5 Foods You Should Avoid During Your Period

A few days before the start of the menstrual cycle, your body experiences hormonal changes that can cause anxiety, irritability, headaches and mood swings, among others. This anxiety can often lead to cravings for certain foods that aren’t exactly beneficial and ultimately cause more cramping and discomfort.

But we can try to improve the discomfort with natural medicines, in addition, proper nutrition plays a key role in this case.

O awesome.club prepared a list of foods you should avoid in your diet and others you should include during your period.

Foods that contain sugar will only momentarily satisfy your anxiety. But, in fact, they are responsible for increasing it, making you feel like eating more candy. The best way to combat this problem is to try to eliminate ultra-processed foods and replace them with complex carbohydrates like brown rice, wholegrain bread and pasta, which improve your mood and decrease your sugar cravings.

Fiber will help you feel full faster, provide vitamins, and improve mood swings and tiredness. You should consume them before and during your period as they will help you avoid the symptoms of PMS. You can find fiber in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, such as: beets, mushrooms, apples, bananas, brown rice, oatmeal, among others.

All high fat foods alter estrogen levels and this increases pain and cramping during your period. Try to especially avoid the saturated and trans fats that are hidden in dairy products, oils, eggs and any other fried food.

Fish like salmon and tuna have high levels of Omega-3. You can also get them in nuts and seeds. These foods will help relieve menstrual cramps. It is advisable to start consuming them a week before the start of the menstrual cycle. They will also help you avoid the typical tiredness of those days.

Sodas make your body gassy and right now it’s the last thing any woman wants. These drinks will give you a feeling of bloating in your abdomen, creating even more pressure on your belly area, causing more pain and discomfort. Opt for water or natural juices without sugar.

Hydration is vital every day, but these days it’s even more essential. In order not to retain liquid, it is recommended to use natural diuretics such as asparagus, tomato, watermelon, cucumber, berries, papaya and pineapple.

On these days it is better to avoid the consumption of salt, one of those responsible for causing fluid retention in the body. Foods that contain a lot of sodium won’t let your body eliminate the fluids your body no longer needs and will make you feel worse. So try to eat the least amount of cheese and sausages on these days, as they are foods rich in sodium.

Some foods contain anti-inflammatory, relaxing or even energizing properties. Chamomile, ginger, oregano, cinnamon and raspberry have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. You can add them to your recipes or make teas and infusions with these ingredients.

Vegetables are known to be high in vitamins, but many vegetables, especially leafy greens, produce gas and these days will make you feel more painful and bloated. You can eat them on other days, but try to avoid them during your period especially broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and cabbage.

Due to blood loss, you need iron-rich foods to make up for lost minerals. Poultry, lean meats, spinach, beets, and whole grains are great options for iron recovery.

Have you ever included any of these foods in your diet to reduce menstrual discomfort? We’d love to hear in the comments what worked for you.