From PMS to Bliss: Navigating the Realm of Foods to Eat During Period

When your period is knocking on the door, and cramps are distressing you, wondering what food items you should consume is probably not a priority. Yet, knowing the best foods to eat during your period can make a huge difference in your reproductive health.

Not only can the right period foods reduce the intensity of your menstrual cramps, but they can also give your health a much-needed boost during a time when you are losing blood. With this essential guide about eating the right food for healthy menstruation, learn all about the importance of a proper diet, common myths about period foods, and what you should or should not eat while menstruating.

Importance of a Proper Diet For and During Periods

While having a balanced diet is important at all times, choosing healthy food for menstruation is even more crucial. Your body experiences many changes during your menstrual cycle. Enriching it with good nutrition helps ease the highs and lows of your period while compensating for the blood loss.

The right period foods can make a huge difference in maintaining a timely cycle, reducing menstrual cramps, and stabilising your mood. In fact, good food habits can even have a positive impact on reproductive conditions such as PCOD.

Read More: Managing  PCOD through food & lifestyle

Apart from great nutrition, choosing the right hygiene products for comfort is also important. Products such as RIO Comfort Weave Sanitary Pads and RIO Cottony Soft Sanitary Pads complement your health by providing adequate protection and hygiene.

Common Myths About Period Foods

When it comes to understanding what should we eat during periods, there is widespread misinformation about the right food for menstruation. Here are some common myths that you must stop believing today –

Myth #1 – You Cannot Have Citrus Foods During Your Period

It is widely believed by many people that oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits should be avoided when you are menstruating. However, these are great fruits to eat during menstruation that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Myth #2 – Avoid Sour Foods Such as Tamarind and Pickles During Your Period

In some parts of the country, consuming sour foods, such as tamarind and pickles, is greatly frowned upon if you are menstruating. However, these are perfectly safe foods to eat during your period that are rich in nutrients. A word of caution, though – the excessive salt in pickles can worsen bloating if consumed in very high amounts.

Myth #3 – Carbohydrates Make Menstrual Cramps Worse

While carbohydrates are often treated like villains, there is no scientific basis for this myth. In fact, complex carbohydrates with a low Glycemic Index (GI) can stabilise your energy levels and reduce mood swings.

Myth #4 – You Should Load Up on Red Meat During Your Period

While red meat is a good source of iron, too much can lead to inflammation and worsening period symptoms. Instead, try adding a variety of lean proteins to your diet, like chicken or fish, along with plant-based sources of iron.

What to Eat

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s get down to business and talk about the best foods for menstruation that you must consume –

Focus on Leafy Greens

Cabbage, spinach, and microgreens are high in iron and give your body strength to fight fatigue from blood loss.

Fruits to Eat During Menstruation

Bananas, berries, oranges, pomegranates,  etc., are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide you with lots of healthy sugar for energy, maintain hydration, and fight toxins.

Best Whole Grains for Menstrual Health

Since digestive discomfort is a common menstrual symptom, items like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain bread are greatperiod foods that enrich your body with fibre.

Read more; Common Menstrual Problems and How to Manage Them

Protein Sources You Must Try

Legumes like lentils and chickpeas, as well as lean protein sources like chicken and fish, can give your body strength and reduce inflammation that causes cramps.

Eating the right period food items reduces mood swings, balances your energy levels, eases cramps, and can even make your period come faster or end sooner by promoting blood flow. If you are interested in learning about other ways to get your periods immediately, this blog post will be helpful.

How to Get Your Periods Immediately: Home Remedies To Get Your Periods Early

What Not to Eat

While eating healthy is important, don’t forget to take note of these foods to avoid during menstruation to ease your periods –

Processed Foods

When mood swings make you grumpy and your cravings feel insatiable, it’s tempting to lose yourself in a bag of chips or a packet of biscuits. However, these processed foods contain unhealthy fats and additives that can make your cramps worse. So, keep a check on how much you consume them.

Caffeine

While a cup of piping hot tea or coffee isn’t going to be world-ending, try to tone it down when you are menstruating. High amounts of caffeine cause dehydration, which can make cramps and bloating worse.

Excessively Spicy/Sugary Food

Spicy food can inflame your gut and cause digestive distress, which can make your cramps worse. On the other hand, foods high in sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and fall drastically, leading to worse mood swings.

Conclusion

By letting go of these myths and choosing the right food items for menstruation, your periods won’t be as frustrating over time. And that’s it for understanding everything about what you should eat during periods!

Pro-tip: Implement these tips in your diet to “stop managing” your periods and start feeling good about your body today!

FAQs

Is it true that spicy food can make menstrual cramps worse?

While spicy food does not directly impact your menstrual cramps, it might cause digestive distress that can worsen your cramps. Based on your body’s tolerance, you may consume them in small to moderate amounts.

Should I avoid chocolate during my period?

No, you do not need to avoid chocolate during your period. In fact, depending on the type of chocolate you prefer, it could even be beneficial. Consuming dark chocolate for your period has been known to reduce cramps and mood swings because of its magnesium content.

Can dairy products affect my menstrual symptoms?

The effect of dairy products on your menstrual symptoms depends on your body’s chemistry. While they make great period foods for some people because of their rich calcium content, others might experience bloating, which can worsen your cramps.

Does eating cold foods like ice cream during periods cause harm?

Cold foods like ice cream are widely considered to be one of the best period comfort foods by many women. While they do not have an effect on menstruation that might harm you, always practice moderation and beware that the dairy content in certain cold foods might cause bloating.

Should I consult a nutritionist for my diet during menstruation?

For most women, consulting a nutritionist is not essential. However, if you are experiencing severe menstrual symptoms, have an underlying condition, or require specific dietary guidance, a nutritionist can help you develop a personalised guide to period foods.