5 Essential Foods During Periods (and what to avoid)
We go through a lot of symptoms while menstruating that can be quite uncomfortable and while some foods are helpful and nutritious, others can be harmful and can make your symptoms worse. Not just the unwelcome physical symptoms like abdominal cramps, headaches and nausea, but also mental symptoms like frequent mood swings and anxiety can persist because of certain dietary routines. Let’s first take a look at 5 essential foods that help curb PMS and period symptoms and then also a few unhealthy foods that are best to avoid.
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, cabbage and cauliflower are high in magnesium and iron. There is a tendency for magnesium and iron levels to dip during periods due to hormonal changes. The magnesium-rich greens are nerve and muscle relaxants that also help prevent migraines and cramps. The high source of iron from them helps with symptoms like fatigue and dizziness during periods, considerably.
The few listed essential foods significantly curb period symptoms. Now let’s list a few no-nos that are harmful during periods:
Firstly, small amounts of sugar is completely fine but a larger intake can worsen your mood and make you feel irritable, depressed, or anxious during your period. Next, coffee causes bloating, headaches and digestive issues like diarrhea while menstruating. Then alcohol dehydrates you which worsens headaches and nausea.
The foods you choose to eat or avoid are largely dependent on your specific symptoms during periods and various food sensitivities. If your periods are particularly painful, to the point where you have difficulty in daily functioning, it may be a symptom of a deeper health issue and you must consult a doctor.
Knowing about our bodies will help us keep them healthy, fit and fine! Share this helpful information with your friends and family and let’s #BreakTheshush together!