that you add to water. It has a light herbal flavor and a reddish color, hence the name. Some women find sipping Red Flash throughout the day helps provide cooling relief when a hot flash strikes.

Red Flash is not a miracle cure for hot flashes. But it does provide an all-natural way to potentially ease the frequency and severity of hot flashes. It may be worth trying, especially if you want to avoid taking hormone replacement therapy.

9 Common Hot Flash Triggers

1. Hot Weather and Warm Rooms

Heat is one of the most notorious hot flash triggers. When your body temperature rises, it can prompt a hot flash as your body tries to cool itself back down. Hot, humid weather and warm rooms can precipitate hot flashes.

To help avoid heat-induced hot flashes:

• - Keep your home comfortably cool
• - Run the A/C or use fans
• - Take cooler showers
• - Wear light, breathable fabrics
• - Avoid direct sun exposure in hot weather
• - Drink cold beverages like iced tea or Red Flash
• - Use cooling techniques like cold packs, misters, or wet washcloths

2. Stress and Anxiety

Feeling stressed or anxious can also trigger hot flashes in some women. This may be due to the effects of stress hormones like cortisol on body temperature regulation.

To reduce hot flashes from stress:

• - Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
• - Get regular exercise to naturally reduce stress
• - Make time for hobbies you enjoy
• - Limit caffeine, which can heighten stress and anxiety
• - Get enough sleep and rest
• - Consider stress-relieving supplements like magnesium or lemon balm

3. Some Foods and Beverages

Spicy, hot, or caffeinated foods and drinks are common hot flash triggers. Spicy foods can raise body temperature, while caffeine acts as a stimulant that can prompt hot flashes.

Other foods that may trigger hot flashes include:

• - Alcohol
• - Sugar and refined carbs
• - Hot soups
• - Red meat

To prevent dietary hot flashes:

• - Avoid spicy foods if you notice they trigger hot flashes for you
• - Limit caffeine to 1-2 cups per day
• - Follow a low sugar diet
• - Eat more plant foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains
• - Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of cool water per day

4. Hormonal Changes

Shifting hormone levels are often the root cause of menopausal hot flashes. Decreasing estrogen coupled with changes in other hormones like FSH and LH cause hot flashes for many women.

While you can't necessarily control your hormone levels, you can try:

• - Eating soy foods containing isoflavones that mimic estrogen
• - Taking herbal supplements like black cohosh, red clover, and chasteberry to help balance hormones
• - Practicing mind-body techniques to promote hormone balance like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture
• - Getting adequate sleep, as lack of sleep may impact hormone regulation

5. Some Medications

Certain prescription medications are associated with hot flashes as a side effect. These include medications for:

• - High blood pressure
• - Depression
• - Anxiety
• - Opioid painkillers

If you suspect a medication is triggering hot flashes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust the dosage or switch you to an alternative drug. Don't stop taking a prescription abruptly without your doctor's guidance.

6. Smoking and Drug Use

The nicotine in cigarette smoking can induce hot flashes. As can recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids.

Quitting smoking and avoiding drug use can help eliminate hot flashes from these triggers. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine patches, gum, counseling, or other smoking cessation aids.

7. Abrupt Drop in Estrogen

In some cases, an abrupt drop in estrogen just before or during perimenopause causes severe hot flashes. This may occur due to:

• - Stopping birth control pills
• - Removing ovaries due to surgery
• - Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• - Conditions impacting estrogen levels like thyroid disorders or premature ovarian failure

If you experience a sudden onset of severe hot flashes, talk to your doctor to identify the cause. Short term use of low dose hormone therapy may ease the transition and reduce intense hot flashes.

8. Being Overweight

Carrying excess weight, especially around the midsection, appears to increase the risk of frequent or severe hot flashes. Fat cells produce some estrogen, which may impact hormone levels. Being overweight also causes you to physically feel warmer.

Losing even a modest amount of weight can help reduce hot flashes.Aim for getting 30-60 minutes of exercise most days along with eating a balanced, portion-controlled diet.

9. Blood Vessel Dilatation

One theory is that blood vessels rapidly dilate during hot flashes, making skin feel hot initially. Nerve cell signals then prompt sweating to cool the skin back down.

While you can't change this vascular process, cooling strategies can provide relief during a hot flash episode. Try sipping a chilled drink, applying a cold pack, running cool water over your wrists, or taking off a layer of clothing.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Hot Flashes

Making certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes:

Stay Cool

Keep your environment at a comfortably cool temperature. Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Use fans, open windows, run air conditioning, or take cool showers.

Manage Stress

Find healthy ways to manage stress through yoga, exercise, meditation, enjoyable hobbies, and good sleep habits. Avoid triggers like excess caffeine.

Exercise Regularly

Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise most days to help regulate hormones and body temperature. Opt for activities like walking, swimming, or cycling.

Quit Smoking

Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, which can trigger hot flashes. Ask your doctor for help quitting if needed.

Watch Your Diet

Eat a balanced diet focused on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, lowfat dairy, and healthy fats. Limit spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and refined carbs.

Try Herbal Remedies

Some women find herbal supplements like black cohosh, red clover, and sage helpful for taming hot flashes. Red Flash drink uses sage and red clover.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can activate the body's relaxation response to help control hot flashes. Make time to unwind and de-stress every day.

Consider Acupuncture

Acupuncture may ease hot flashes in some women. It activates points on the body thought to influence hormone balance and temperature regulation.

Dress in Layers

Having layers you can take off as needed will help you stay comfortable when a hot flash strikes. Sleep with a fan and light bedding for easy temperature regulation.

Carry a Chiller

Keep a reusable cold pack or water mister with you to help cool down quickly when hot flashes hit. Applying to the neck, chest, and wrists can provide instant relief.

When to See a Doctor

Be sure to talk to your doctor if:

• - Hot flashes disrupt your sleep or daily life
• - You have frequent hot flashes or severe symptoms like dizziness or nausea
• - You have hot flashes along with a fever, chills, or other signs of illness
• - You have vaginal dryness, urinary issues, or pain with sex
• - You have severe mood changes like depression or irritability
• - You have ongoing headaches, heart palpitations, or digestive issues

Your doctor can check for any underlying conditions and help determine the best treatment options for your menopause symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Hot flashes are a common nuisance of menopause. While they can't always be prevented entirely, avoiding common triggers can help reduce their frequency and severity. Simple lifestyle measures like staying cool, managing stress, and taking a chill pill like Red Flash may be enough to tame your hot flashes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.