Processed food like pickles, instant noodles, papads, and canned and frozen foods should be avoided during periods. Why: As your hormones fluctuate during periods, processed food can make it worse. Ingredients present in processed food do not go well with hormonal balance during periods.
Spicy food is a big no-no as your gut is already on fire when you're menstruating. “Eating spicy food can make your tummy health worse and can also lead to ulcers and an increase in abdomen pain”, suggests Dr Pillai.
Whole grains
Simply swapping your white bread and pasta for wholewheat will really help with your period symptoms. Not only will they keep you fuller for longer, but they are also packed full of fibre, helping aid your digestion and bloating symptoms. I always make my Simple Spaghetti with wholewheat pasta.
Avoid: Foods with a high salt content. Canned soups, bacon, and chips are foods to avoid during periods as they are high in salt. The hormone responsible for menstruation already causes water retention and a high salt diet will cause a gassy, bloating feeling.
The heat might help but in general probably not. “Unhealthy” foods are usually pretty bad for periods, even though they are so yummy. If cramps are really bad, start drinking water and doing some yoga to stretch out those muscles.
Your body really DOES crave carbs around your period. It's the changes in progesterone and estrogen that trigger the biggest changes in your body during this time, and with that hormonal swing comes an intense craving for high carb foods and sweets.
Old Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup. A timeless favourite, a hearty bowl of Old Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup is appreciated anyday — not only during periods. The recipe consists of several ingredients which help to provide a nutrient boost, such as red dates which help to alleviate menstrual cramps.
Naturally, eating foods that decrease inflammation in the body will help to tame menstrual cramps. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Research has shown that both a vegetarian and plant-based eating pattern work to decrease inflammation in the body.
Eating Ice cream is very safe during your periods. But, Overconsuming can lead to stomach aches and weight gain. Be careful about the brand you are choosing as well because some use too much sugar. Also, try to avoid overeating other types of food which may not suit your digestion during this time.
As tempting as it sounds to munch an entire bag of Oreos, sugar can lead to many health issues. Refined sugar causes inflammation in the body, thereby enhancing PMS cramps or any pain associated with the period.
Try eating iron-rich foods like meat, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. Eating foods with lots of vitamin C like oranges, bell peppers and broccoli can help your body absorb the extra iron in your diet. Also, do your best to avoid foods with processed sugar, trans-fats and starchy carbs.
Foods to avoid
These include meat, oil, sugars, and salts. In addition, coffee was found to increase cramps. “Refined sugar, common cooking oils, trans fats, dairy products, processed and red meat, refined grains, and alcohol are considered highly inflammatory foods.
Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.
Mental stress can cause changes in menstrual cycles, which can range from skipped or irregular periods , to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Contrary to what you might think, you can start fasting during your period (even if in some religions the taboo around menstruation persists which prevents women from fasting). There is actually no ideal time to start fasting. You can start fasting at any time of the year, it is up to you.
If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding. A number of conditions can cause hormone imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance and thyroid problems.
So, is it okay to eat more on your period? Long story short, yes! It is totally natural to want to eat more on your period. Eating some treats or a meal you are really craving, in conjunction with a balanced diet, will likely NOT impact your fat loss progress.
Women crave red meat during their periods because it's rich in iron, explains registered dietician Keri Glassman—which makes sense when our bodies are losing blood (albeit a small amount). Eggs, poultry, meat, fish and legumes are iron-rich foods to reach for when you're on the rag, she said.