What to eat and drink (and what not) during your period

Do you know that eating has a LOT to do with the pain you experience when you have your period? The body during menstruation has very different needs than the rest of the cycle. There are foods that can help relieve some period symptoms and others that can cause bloating, irritability, or anxiety. In this article we are going to explain what you should eat and drink and what not, during menstruation to feel good. Shall we start?

What to eat during menstruation?

Do you know what you should eat during your period? And drink? Why do you fancy candy? And fast food? We explain EVERYTHING you need to know about eating during your period. Do not miss it!

Why do you want candy when you have your period?

According to a study published in the Annals of Endocrinology , menstrual cravings are triggered by our hormones (and can even lead us to eat an extra 500 calories a day!). Before menstruation, the production of the hormone that is responsible for regulating your mood, serotonin, decreases, and we can notice mood changes and irritability.

Our brain looks for something that makes us feel good and gives us more energy and that is why cravings are usually related to products high in sugar. As you know, sweets have a high caloric content and provide us with a very high dose of immediate energy, so they can cause hormonal instability in our body and, as a result, you will be more nervous.

And the Chocolate?

We have VERY good news for you: Not all candy is bad! Chocolate is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps us control anxiety and insomnia and improves our mood. Of course, the blacker the chocolate, the better! According to researchers from the University of Loma Linda (California), dark chocolate with a high concentration of cocoa helps us control stress and reduces inflammation. So if you want to feel better, choose a product that has more than 85% cocoa.

A hamburger?

Fancy a hamburger with fries? Instead, choose something else from the menu (something lighter, like a salad) because saturated fats alter estrogen levels and increase pain. In addition, they damage the quality of the skin!

Drink water

If you want to avoid fluid retention, drink at least two liters of water a day. If it's hard for you too, discover here the best tricks to drink more water (without realizing it).

I can drink coffe?

Yes and no. On the one hand, it will do you good if you are tired but on the other it can upset you. Also, caffeine dehydrates the body and causes bloating, irritates the stomach, disrupts sleep, and can lead to headaches and increased nervousness. Be aware that excess caffeine can cause nausea and muscle cramps. If you're already irritated, forget about coffee and make yourself some green tea!

Beware of soft drinks

Carbonated and sugary drinks will make you bloat more than usual. So when you meet your friends, instead of asking for a soda, ask for a glass of water with a lemon wedge for example.

Pineapple

During the period it is important to consume foods rich in magnesium, such as pineapple. This fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps relax muscles and prevent colic.

The bananas

Eating a large banana provides us with 0.5 mg of vitamin B6 which balances female hormones and is … antidepressant! A perfect option if you are down during your period.

You are tired?

During your period, iron levels may drop due to blood loss. When these levels drop, our cells receive less oxygen and we feel tired. Eggs are a powerful injection of iron and also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin that contributes to a state of happiness and tranquility.

For constipation

If you have trouble going to the bathroom during your period, then you should include foods rich in fiber in your diet. And raspberries, in addition to being delicious, provide up to 8 grams of fiber per cup. And they also contain calcium and potassium.

Broccoli

Broccoli, thanks to its fiber content, also helps fight constipation. Improves digestion and prevents stomach ailments. In addition, it strengthens the immune system and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and antidepressant properties. Of course, if you get gas, better avoid it because the only thing you will get is to swell up even more.

Omega 3

Do not forget about foods rich in omega 3 (essential healthy fats in our diet), such as walnuts. They are perfect for alleviating inflammation and swelling! They are also antioxidants!

Infusions

Instead of a soda, opt for an infusion. Specifically, bet on an infusion of chamomile. Being an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, it fights pain naturally. Ginger and dong quai are also an ideal option. Here are more ideas of infusions.

Reduces fluid retention

The watermelon season is one of the most anticipated of the summer! Luckily good weather is just around the corner because watermelon will help reduce fluid retention and make you feel lighter. If you want to get the most out of this fruit, discover these irresistible dishes with watermelon.

Relax muscles

Rich in fatty acids, salmon helps muscles relax, which means less cramping. Plus, it helps control mood swings!

Relieve a painful period

Does your period hurt a lot? Quiet! With these natural remedies you can combat a painful menstruation.

We are what we eat. There are foods that you should avoid if you are stressed, if you want to show off perfect skin, if you have anxiety or even … if you have your period! It turns out that what we eat during menstruation can help or hurt us. So find out everything you need to know about what to eat and drink (and what not) during your period. Ready to forget about your period pain?

What to eat and drink during your period?

Rule number one: drink lots of water! It will help you avoid fluid retention.
Don't forget the fruit. Pineapple will help you relax your muscles and prevent colic, raspberries will fight constipation and bananas are a perfect option if you are down during your period.
During menstruation, iron levels can drop, leaving you feeling a bit tired. And eggs are a powerful injection of iron!
Nuts will help alleviate inflammation and swelling, while salmon will relax your muscles.
Broccoli, thanks to its fiber content, also helps fight constipation. Would you like to feel lighter? Watermelon will help you reduce fluid retention!

Forget these foods and drinks

Saturated fats alter estrogen levels and increase pain, so forget about having a hamburger with potatoes.
Sweets can increase anxiety or nervousness. If you fancy a dessert, have some dark chocolate. It is high in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps us control anxiety and insomnia and improves our mood.
And coffee? On the one hand, it will do you good if you are tired but on the other it can upset you.
Carbonated drinks will make you puff up more than usual. Better ask for a glass of water or an infusion.