Period FAQs

what's the best thing to eat while on your period

by Rita Abshire III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What are the best foods to eat during my period?

What to Eat During Your Period

  • So here are the best foods to eat during your period:
  • Iron. Iron-rich foods top the list for Betsy as your body is obviously losing a lot of iron during your period.
  • Calcium. We’re talking Greek yogurt, mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, almonds, broccoli, and leafy greens.
  • Magnesium. ...
  • Fiber. ...
  • Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...

What foods should you avoid while on your period?

Foods to avoid

  1. Salt. Consuming lots of salt leads to water retention, which can result in bloating. ...
  2. Sugar. It’s OK to have sugar in moderation, but eating too much of it can cause a spike in energy followed by a crash.
  3. Coffee. Caffeine can cause water retention and bloating. ...
  4. Alcohol. ...
  5. Spicy foods. ...
  6. Red meat. ...
  7. Foods you don’t tolerate well. ...

What should I not eat when on my period?

14 Foods to Eat (and Avoid) on Your Period

  • Foods/Drinks to Avoid
  • Carbonated Drinks. Sugary, carbonated drinks like soda contribute to bloating. ...
  • Processed Foods. Another culprit in the bloating game? ...
  • Fried Foods. Cut back on foods containing trans fats, which increase inflammation, to reduce pain during your period. ...
  • Legumes. ...
  • Refined Grains. ...
  • High-Fat Foods. ...
  • Foods to Eat
  • Kale. ...
  • Oranges. ...

More items...

What can you not eat during your period?

Steer clear of fried food and readymade snacks including packaged food since they are rich in salt and sodium. “Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes. Coffee.

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What to eat during menstruation?

Opt for foods with ample nutrients like vitamins, minerals, water, protein, iron, and fiber. At the same time, try your best to avoid the following:

How to help menstrual cycle?

To aid digestion and regain what’s being lost during menstruation, avoid sugary, salty, and fatty treats and pick heart-friendly, high-fiber meals with tons of fruits and vegetables instead. When preparing vegetables, cooking them at a low to medium temperature will preserve as many nutrients as possible.

What fruits help with bloating?

Watermelons, figs, and plums. The natural sugars found in these foods may satisfy cravings for something sweet. Additionally, these fruits are rich in vitamins that can help with bloating. Watermelon also has a high water content and can help keep your body hydrated, which will reduce swelling and bloating.

What are some good foods to eat to help with bloating?

A smart alternative to sugary treats, oranges, lemons, and limes are packed with fiber and vitamin C and can provide relief from mood swings and bloating. Meanwhile, their high water content also keeps you hydrated.

Why does chocolate make you feel better during your period?

It intensifies during your period because of hormonal shifts and the loss of blood and nutrients.

How to get rid of PMS?

Combat PMS-related nausea and fatigue with a glass of lemon water or a (lightly sweetened or unsweetened) citrus smoothie. Moderation is key for getting a dose of feel-good energy without irritating your stomach.

What is the best food for cramps?

Consider making a meal of grilled salmon or salmon sushi for a dose of high-quality protein and plenty of B vitamins.

What are the best foods to eat during menstruation?

Fruits and vegetables. While fruits and vegetables are a vital source of nutrients and fiber in anyone’s diet, they may be especially helpful during menstruation. A 2018 study. Trusted Source.

How to help menstrual cycle?

Some dietary changes may ease menstrual symptoms in some people or help them stay healthy during their period. For example, eating iron-rich foods can help rep lenish iron stores when a person is losing blood.

How to reduce period bloating?

Reduce sodium. Lowering sodium intake can help reduce period-related bloating and weight gain. A 2019 study. Trusted Source. in the American Journal of Gastroenterology indicates that increasing sodium intake may make a person more likely to experience bloating.

What are the symptoms of a premenstrual cycle?

According to the Office on Women’s Health, about 90% of individuals experience premenstrual symptoms, such as: cramping. lower back pain. fatigue. mood swings. bloating. constipation or diarrhea. headaches. breast tenderness.

