A vegan diet rich in soy can almost completely eliminate postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, according to a study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). The study involved 84 postmenopausal women who experienced two or more moderate to severe hot flashes per day. Over a three-month period, the women either maintained their normal diet or switched to a low-fat vegan diet that included half a cup of cooked soybeans per day. The vegan diet led to a significant reduction in postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, with a 95% decrease in severe hot flashes and a 96% decrease in moderate hot flashes. The women also lost an average of 2.9 kilograms in weight.
The researchers found that a vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans can feed the bacteria in the gut, leading to weight loss and protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study also analyzed stool samples from 11 women before and after the vegan diet, revealing changes in the quantity of several families, genera, and species of bacteria. The study is the first to show that a reduction in the prevalence of Porphyromonas and Prevotella corporis is associated with a reduction in daytime hot flashes, while a decrease in the frequency of Clostridium asparagiforme is linked to a reduction in overall severe and severe nighttime hot flashes.
The findings suggest that women who want to combat hot flashes should consider a vegan diet that is low in fat and rich in soy. The study provides evidence that a vegan diet can have a significant impact on postmenopausal symptoms and overall health.
