Keep an extra supply of pads and tampons in your purse so you can take the time to change while at work. So, it is best to avoid these foods during your periods. Avoid spicy foods like chili because your stomach is already working fast... 2. Foods that have a high content of salt can increase bloating and flatulence during periods. Instead, drink a lot of water. So drinking coffee during menstruation can make you feel more pain. Nutritionists say certain types of foods can increase your menstrual symptoms as well. Here our Nutritionist and Women’s Health advisor, Emma, explains which 5 foods to avoid to help reduce monthly period symptoms, including those associated with PMS. It is best to avoid carbohydrates at this time with other foods. Avoid: Dairy... 3. Just like some foods ease period symptoms, other foods may make them worse. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid during your period: 1. Maida(white flour) foods slow down digestion. Get in the habit of drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, especially during your period. If women want to eat chocolate during menstruation, choose bitter chocolates. Periods aren’t easy. If this rice is mixed with curd, you are more likely to cool your stomach. You may love your share of biscuits and chips and would love to binge eat them. Choose homemade meals and lots of salads and vegetables. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid gluten-rich foods during menstruation. Every month, women cross a period known as the time of the month. Agrees Dr Rohini Patil, nutritionist and founder of Nutracy Lifestyle, who says, “menstruation doesn’t hurt itself, but the cramps or other symptoms may be uncomfortable. During this monthly cycle, they suffer from abdominal cramps, physical pain, fatigue, and depression. Now that's a food for period pain if ever we heard one. Foods to avoid That is why our ancestors at that time were contributing to women’s medicinal foods such as dill (Ventayam), for pain and cramps. Make sure you also incorporate water-rich fruits such as watermelon and cucumber. "Greatly informed by this article. Menstruation is another painful period in women’s life other than childbirth. With fluctuating hormones often leaving your mental state a little out of sorts anyway, the last thing you want to do is introduce a stimulant such as caffeine. Share on Pinterest Eating plenty of vegetables during menstruation may help reduce cramps and pain. Too much spicy is not good for health and also during the menstruation periods. It’s best to avoid canned and processed foods like cold cuts, cheeses, soy sauce, and any food that … The foods to be avoided during the period include everything fried in fat and oil because it increases the level of estrogen. Besides, there are habits that can do more harm than good during period. Can we use Mustard oil for hair growth? In fact, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrition deficiencies among women of child bearing age. Alcohol But unknowingly it does harm to your body. Can certain foods relieve symptoms? Steer clear of fried food and readymade snacks including packaged food since they are rich in salt and sodium. But too much caffeine in the coffee can make your abdominal muscles tighten and increase the pain. Quinoa is rich in nutrients like iron, magnesium and protein. Salty food increases water retention and bloating. According to the scriptures, there are certain tasks and activities that one should abstain from during the period of the Panchak. Some examples include onion rings, french fries and fried chicken. So, it is best to avoid these foods during your periods. Doctors say no to milk chocolate. It’s well recognised that diet can influence period symptoms and bad dietary habits could potentially make them worse. Copyright © 2020 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved, Foods women should eat and avoid during their period, Ensure you change your pads every 3-4 hours. Satisfy your sweet tooth by choosing juicy fruit, and try to avoid sweet snacks. “Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. The Indian Express is now on Telegram. INSIDER talked to a nutritionist to find out the foods we should avoid for when that time of the month rolls around. 2. During menstruation, women already have problems with nausea and dizziness. They can cause pain and severe discomfort in many women. Processed foods have ingredients and preservatives that are not recommended during your period since they can negatively affect hormones and intensify PMS symptoms. To help prevent or alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), have complex carbs through fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods to avoid during your period Processed foods. Why you should not eat: As your hormones fluctuate during periods, processed food can make it worse. Increased progesterone hormone secretion in their body increases gastric function in the stomach. 9. Both beans and chickpeas have very high fiber content. Caffeine narrows the blood vessels and dehydrates the body, which can cause headaches and may increase anxiety during your period. During menstruation, certain types of foods are likely to reduce your menstrual pain like fruits, leafy green vegetables, ginger, fish, dark chocolate, peppermint tea et al. Binging On Salty Food During the menstrual cycle, the best thing is to do binge on cheesy movies and a bag of potato chips. “It is also gluten-free and will make you feel fuller. 8. Ahead, the nutritionist has shared a few food items women should eat and also steer away from during period. Processed Foods. I have a full post coming on all of this later, but wanted to share the 10 ways that I take care of myself while on my period to try and keep my hormones in check. Another culprit in the bloating game? This natural process can cause bothersome symptoms, from depressive moods and irritability to painful cramps, breast tenderness and bloating. So when you eat spicy foods that cause too much acidity, you may have several bowel problems. Because Milk Chocolates can make your stomach work worse. During menstruation, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that cause bloating and water retention. They are also rich in iron, making them a great addition to the diet,” she said. … If you experience monthly menstrual discomfort, some women find it helpful to avoid certain foods. “Staying hydrated can reduce the chance of getting dehydration headaches, which is a common symptom of menstruation,” says the nutritionist. Avoid: Processed foods Things to Avoid During Period 1. 3. “Most nuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and are a great source of protein. This is primarily because an improper diet can result in pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea among many other symptoms. 