What Should One Eat and Avoid During Periods

To reduce menstrual symptoms naturally, it is important for women to include certain foods in their diet while being careful of things that can aggravate the symptoms. Certain foods can contribute to menstrual pain and discomfort, while others have the ability to relieve these symptoms and combat fatigue.

It is important for women to be aware of the foods they eat during their menstrual cycle, as healthy food choices can have a huge impact on their overall health. Adding the following foods to your diet may be beneficial to reduce menstrual cramps. Sheshadri Joyal, BHMS, homeopathic physician, talks about the best foods that women should eat to ease menstrual cramps.

Best foods to relieve menstrual cramps and mood swings:

1. Turmeric
   Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps with muscle pain. Add turmeric to your food.
2. Sources of iron
   A common cause of iron deficiency anemia is heavy menstrual bleeding. Lack of anemia affects physical activity. Iron intake helps with PMS symptoms. Sources of iron are spinach, black gram, molasses, beets, beans, dark chocolate, whole grains and nuts.
3. Bananas
   Can help with bloating and pain. It contains vitamin B6 and potassium.
4. peanut butter
   It contains vitamin B6 and magnesium. It reduces PMS symptoms such as mood swings and cramps. Magnesium also regulates serotonin (the feel-good hormone), which decreases during menstruation.
5. Chamomile tea
   A cup of tea is used to treat PMS symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-spasmodic effects.
6. Calcium and vitamin D
   Taking vitamin D can reduce PMS symptoms. Sources of calcium and vitamin D help strengthen our bones. As estrogen levels drop during periods, low estrogen can contribute to bone loss. All dairy products are rich in calcium.
7. Sour fruit
   All citrus fruits, including oranges, limes and lemons, help relieve mood swings and bloating. Oranges are high in vitamin D and calcium, which help relieve symptoms of depression.
8. Dark chocolate
   It contains endorphins (happy hormones) that can help improve your mood.

What should we avoid during periods?

1. thanks
   Limit sugar consumption during menstruation. Avoid sweet foods like cake, candy, ice cream etc. This leads to heavy bloating and menstrual cramps.
2. Processed and junk food
   Processed food has no nutrition. You will face digestive problems, avoid junk and processed food to reduce digestive problems.
3. salt
   Excessive salt intake can increase blood pressure. During menstruation it can cause severe pain and menstrual cramps.
4. Limit carbonated drinks.
   Coke, Pepsi and soda cause severe bloating.
5. papaya
   It can increase the chances of heavy bleeding when you use it in high doses.

Detox Water Recipes to Take During Periods

Fennel Cumin Detox Water

Ingredients:

Fennel seeds – 1 tbsp

Cumin – 1 tbsp

Water – 2 cups

Simmer on low flame for 5 minutes. Eat it in the morning on an empty stomach.

Benefits

Removes bloating.

Reduce stomach aches and pains.

Reduce nausea and vomiting.

Day-long infused detox

Ingredients:

Water – 1 liter

Chopped beetroot – 1 pc.

Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

Lemon slices – 4 pcs.

Mint leaves – 10 pcs.

Roasted cumin powder – 1 tsp

Mix all the ingredients in a jar and shake well. Refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours before drinking. Enjoy this detox whenever you feel thirsty.

Advantages:

Improve bloating, nausea and refresh yourself throughout the day.