Periods…the name itself describes it all. The days when you feel like doing nothing and just want to be pampered. Oh! the cramps!!! The worst part of having periods. The average days of a monthly period range from 4 to 5 days. However, this range can vary from woman to woman. It’s this time of the month when your uterus seems to be engaged in a brutal battle with the rest of your body, causing cramps that can make you want to stay in bed and give you mood swings.
You might also take period gummies or similar supplements for pain relief. However, uncomfortable cramps or discomfort isn’t always linked with your health. Instead, they are the result of unhealthy foods you indulge in, during this period. A poor diet can cause discomfort and cramps.
As a result of mood swings, you might crave more and eat unhealthy food which can also worsen the symptoms. Eating the right diet can help you feel better throughout your difficult day. Food choices can make a lot of difference. Also, avoiding certain foods can ease menstrual problems and assist you in reducing your cramps.
Let us make you aware of what you should avoid during your menstrual flow…
1. Fried Foods
There are times especially when you’re on your period and you cannot resist eating a pizza, french fries or some doughnuts. It’s fine, but foods that contain fried ingredients can result in inflammation and may be associated with increased discomfort during your period.
They are high in trans-fats, which can raise oestrogen levels, causing anxiety and mood changes. Instead of eating food that is fried, consume crunchy vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers and so on. You can include roasted snacks in this list as well.
2. Food with Excessive Salt
You might love to snack on chips or snacks which are certainly delicious but are stuffed with salt and other added ingredients. Consuming too many sodium-rich food items can soak lots of water and cause constipation, water retention, discomfort, stomach ache, and bloating. Additionally, too many sour foods can be harmful during menstrual cycles including pickles.
They also contain a significant amount of sodium that causes an increase in discomfort. In the course of your period, you might be tempted by salty foods however it’s best to stay clear of these foods to reduce gastric discomfort. Avoid salty and fatty snacks and opt for healthy foods that are high in fibre and are full of vegetables and fruits instead.
While cooking vegetables, cook them at a low or medium temperature so that it can retain as many nutrients as it can. Avoid making them in the deep fryer or using excessive amounts of butter or oil. Instead you can grill, roast or steam them for maximising the benefits.
3. Caffeinated Drinks
Are you drinking too much caffeine-based drinks during your period? However, drinking it while you are on your period could cause your cramps to become more severe and also promote constipation. Drinking tea with caffeine or coffee can raise the levels of oestrogen and can cause PMS symptoms to increase. This is because of the tendency of caffeine to hold the body’s water, which causes irritation in your stomach.
It slows down the process of elimination due to diarrhoea and induces headaches. Hence, it is important to limit the consumption of caffeine consumed during the course of a period. Thus, instead of using products with caffeine, you can surely opt for green tea, carrot or tomato juice, or any vegetable soup. It can help ease menstrual cramps as well.
4. Sugary Items
Just like many other people, you might also like to indulge in sweets, candy or milky chocolates or other desserts sweets to satisfy your odd desires during menstrual cycles. However, this can cause extreme mood swings as well as tension within your body, and consequently, you might face an increase in cramps. It’s not just a way to increase the blood sugar levels of your body, it can also alter your mood, causing mood swings, depression, and more!
This is due to the fact that excessive sugar consumption causes rapid energy surges within the body. This energy decreases over time and leaves you feeling tired. Thus, eliminating or limiting high-sugar food items entirely during this period can aid in stabilising your mood, and, hopefully, ease the abdominal pain.
5. Processed Foods
You should avoid eating a lot of processed food when you’re experiencing severe cramps during your period. Thus, it is essential to keep clear of these processed foods like frozen meals, fast food, processed food products, canned soups, etc.
These kinds of foods may cause constipation and worsen discomfort and pain when experiencing menstruation. Alternatively, you can eat food prepared at home such as salad, khichdi, and oatmeal.
6. Refined Foods
Just like processed foods, you need to get rid of refined foods too, especially when your period has arrived. From flour to ever-so-delicious grains, everything is refined and usually contains tons of hidden sugar.
In addition, it has been observed that some refined foods like cereals, white bread, as well as rice, contain minimal nutritional significance. If you are wanting a delicious piece of toast, you should choose whole grains instead of refined alternatives. This way your body will feel grateful and help you in reducing period cramps.
7. Saturated Fats
It has been noticed that saturated fats can be primarily harmful to your health. They’re particularly bad when you’re going through your period, creating inflammation within your body and making cramps during your period more severe. Consuming high-fat foods can impact hormones in the body, and can cause discomfort during menstrual cycles.
Not just saturated fats but also trans fats can cause pain, cramps and inflammation. Foods that are high in saturated fats include dairy products, oily meats, and coconut oil, to name just a few. Thus, you should limit or eliminate fat intake and eat more grains, lentils, wheat bread, or oatmeal.
8. Alcohol
Alcohol can make PMS symptoms more severe and can also cause prolonged cramps. It can make you feel drained and dehydrated, which could cause bloating, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhoea. It can instantly boost your mood, but it could make you feel depleted of energy and can worsen the pain in your legs, headache or muscle pain.
This can also cause irregular menstrual cycles and raise oestrogen levels within the body, which may aggravate the menstrual cycle. Instead of drinking alcohol, try coconut-based water, or even lassi. This can help ensure that you are hydrated even during menstruation.
On the Whole
Period cramps are painful…right? And struggling with them every month is a real task that every woman goes through. Although you would be craving a lot of spicy, oily, and sweet foods, you need to avoid them. Consuming these foods can worsen your pain and cause irritability too.
Therefore, going for some healthier options is recommended. In addition to doing so, you can start consuming period relief gummies as well to relieve your pain and have control over your mood swings. The “That Time of The Month” gummies can be beneficial during your periods. They have just the right amount of ingredients that can ease your periods and at the same time supply the deficit nutrition.
Being packed with Passion Flower Extract, Milk Thistle Extract, Vitamin B6 & C, Chasteberry Extract, and Magnesium Sulphate. Popping two in a day reduces your PMS symptoms and helps you in handling your mood swings.