When a woman is on their menstrual cycle there is a time where we may feel the absolute worst. Whether it is cramps, fatigue, bloating, nausea, or headaches, being on your period can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable.
There are ways to try to help these symptoms go away, or at least not be so bad. This can be not eating some foods we usually do, and eating different foods. Your diet during your period can have some influence on how it affects your body and mind. There are women that might experience cravings while on their period, but depending on what we eat, it can change how we experience our period during that time. Being cautious of our food intake can make a world of difference.
Foods To Eat
Meats like chicken and fish can be beneficial during one’s period. Both have great amounts of iron and protein, which can be great for a woman’s health outside of menstruating as well. Fish also has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fish while menstruating can help reduce period pains as the omega-3 works within the body, so much so that it can reduce the amount of ibuprofen you may take.
Quinoa, lentils, and beans have also been shown to be beneficial. Beans and lentils have a large amount of protein and iron in them, being both a great substitute for meat if need be and great if you tend to have low iron while menstruating. Quinoa also has iron, protein, and magnesium in it. It also has a low glycemic index which makes it a great way to get energy and keep it throughout the day.
Of course, eating fruits and vegetables is always a keen choice. Fruits like watermelon and cucumber are great to keep your water intake high, and fruits like strawberries can help with any sugar craving you may be having while also staying fresh. Spinach and kale can really boost your iron levels up. If your iron levels are low while menstruating, it could lead to bodily pain, fatigue, and dizziness.
Foods To Avoid
Dairy has been shown to not be great to a woman’s hormones through menstruating. Having dairy products while on your period may cause hormonal acne to get worse, making any symptoms wrapped up with your hormones unnecessarily worse.
Excessively salty foods may leave you worse off than before as well. Overly salty or processed foods may cause bloating, sluggishness, and uncomfortableness that can be avoided while on your period. It can cause changes in your blood pressure which in turn can cause one’s mood to fluctuate and possibly may make mood swings worse if you already have them.
Caffeine is also a food to try to stay away from while on your period. It gives the possibility for even worse mood swings as you are already going through fluctuating hormones. It may also cause cramps and bloating to get worse as well.
While there are a lot of unfortunate truths when it comes to the foods that can make menstruation worse, by the end of the week your body and mind will be grateful for it. The last thing you want to do is cause any menstruating symptoms to get worse.