Inmagine
Menstruation is the trickiest time of the month for girls and we know it’s not an easy time to get over. However, major problems that we face during our cycle can be solved by our eating habits. We’ve summed up a simple food guide for all you girls who are having a hard time when ‘Aunt Flow’ visits.
Foods to Eat
Fruits and Vegetables
These foods are prime sources of antioxidants like potassium and vitamins that can help reduce menstrual cramps. Bananas, berries, tomatoes, carrots and citrus fruits are all rich in antioxidants to ease cramps
Iron
Our bodies lose large amounts of blood loss during our menstrual cycle. Iron is a great mineral that allows your blood to transport sufficient oxygen throughout your body. It prevents exhaustion and fatigue too. Moderate consumption of dates, beans and red meats boosts your body up with more iron.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Choose low-fat milk or yogurt as saturated fat can cause inflammation Low-fat dairy can reduce menstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness and cramping. A cup of hot chocolate with low fat milk is the best choice as opposed to ice-cream or a bar of chocolate.
Proteins and Calcium
Due to the loss of blood, we often feel more exhausted than usual during our menstrual cycle. Proteins can give you the energy to get through the day. Milk, eggs, soy products and meat can boost your body’s energy levels to keep you going.
Warm Foods and Drinks
Take everything warm but not too hot. Avoid cold beverages or desserts as it will cause your blood to clot and the pain that comes with it us unbearable. (Source)
Foods to Avoid
Sour Foods
Avoid high-acidic foods like lemons as it will trigger more acidic substances flowing into your stomach and worsen your tummy pain.
Caffeine
Consuming caffeine during your menstrual cycle will rapidly increase the level of estrogen in your body. Cut down on caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee and soft drinks to reduce mood swings.
Alcohol
Any form of alcohol will increase pre-menstrual depression and it will disrupt the regeneration of blood cells in your body. The result – more cramps and fatigue due to the lack of blood and inability to replenish the blood supply that is loss.
Fatty Foods
It’s hard to deny that we all crave fatty foods during our cycle, but it does more harm to us than any good. Saturated fats and trans fats are hard to absorb and as soon as we start consuming them, the body will not be able to process them, causing you to gain lots of weight.
Sugary Foods
Although sugar can help relieve menstrual cramps, taking too much sugary foods will cause more mood swings, and even cause you to bloat.
(Source)
