Food items you should eat and avoid during menstruation

Most women suffer severe cramping and mood swings during their menstrual periods. Studies have shown that the food that we eat could impact the pain. While some foods could ease cramping others might just make it worse. Women should have a basic idea about the diet that need to follow during period days.

A healthy diet is important to main overall health and well-being.

Foods to keep away mood swings, cramping
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric contains anti inflammatory properties. This eases muscle cramps.

Iron
The blood loss during periods may lead to anaemia which severely affects the bodily functions. Foods that are rich in iron could keep away pre – menstrual symptoms. Spinach, chickpeas, beans, beetroot, dark chocolate, cereals and nuts are loaded with iron and should be included in regular diet.

Plantain
They are best to keep away bloating and cramping. It contains Vitamin B6 and potassium.

Peanut butter
It is a storehouse of Vitamin B 6 and magnesium which helps in keeping away mood swings and pain. Besides, magnesium helps in controlling the serotonin hormones that goes down during periods.

Calcium and vitamin D
Vitamin D reduces the pre menstrual symptoms. Meanwhile, calcium strengthens the bones. The estragon levels will be lowered during periods which results in the weakening of bones. Milk products too are rich in calcium.

Acidic fruits
Orange, lemons and tangerines could ease mood swings and bloating. Besides, orange contains vitamin D and calcium too which reduces symptoms of depression.

Dark chocolate
It contains endorphin which is known as ‘happy’ hormone. It improves our mood during periods.

Foods that should be avoided during periods
Sugar
Try to limit sugar intake during period days. Sugary treats like cakes, candies and ice creams too could be avoided. This would cause bloating and cramping.

Processed food and junk food
These food items have no nutritional value. Moreover, it may cause indigestion. So, it is better to avoid processed or junk food during periods.

Salt
Overconsumption of salt may increase blood pressure. It would make periods extremely painful.

Carbonated drinks
Consumption of carbonated drinks could be limited or avoided during period days as these may cause bloating.

Here are a few drinks you can try to keep away from bloating and cure cramps. 

Detox drinks

Drinking detox drinks would keep bloating and stomach cramps away. Besides, it is excellent to replenish the body with essential minerals if you are someone who vomits during periods. Check out the recipes of two easy detox drinks.

Boil 1 tsp fenugreek seeds and 1 tsp cumin in two cups water on low flame for 5 minutes. Drinking this water on empty stomach will give you excellent results.

Mix 1 grated beetroot, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 4 lemon wedges, 10 mint leaves and 1 tbsp roasted cumin powder in one litre water.

Keep this in the fridge for 2 – 3 hours. You could drink this water during the day whenever you feel thirsty. The refreshing drink eases vomiting and fill you with energy.