We all get cravings during our period. Often those cravings are pointing to something our body needs: more energy, more vitamins, more hydration. But our lifestyles often lead us astray, tempting us to eat the wrong things because of how we've trained ourselves to live.
During your period, it is important to be mindful of the foods you are consuming, as certain foods can exacerbate symptoms such as bloating and cramping, while others can help alleviate them. We've already written a post about the foods your should eat on your period. This is a list of foods you should avoid eating, despite the fact that you're probably craving them!
1. Salty FoodsEating too much salt can cause water retention and bloating, which can make period symptoms such as cramps and bloating worse. Salt can also raise blood pressure, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Avoid snacks like crisps and fast food, and instead making yourself a filling but balanced meal instead. Often when the feeling of hunger goes, so does the desire for salty snacks!
2. Caffeine
Even though your period can make you feel groggy and sluggish, a cup of coffee is not the answer. Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, which can make cramps worse. It can also disrupt hormone levels, leading to mood swings, and its dehydrating, which can worsen fatigue and headaches.
If you need an energy boost, take some iron vitamin supplements, or eat foods rich in iron such as leafy greens like spinach.
3. Sugary Foods
Right up there with salt cravings is sugar craving. Sweets, chocolate, and biscuits are often go to comfort foods, but they'll do nothing for your time of the month. Consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can lead to fatigue, mood swings, inflammation, cramps, and bloating. Nightmare!
There's nothing to say you have to avoid sweet things altogether though. Naturally sweet fruits not only help with cravings but also provided much needed fibre to keep your system moving at a time of the month when bloating, nausea and constipation are a regular feature!
4. Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can disrupt hormone levels and cause cramps. They also lack the nutrients, so while they taste good, they're not giving you any goods, and can actually make you more tired and worsen headaches.
This includes things like dairy products, which are often highly processed before they ever get into a supermarket.
5. Alcohol
The temptation to drink alcohol can come from a number of places: feeling thirsty, wanting to alleviate period pains, and wanting something sweet like a cocktail. But alcohol can dehydrate you, which can make period symptoms such as fatigue and headaches worse. It can also disrupt hormone levels and cause cramps. Additionally, alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms that can be common during the menstrual cycle.
It's best to stay away from alcohol altogether during your period, but a small glass of wine with dinner won't hurt too much. As always, our advice is to stick to the #1 drink of all: water, water, water!
What other foods have you found that make your time of the month less bearable? And don't forget to share all the good foods that really help you get through the week.
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