5 Life-Saving Eating Rules For When You’re on Your Period! With all … For all the latest Lifestyle News, download Indian Express App. In fact, a warm cup of ginger tea can help you feel better because it has anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe achy muscles. During menstruation, a lot of women have to suffer fluid retention. 1. reusable menstrual products: One of the first things that had to go for me were toxic, single-use disposable tampons and pads. If you like to go all-natural, peanut chikki and sesame chikki can also add up flavors to your cravings. Doing otherwise can put you in a whirlpool of problems. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or … It is strictly advised to get off alcohol during a period or at least stick to the virgin variety, even if you have had a really hectic day. The good news: There are some seriously easy steps you can take to de-bloat during your period. So, it is best to avoid such high salted foods while you are menstruating. The abdominal muscles begin to tighten. Some believe that sugar intake can increase blood flow. Yet if you have any inclination towards believing in things like these then do follow the list. Take a rice dish with lighter foods like curd and Rasam. Everyone's body is different, so some people may be more sensitive to these things than others, but if you struggle through your period, it might just be best to avoid these things altogether. Sour things like pickles, sauces, etc. Chilies 5 foods to avoid during your period 1. Though there are a lot of things that you are supposed to do during this period there are a plenty of things … 6. 5. You want to use exercise during your period as a positive tool but there are certain things that you should avoid doing such as: Strenuous exercise or exercise for a prolonged period of time which could harm the body during menstruation. There is no harm in doing so. Some Fruits Eat salty food. These are usually foods that cause inflammation or bloating. According to Thomas A. Molinaro, MD, many women experience water retention (i.e., bloating) during their periods, so it's best to avoid high amounts of sodium.Since salty foods tend to be very dehydrating, your body overcompensates by stockpiling hydration. Staying... Foods to avoid. Processed food like pickles, instant noodles, papads, canned and frozen foods should be avoided during periods. Processed food like pickles, instant noodles, papads, canned and frozen foods should be avoided during periods. Processed Food: If you eat pickle with every meal of the day, avoid it during your periods days. During this time, girls should take extra care of their diet and sanitation.”. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines. It's best to eat a healthy, balanced diet year round, not just for a few days a month during your period. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes. Every week, new information and studies are coming out with the latest news about women and their menstrual cycle. is a complex carbohydrate diet. It helps to reduce pain. I am a Medical Student with a passion for writing and a thirst for knowledge. Steer clear of refined foods and sugar to reduce the chances of mood swings and fatigue. “It’s common to experience a dip in your iron levels during your periods, particularly if your menstrual flow is heavy. Pads and tampons need to be changed every three to four hours and more often during a heavy flow. 2. During your period your body sheds its uterine lining. High-sodium foods. It is advisable for women to avoid white bread during their menstrual periods. They can cause pain and severe discomfort in many women. 9. Some may even alter their diet to lessen the side effects. Alcohol has numerous effects on the body ranging from a bad hangover to headaches. Only one fact remains constant: We are still learning new things about our bodies and the mysteries of our period. Depression – A Study On How Foods Can Help With It? Avoid Foods During Period: Awful cramps, pain all over the body, irritation, mood swings, and food cravings- all sums up the PMS symptoms. 6. Some of the slangs used to refer to monthly periods are code red, monthly visitor, lady time, and um..whatnot! 2. There are constantly new studies and information coming out about women and the monthly period. According to Thomas A. Molinaro, MD, many women experience water retention (i.e., bloating) during their periods, so it's best to avoid high amounts of sodium. 5. Top tip: to make ginger tea, peel a thumb-sized piece of root ginger, slice, and steep in hot water with a slice of lemon for 5 minutes. Some evidence suggests that specific foods may help alleviate certain period … Keep a journal. It can also cause digestive problems,” she said. While there are many different … You may have to make some sacrifices during this period that are all worth it for your unborn child. So it is advisable for women to avoid taking these 12 types of foods during menstruation. During menstruation, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that cause bloating and water retention. Eating spicy foods is likely to worsen your stomach health. To avoid vitamin K during periods, take an aspirin, etc. Try 1. In severe cases, menorrhagia interferes with your ability to function normally. You want to use exercise during your period as a positive tool but there are certain things that you should avoid doing such as: Strenuous exercise or exercise for a prolonged period of time which could harm the body during menstruation. They drink coffee to forget that pain. This is certainly bad news for females who love having a drink or two every other day. “This can help curb your sugar cravings without eating a lot of refined sugar which can cause your glucose levels to spike and then crash” she suggested. Utmost care must be taken to ensure good health of you and your child. Taking food containing a high amount of sodium can make the bloating and water retention in your body even worse. Avoid caffeine and products like chocolate, sodas, tea, and coffee during your menstrual cycle. Avoid: Foods high in fats 5. It makes your tissues weak. Both of these foods have the potential to speed up gastritis. If you get intense chocolate cravings before or during menstruation, try to increase your magnesium intake. If women want to eat chocolate during menstruation, choose... 3. Foods To Avoid While On Your Period. “Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. Things you should avoid Salt and spicy food Steer clear of fried food and readymade snacks including packaged food since they are rich in salt and sodium. Your diet could be your friend or foe when you’re on your period, so start making those wise choices! Foods you should avoid during your period Caffeine. While most of your girlfriends tell you to do this or do that or eat this or eat that on your menstruation, it’s always better to take expert advice than to regret later. During menstruation, it can cause additional difficulty. 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