5 Commonly Eaten Foods To Avoid During Periods

Periods are a natural occurrence in women; they are a period of a roller coaster of emotions and physical discomfort due to hormonal imbalance or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). During this phase, some women can experience unbearable period cramps, which cause them to be in a state of discomfort for a period of time during the cycle.

Since periods are a phenomenon that every woman has to go through, the effects that come with the cycle must be borne by them. However, we can ease these discomforts by combating our issues with healthy food options.

Nutrition plays an important role in making period symptoms more bearable. Healthy food options can ease your period flow, help with bloating, and so on. However, certain foods exacerbate period pain. 

These foods have been shown to cause the body to release more oestrogen hormone than necessary. As a result, the uterine lining thickens dramatically, worsening menstrual symptoms like cramps and heavy bleeding.

In this blog, we shall look at foods to avoid during periods to maintain some soothing during your flow. 

What Causes Food Craving During Periods?

Hormonal fluctuations are a major factor in food cravings during menstruation, as they transform our taste buds into emotional measuring sticks. Oestrogen and progesterone dance during the menstrual cycle, which affects serotonin levels, which control mood. 

Serotonin levels fall along with oestrogen, which increases the desire for comforting, high-carb foods. This explains why you might have a sudden craving for chocolate, ice cream, or chips and dip.

Furthermore, the body's increased use of energy during the menstrual cycle could be a factor in craving foods high in calories. Periods are known to cause dietary deficiencies, particularly in iron and magnesium, which heighten cravings for mineral-rich foods like dark chocolate and red meat.

There are additional emotional considerations. Experiencing stress and exhaustion during the menstrual cycle may prompt one to turn to comforting, indulgent foods. It is easier to manage period cravings by being aware of these hormonal and psychological triggers, which also helps you prioritise self-care and make balanced decisions during this monthly rollercoaster.

Top 5 Foods To Avoid During Periods

1. Instant meals

Products with high sodium and bad fat content include fast food, packaged snacks, and instant noodles. These may increase your discomfort level during your period by causing bloating and water retention. 

Instead, choose whole, minimally processed foods. In addition to providing vital nutrients, Dhal and Chawal, Fruit Chaat, and Aloo Parathas can help fight bloating and ease your cravings during periods. 

2. Coffee And Tea

Even though a cup of coffee can be reassuring, consuming too much of it right before your period might not be the best idea. Blood vessel constriction caused by caffeine may make menstrual cramps worse. It can also interfere with your sleep, which makes fatigue, a common menstrual symptom, even worse. 

Instead of buying coffee, think about choosing lemon water or herbal teas. If you just can't give up your morning coffee, consider decaffeinated options, which offer no possible negative effects.

3. Sugar Loaded Snacks

It's perfectly normal to experience an unexpected craving for an ice cream bowl or chocolate bar when you're on your period. On the other hand, overindulging in sugary treats might not be the best course of action. 

High-sugar foods can exacerbate the emotional rollercoaster that frequently accompanies menstruation by causing energy crashes, mood swings, and increased irritability. 

Consider satiating your sweet tooth with naturally sweet fruits or dark chocolate, which can provide a dose of magnesium to help ease menstrual cramps, rather than reaching for that candy bar.

4. Deep-Fried Foods

Although fats in moderation are a necessary component of any diet, some foods high in fat, like bread pakora, vada, cutlet, kachori, and samosa, may aggravate menstrual pain. 

Saturated fat-rich foods, such as some fried foods and fatty meat cuts, can exacerbate menstrual cramps by causing inflammation. Choose sources of healthy fats that offer the advantages without the drawbacks, like nuts, seeds, and avocados.

5. Dairy Products

Another area to keep an eye on when you're menstruating could be dairy products. Dairy products have been attributed by some women to bloating and discomfort. It might be worth cutting back on your dairy consumption if you experience more bloating or digestive problems during your menstrual cycle.

Instead, look into soya or almond milk as dairy substitutes. These choices can give you the nutrients you need without putting your digestive system at risk.

Takeaway 

Being mindful of your food choices can significantly impact your mood during your menstrual cycle. Common menstrual symptoms can be reduced by avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, high amounts of caffeine, fatty foods, and dairy products. 

Finding the right balance for you requires paying attention to the distinct cues your body sends you. During this monthly journey, remember to prioritise nutrient-rich alternatives, embrace comfort when necessary, and remember that self-care goes a long way.

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