Before and during menstruation, women often feel tired, easily hungry, frequently hungry, and have constant cravings. Many people tend to indulge to satisfy their cravings. However, did you know that some foods are not suitable to eat during this time because they may cause more fatigue and increase uterine contractions, leading to menstrual cramps? These foods include the following:
- Caffeinated beverages and alcohol
In the 2-3 days before menstruation, common physical symptoms include abdominal pain, backache, headache, irritability, easy anger, stress, and insomnia. Consuming caffeine or alcohol during this time can worsen these symptoms, making you feel uncomfortable, unwell, and fatigued, along with mood swings. During menstruation, drinking alcohol can increase heart rate, causing you to tire easily, excessive blood circulation, increased menstrual flow, fatigue from blood loss, and may worsen menstrual cramps. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid or reduce the intake of these during and before menstruation.
- Fermented, spicy, and processed foods
During menstruation, many people experience digestive disturbances caused by the hormone prostaglandin, which causes intestinal muscles to contract, leading to diarrhea-like symptoms or abdominal pain during menstruation. Consuming fermented, spicy foods further stimulates diarrhea and digestive burden, worsening intestinal function. Additionally, processed and salty foods are high in sodium, causing the body to retain more water, leading to bloating, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, and increased menstrual cramps. Therefore, it is best to avoid these processed foods and opt for cooked, fresh, and new foods.
- Meat, fatty foods, and fried foods
As mentioned in point 2, during menstruation, many people experience digestive disturbances. It is recommended to eat easily digestible foods and foods high in fiber such as grains, vegetables, eggs, milk, and fish. Avoid hard-to-digest foods like meat, fatty foods, and fried foods.
In addition to reducing and avoiding the types of foods mentioned above, it is recommended that women exercise lightly for about half an hour a day because exercise stimulates the body to produce endorphins, which are chemicals that promote happiness and reduce stress. Get enough rest, but if you experience severe menstrual cramps, you should see a doctor immediately.