What foods are high in iron?

Foods that are high in iron include: oysters. beef and beef liver. fortified breakfast cereal.

Why does iron dip during periods?

Menstruation causes iron levels to dip as a person loses blood. This can even contribute to anemia in people with very heavy periods.

Does Omega 3 help with period pain?

Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body, and may help tackle period pain . looked at the effect of omega-3 supplementation on the intensity of menstrual pain in women aged 18–22 years old. One group took omega-3 supplements while the other group received a placebo.

What to eat when you have a period?

If you're craving a little more regularity with your period, might we suggest snacking on some hummus? "Chickpeas provide a B6 boost to help with progesterone levels for an on-time bleed," says Vitti.

What foods help with PMS?

According to The Cleveland Clinic, vitamin D also helps alleviate PMS symptoms. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, sardines, and oysters.

What vegetables should I eat if I'm bloated?

There's no better source of both than leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards.

Why do bananas cause bloating?

We tend to retain more water around our periods, which can be the main culprit behind bloating. Potassium helps restore the natural fluid balance in our bodies , and bananas are chock-full of it. So are oranges, cantaloupe, and apricots.

Can you eat water with PMS?

Okay yes, you can't "eat" water, but you should make you stay hydrated to alleviate PMS symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to reduce bloating and improve digestion.

Is flaxseed good for menorrhagia?

If you suffer from heavy periods (also known as menorrhagia), then consuming flax ahead of your cycle is a must, says Vitti. "It helps flush out excess estrogen that can lead to heavy bleeding and clots," she explains.

Can you eat before you start bleeding?

But you might not know that what you eat throughout your entire cycle —that is, well before you start actually bleeding—can make even more of a difference. That's because our diet has a direct impact on our hormonal balance, and certain foods can exacerbate things like cramping, mood swings, nausea, and bloating.

What is the best food to eat during your period?

Consuming it will not only help you replenish your iron levels, but will also help you stay full, thereby curbing your cravings. In fact, fish is among the best foods to eat during your period as it can help relax muscles and relieve cramps. Besides iron and protein, fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the intensity of period pain.

What to eat when you have a period?

You can do so by adding green leafy vegetables such as spinach, radish leaves, kale, and parsley to your diet.

How to get rid of period pain?

Try and consume foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish and nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and can help greatly in relaxing your muscles and making period pain more manageable.

Why do women eat nuts during their periods?

A lot of women experience low energy levels during their periods, owing to hormonal changes. At such a time, munching on nuts can work wonders! Packed with nutrients, nuts can boost your energy levels and can help ward off tiredness. Besides, nuts are also great sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that work to relax your muscles.

Does yogurt help with menstrual cramps?

Yogurt contains calcium and magnesium. While magnesium can help boost your energy levels, calcium can help relax your muscles and ease menstrual cramps and aches.

Can sugar cause bloating during your period?

Consuming too much sugar during your period is not a great idea, even though having it may feel really comforting. Here’s the catch- eating too much sugar can cause a short-term spike in blood sugar, followed by a major crash, which might worsen your mood. Reach for fruits instead of sweet snacks as they can also add to the bloating and gas.

Can spicy foods cause stomach upset?

This can cause acid reflux, and can also upset your stomach. Avoid spicy foods at such times, especially if your tolerance for spice is already low.

What are some good foods to eat before your period?

“Luckily, those hormone levels recede when your period finally arrives, which can cause a shift in mood.” Incorporating good fats into your diet, via olive oil, avocado, and nuts, for example, can help stabilize those mood swings. (As an added bonus, avocados have magnesium, which helps relieve headaches, Rizzo notes.)

What are some good breakfast foods?

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with ¼ avocado, oatmeal, and fresh berries

How to get rid of bloat in the first place?

