Is it code red for you? Did you curl up on a sofa with a hot water bag pressing toward your abdomen? Well, that’s a common scenario for many girls during their first two-three days of periods. With period discomfort comes mood swings and food cravings. Of course, you will feel a little better after you’ve met your food cravings, but what are you craving? Is that the right thing to eat during periods? You cannot wish away your menstrual cycles, but you can deal with them in the best possible way by eating period time foods.
You can follow a period diet that includes nutritious foods which make those days less painful and more comforting.
Food To Eat For Getting The Best Nutrition During Periods
Menstrual health is often ignored in our country. But it holds prime significance. Let’s check out some of the food to eat during periods for the much-needed period self-care.
1. Water
Hydration is very important during periods. It often helps reduce the severe cramps that most women go through. According to a study, women who increased their water intake consumed fewer painkillers and faced less severe cramps compared to the group of women who didn’t. If you don’t drink lots of water, you can have fluids with the same effect. Drink tea/coffee and dairy/plant-based milk to help you manage your period cramps.
2. Milk & Dairy Products
Everyone knows that milk and dairy products are great sources of calcium. Studies also suggest calcium supplements help manage menstrual symptoms like fatigue and mood swings. Foods containing vitamins D and E, as well as magnesium, can reduce period pain. As a matter of fact, milk and dairy products contain such nutrients. So, for your overall well-being, you can add these products to your period diet.
3. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate cravings are so real before and during periods. If you’re under the impression that it’s bad, then there’s good news. Dark chocolate for period is the real deal. Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants and fibre and contain nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. From a study, it has been deduced that women who consume dark chocolates during their periods face fewer cramps than women who don’t.
4. Oranges
Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, which is an essential antioxidant. Many researchers suggest that antioxidants reduce period cramps. Moreover, the water content in oranges is quite high, which makes it a good food for hydration. So, be it its antioxidant content or high water content, oranges are among the best foods during period.
5. Herbs
When you’re looking for foods to eat during period, you can consider herbs like fennel, cumin, sage, ginger, turmeric, chamomile and many more. While most of these herbs help with period pains, some other herbs also help deal with heavy flow, nausea and bloating.
For added comfort during your period, try Adira’s period panties for heavy flow boxer fit. They offer a comfortable waist fit, leakproof protection, full coverage at the back and extended crotch lining to prevent front and back staining.
Also read: What Are Period Panties? Why Do You Need Them?
Foods To Avoid During Periods
While there are various foods to eat while menstruating, there are some foods that may trigger menstrual symptoms, causing a great amount of discomfort. The following are the foods to avoid during menstruation:
1. Processed Foods
Processed foods contain additives like hydrogenated oils, which can worsen the cramps during periods. These components cause inflammation in the body and thereby deteriorate the symptoms.
2. Alcohol
Staying hydrated is one of the greatest mantras during periods. And if you drink alcohol, it would just cause dehydration due to its diuretic properties. This will worsen your menstrual symptoms causing headaches, bloating and severe cramps.
3. Fried Foods
Fried foods are high in AGE (advanced glycation end) products and sodium, causing water retention. During periods, the digestive system anyway slows down due to hormonal changes and eating fried foods during this time will slow down the process even more that would lead to bloating and discomfort.
4. Sweets
During periods, you should consume foods that are rich in magnesium. Sweets on the other hand contain refined sugar, which decreases magnesium levels in your body causing anxiety, period pains and insomnia.
Also read: How To Relieve Period Pain? Tips To Deal With It
Conclusion
Cramps are considered the worst part during periods, and it is for this reason that mood also fluctuates. By following a healthy diet, you can keep your menstrual health in check. However, you should also limit consuming certain foods that may worsen your condition.
For added comfort, try Adira's menstrual essentials like period panties for heavy flow boxer fit or hipster fit period underwear for medium and low flow days. Get an extra 10% off with the code "CARE10".
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