Foods to Avoid and Eat During Your Period

Throughout the days ahead of the start of menstruation and while you’re on it, you can experience a huge range of uncomfortable symptoms. But if you know what to eat during your period and what not to have, you can keep those discomforts to a minimum.

Symptoms can include everything from fatigue to bloating, mood swings to food cravings, breast tenderness to constipation and diarrhea. Those are only on top of the cramping and headaches. There are certain foods you can eat during your period that would make the problems worse while others can make them better.

Consider the following foods you should not eat during your period and try to avoid them:

• Caffeine – Stimulants from coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolates and energy drinks can worsen symptoms such as breast tenderness, depression and anxiety. Avoiding those beverages and food options can help to stop yourself from making your symptoms worse. Choose herbal teas, decaf coffee and lots of water to stay hydrated, instead.

• Processed food – Processed foods are packed with salt. Too much salt causes the body to retain water. As a result, eating processed foods can put you at risk of being bloated, puffy and uncomfortable. Instead, choose whole foods high in nutrients and fiber and naturally low in sodium make far better choices.

• Fatty foods – High fat foods wreak havoc on the body’s hormonal balance. This makes it more likely for you to experience issues such as breast tenderness and bloating. During this time, stay away from high fat foods and choose leaner proteins as well as fruits, veggies and whole grains.
• Sugary foods – Blood sugar levels are less stables during your period as a result of hormonal changes. This can make you experience powerful cravings for sugary foods. That said, eating those foods can worsen the sugar imbalances. It can make moodiness and fatigue worse. If you have a sweet tooth, put down the donut and pick up the fresh fruit salad, instead.

On the other hand, there are some foods that can help to make things better. Consider the following when you’re struggling with symptoms from your cycle:

• Dark leafy greens – Spinach, collard greens, kale and Swiss chard will help you to replenish your iron levels from lost blood.

• Salmon – Give your omega-3 fatty acid levels a boost with a piece of this delicious fish, keeping moodiness under control.

• Whole grains – Healthy, whole grain foods are great for magnesium, vitamin B and vitamin E which are fantastic for decreasing muscle tension, depression and fatigue.

• Bananas – These fruits are high in vitamin B6 and potassium. These are fantastic for balancing the mood, regulate bowel function and promoting better nutrient absorption which can help you feel more energized and positive overall.