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Is it that time of the month again? Did you curl up on a couch with a hot-water bag pressed against your abdomen? That’s a common experience for many women and teens during the first few days of their period. Period discomfort often brings mood swings and food cravings. For some, satisfying a craving can bring comfort. What you choose matters—so what are you craving, and is it the right thing to eat during your period? 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

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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 or coffee, and include dairy or plant-based milk, to help manage your period cramps.
2. Milk & Dairy Products
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. These foods also provide vitamin D, vitamin E and magnesium—nutrients linked to reduced period pain. 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 can be a surprisingly effective comfort food during your period. Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants and fibre and contain nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. One study found that women who eat dark chocolate during their period experience fewer cramps than those 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. Whether for their antioxidants or high water content, oranges are among the best foods during your period.
5. Herbs
When you’re planning your period diet, consider herbs such as fennel, cumin, sage, ginger, turmeric and chamomile. 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

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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 exacerbate 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 may increase the chances of symptoms like bloating or cramps.
3. Fried Foods
Fried foods are high in AGE (advanced glycation end) products and sodium, causing water retention. During periods, the digestive system 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
For many, cramps can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of the menstrual cycle, 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 the consumption of certain foods that may worsen your condition.
For added comfort, try Adira's menstrual essentials like period panties. Get an extra 10% off with the code "CARE10".