Menstruation is often an unpleasant experience that every lady is stuck with. And while around 15% of women don’t really experience any symptoms at all, most of us do. Symptoms might include headaches, bloating, weight gain, back ache, heaviness, abdominal pain, acne and muscle spasms.
Period can ruin your sleep cycle, give you unbearable cramps, and alter your mood. There are, however, things you can do to improve your situation and the best and easiest thing you can do is fix up your diet. If you put the right foods into your body, you can reduce all of your annoying symptoms. So, here are 10 period super foods all girls should be eating.
Water: Water is the elixir of life, but so many of us neglect it. But during the most natural time in your life, it’s important that you drink as much of it as you can. Drink it in the morning, at noon, in the evening and again before bed. If you drink lots of coffee, let me tell you that coffee will make you feel more bloated during your period. This is because coffee, like alcohol, is a diuretic. What this means is that it makes you urinate more frequently. As a result, your body tries to compensate by retaining fluid in your abdomen. As such, there can be dire consequences during your period. Water, however, works wonders because your body is no longer afraid that it’s losing water. So, it doesn’t attempt to hold onto it in your abdomen. As a result, you will experience less bloating.
Fruits and vegetables: There’s no end to the goodness fresh veggies and fruits come loaded with. Spinach, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, beans and citrus fruits, especially, are a rich source of antioxidants, which help relieve period cramps. Now, don’t try to take the easy way out and load up on those sugar-laden juices available in the market. Bananas are a good option because they help to reduce cramps and bloating. Pineapples are also recommended, thanks to an enzyme called bromelain which relaxes muscles.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are stuffed with key nutrients that your body needs if it’s going to get through your period without much hassle. You can add leafy grains to your meals in a variety of ways. However, avoid eating too many as they can cause bloating.
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Nuts and seeds: If you usually overlook the little guys, it’s time to start giving them some attention because these super stars will ease you through your period. They are stuffed with fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and protein, all of which you need right now. Walnuts are especially useful during your period. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and pain. They also contain beneficial vitamin B6 and magnesium. Other beneficial nuts and seeds include brazil nuts, almonds and peanuts.
Salmon: Salmon, like walnuts, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that your relax your muscles, and therefore reduce muscle spasms. They might not eliminate cramps altogether, but they will lower their severity.
Yogurt: Yogurt can do more than help you have smooth bowel movements. It contains a lot of calcium, which has been proven to help menstrual discomfort. However, it does has the potential to make your cramps worse, so if that’s your main symptom, you should try eating something else on this list.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has owned a reputation as a super food thanks to its antioxidants that improve cardiovascular health. But dark chocolate’s nutrients benefit your body in other ways too, and are particularly helpful whenever you’re on your period. Cocoa is key. A mood elevator, it encourages the production of more serotonin in your brain which raises your spirits and dispels anxiety. Other important nutrients include potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium.
Calcium: I know a lot of people who say they don’t like drinking a glass of milk by itself because it’s a bit gross. But milk will work wonders for you during your period. Calcium is very good at reducing menstruation symptoms. It relaxes your muscles, and deuces stomach pains and aches.
Eat smaller meal: It isn’t a super food, but it’s important that you eat smaller meals if nausea is one of your symptoms. Although it’s tempting to eat from larger plates as usual, it’s not really a good idea. Moreover, it can exacerbate bloating. To give you a psychological edge, you could try eating the same meals as usual but from smaller plates
