It’s that time of the month meaning those uncomfortable menstruation cramps, mood swings and sometimes diarrhea are about to erupt. Many women have uncomfortable symptoms during menstruation.
According to Healthline some foods can lessen these symptoms, while other foods can make them worse. These symptoms include abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, fatigue, bloating, mood swings and that overwhelming diarrhoea.
According to Healthline it is best to avoid the following foods which could worsen your symptoms to your period.
Red meat:
Red meat is high in iron, however it is also high in prostaglandins and should be avoided during menstruation as during your period, your body produces prostaglandins.
These compounds help your uterus contract and get rid of the uterine lining, resulting in your menstrual flow. However, high levels of prostaglandins cause cramps.
Spicy Food:
Spicy food is known to upset many people’s stomach, giving them diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. It is best to stay away from spicy food if your stomach struggles to tolerate spicy food. It’s best to avoid them completely during your period.
Coffee:
Caffeine can cause cramps or tummy pain during your menstruation. It can also cause water retention and bloating. It also causes headaches. Healthline suggests that if you are a caffeine junkie it is best not to cut it out completely as it may result in headaches as well.
Coffee also causes digestive issues. If you tend to get diarrhoea during your period, reducing your coffee intake could stop this from happening.
Salt:
Consuming lots of salt leads to water retention, which can result in bloating. To reduce bloating, don’t add salt to your foods and avoid highly processed foods that contain a lot of sodium.
Sugar:
It’s OK to have sugar in moderation, but eating too much of it can cause a spike in energy followed by a crash. This can worsen your mood. If you tend to feel moody, depressed, or anxious during your period, watching your sugar intake can help regulate your mood.
Foods you don’t tolerate well:
If you have food sensitivities, avoid those foods, especially during your period.
If you’re lactose intolerant, you might occasionally treat yourself to a milkshake, regardless. But during your period, it is important to avoid the foods that can trigger issues in your body.
Eating these foods can cause nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, which will only add to your discomfort when you’re having a painful period.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is known to have a number of negative effects on your body, which can exacerbate the symptoms of your period.
For example, alcohol can dehydrate you, which can worsen headaches and cause bloating. It can also lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhea and nausea.
It also important to note that hangover can bring on some of the same symptoms that occur during your period, including:
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fatigue
