It’s totally natural to crave for sugary treats when you’re on your period even if deep down you know that they are bad foods for mentrual health. But before you binge away, we want you to know that the food you eat does affect your body and your mood during this hormonal time and you must keep a check on what to avoid when you’re on your period. Bloating, mood swings and painful cramps, are things no girl should endure! To ensure that you have a happy period, here is a list of what to avoid when you are menstruating!
1. You scream for ice-cream?
As pleasurable as ice-cream is for your tastebuds, it is tops the list of what to avoid when you’re on your period. Since it’s a dairy product, it’s high in fats and is hence a bad food for menstrual health. It will not only worsen bloating but also exacerbates inflammation which can cause severe cramping. Give that delicious scoop of heaven a miss if you want a pleasant period.
2. The fried and the salty…
Sure it’s finger lickin’ good but it contains high levels of sodium and is hence out top pick in what to avoid when you’re on your period! (Yeah, we’re hinting at that crispy bag of potato chips) This could lead to bloating and water retention. Every time you crave for something fried and salty, keep a bowl of nuts in front of you and beat the urge the healthy way and avoid this bad food for menstrual health.
Also read: 7 Foods That Can Trigger Acne – Avoid, Avoid, AVOID!
3. Coffee? Thanks, but no thanks!
It’s warm and soothing, but during the days of your period it is a bad food for menstrual health. Caffeine actually makes the blood vessels to constrict and the uterus to tighten, resulting in super painful cramps. You may also experience difficulty in sleeping. And you know how precious sleep is to a princess, right? So stick to warm water instead.
4. Sugar is for the weak…
Who are we kidding?! We love sugar! It hits all the right spots and elevates our mood. Not for long though… Sugar is a proven bad food for menstrual health. You see sugar is inflammatory in nature and is known to increase cramping. Definitely topping our list of what to avoid when you’re on your period. It will also make you feel grumpy and lethargic later on. A healthier alternative at the time of craving crisis would be to eat fruits! They’re naturally sweet and yummy.
5. #Facepalm to white grains
Just FYI girls, white grains lose most of their nutrients during food processing and is hence a bad food for menstrual health. It interferes with the blood sugar levels which ultimately lead to inflammation, mood swings and craving. Instead, opt for whole grains or breads that are high on fiber and brown rice to reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Let the white grains be part of your list of what to avoid when you’re on your period.
Also read: “WHY Is This Happening?!” 9 Period Problems Every Girl Faces!
6. Fatty meats are a BIG no-no!
Unless you want to experience cramps, bloating and breakouts, you can continue to eat meat. You see, the fat in meat contains arachidonic acid that causes the uterus to contract and is a bad food for menstrual health. Try veg food instead. Salads and sabzi should be your diet during your periods.
7. No love for fluffy baked food
Donuts, cakes, brownies and cookies, are the ultimate comfort foods indeed and definitely a part of what to avoid when you are menstruating, but not so comforting during our periods. Since they’re packed with trans-fats, they elevate the estrogen level. This causes pain in the uterus and leads to bloating.
Our advice: Get enough of rest, drink plenty of water and eat your veggies! You’ll ace those 5-7 days like a boss. Good luck, girl!
Also Read: Best menstrual cups in India
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