A plant-based diet may just be what menopausal women need to keep hot flashes at bay — and research showed relief could come from a simple, science-backed dietary shift.
In a poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 64% of women said they believed that stress was the main influencing factor for menopausal hot flashes. However, the group’s clinical trial suggests diet plays a bigger role.
The PCRM study found that women who swapped animal-based foods for more plant-based options reported 92% fewer severe hot flashes and experienced weight loss.
“Women can even experience these health benefits when their diet includes plant-based foods that are considered ultra-processed — like soy milk and plant-based meat alternatives,” said Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at PCRM, per Medical Xpress.
Researchers point to compounds in meat and dairy called advanced glycation end-products, which disrupt hormones and contribute to conditions like obesity and diabetes, both linked to worse menopause symptoms.
“This Menopause Awareness Month — and all year long — I urge physicians and other clinicians to encourage their patients who are in any phase of menopause to try a plant-based diet to help fight hot flashes, reduce their weight if needed, and improve other health conditions,” said Dr. Vanita Rahman of Barnard Medical Center, per Medical Xpress.
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The study underscores how eating more plant-based foods and fewer animal-based foods can relieve menopause while improving overall health. It’s not just women who benefit — plant-forward diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help people of any age or gender feel less stressed and improve their overall well-being.
Plant-based eating is also linked to environmental gains. A sustainability study published in Nature showed that vegan diets can cut polluting gases by 56% while reducing land use by 44%.
With October marking Menopause Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to inspire more people to explore plant-based food options and more mindful lifestyle habits.
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