Longer term, and to beat the bloat in the first place, simply amping up your fluid intake can help. “I would look at fluids from all sources, whether it’s herbal tea, sparkling water, or even coffee.” And don’t forget: water-rich fruits and vegetables can count towards your daily hydration totals, says Rizzo. “Add foods like watermelon, celery, cucumbers, kiwis and peppers to your meal plan to increase your water intake and fight the bloat.”

How to increase iron intake?

Signs you may need to up your iron consumption include craving the mineral via foods like red meat. If that’s you, Kimball says to choose lean beef, pair it with a whole grain bun, and bump up the nutrition with a bunch of veggies. “That would be a fantastic post-run meal,” she notes. Vegan or vegetarian? The Impossible Burger is enriched with heme iron, which is the same iron that’s in beef and is the kind that the body absorbs best, Kimball says. If you go for a non-heme iron source—spinach, red beans, oats, or Beyond Meat, for example—include a source of vitamin C (think: red bell pepper strips or a squeeze of lemon juice), to enhance that absorption, per Kimball.

What fats help with anxiety?

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, registered dietitian with Ochsner Fitness Center in New Orleans, says there’s one good fat in particular that can help: omega-3s. “Research shows a correlation of omega-3s to a lower incidence of depression and also anxiety.” You can get the nutrient from foods like wild salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds.

Can you eat chocolate after a run?

Many women crave chocolate during this time of the month. “Don’t deny yourself to only binge on an entire bag of Hershey kisses while watching a sappy movie late at night,” Rizzo says. Instead, make 70% dark chocolate part of your post-run meal or snack. You could simply eat a couple of squares, or add cacao powder to a recovery smoothie that also includes a frozen banana, protein powder (you could even go for a chocolate one for double the flavor), and a handful of spinach. (Bonus points for adding a tablespoon of chia seeds.)

What are some good foods to eat during menstruation?

While omega-3s can be found in salmon, enriched eggs, and grass-fed beef, we like chia seeds because they are portable and easy to pop into just about anything. Add the small, but mighty seed into cereal, smoothies, and homemade baked goods to boost your intake and keep menstrual blues at bay.

How to get rid of bloating during period?

Instead of trading in your favorite pants for sweats and leggings, try munching on honeydew melon to de-bloat. Bruns suggests increasing your intake of water-rich foods such as melon instead of reaching for a salty, bloating snack. "Melon is made mostly of water and is a natural diuretic, which means it can help cure that puffy feeling you get during your period. Foods high in water will keep your body hydrated, reduce cramps and help improve your mood," Bruns says.

What happens a week before your period?

"A week or two before your period, hormone levels change. Estrogen levels increase and progesterone levels decrease. These changing hormone levels can cause your body to retain more water than normal, explains Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD. "And like excess salt, consuming too many carbs can make the bloating worse."

What to do with pumpkin seeds for headaches?

If you're cranky and seem to snap at the drop of a hat when it's that time of the month, reach for these little bullets that can ease your symptoms. Just one ounce of the seeds serves up 75 percent of your day's magnesium, which can make you feel more positive and ward off water retention. The nutrient can also help relax your blood vessels, nixing painful headaches, too, according to research in Magnesium in the Central Nervous System . Mix pumpkin seeds into your salads and veggie side dishes for a touch of crunch and some much-needed relief.

What to eat with salty food?

If you're hankering for salty deliciousness if too hard to ignore, pair it with an extra cup of water (or better yet, some slimming detox water) and a second food that's a natural diuretic (like asparagus, parsley, beets, lettuce, and ginger).

Does saffron help with PMS?

How? The spice increases serotonin levels, which typically drop before menstruation. Although saffron is one of the most expensive spices, a little of it goes a long way. Use it to whip up African, Middle Eastern, and European-inspired dishes and reap the PMS-busting benefits. The only caveat? You'll need to crawl out of bed to do your cooking or cajole your significant other into whipping up dinner.

Does water help with cramps?

Foods high in water will keep your body hydrated, reduce cramps and help improve your mood, " Bruns says. What's more, research suggests the fruit contains a compound called Cucumis melo, a diuretic that helps flush excess fluid from the body.

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