Period is usually not fun at all. Especially, when you are hit by symptoms like bloating, cramps, backache and headache. While it is tempting for us to reach out to the bag of chips or soda to ease our hormonal symptoms, it can actually do more harm than good to our body.
Foods to EAT during your period.
1. Chocolate
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Dark chocolate has magnesium and antioxidants that help regulates serotonin (a.k.a happy hormones). For a mood boost, go for dark chocolates with 70% or more cocoa content.
2. Salmon
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Salmon is a great food for relieving pain as it is rich in vitamin B12 and Omega-3 and 612 fatty acids. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce cramping pains (yay!). For our vegetarian friends or those who simply don't like fish, you can get the same Omega-3's from walnuts, pumpkin seeds and avocados.
3. Bananas
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Bananas are one of the best sources for potassium and contains high levels of vitamin B6 too which helps boosts your mood and reduce water retention. They also help regulate our digestive system which some women struggle with during their menses.
4. Leafy Greens
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Leafy greens are one of the most important food to eat during period. Food like spinach, kale and swiss chards contain high levels of irons which is found in our blood and largely lost during your bleeding.
We all know greens can be boring at times so here’s a smoothie recipe we love (you won’t be able to taste the spinach). ;)
Foods to AVOID during your period.
1. Soda
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Sugary carbonated drinks will not just mess up your hormones level but also leave you bloated. Not to mention, drinking aerated waters can increase the intensity of your cramps. Swap out those carbonated drinks by drinking good ol' regular H20. Increasing your water intake will ease water retention and bloating, just make sure you’re not drinking sparkling water.
2. Processed Food
(Source: mediatel.co.uk)
Ahh... the biggest culprit for sodium in our diet... Processed food usually contains high levels of sodium and salt which causes bloating and water retention. Period already makes us feel bloated or carry more water weight than usual. To avoid feeling more bloated than usual, keep your hands off the packet chips and biscuits!
3. High Fat/Fried Food
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Everybody loves a slice of pizza, or juicy burger or even that sweet loving donut. However, during a hormonally sensitive period, it is best to avoid food that will disrupt our hormones like high trans fat food because it can elevate our estrogen level. That means fried foods are out, sister.
Conclusion?
- Healthy, natural food are the way to go
- Avoid fried and fatty food
- A diet rich in vitamins and fiber will help you regain the nutrients you lost
- Drink more water to stay hydrated
Let us know in the comments what are your favourite cravings and which food do you always seem to grab during your period!