9 Foods to Eat During Periods to Ease the Pain

Periods are not the best time for women. Mood swings, cramp, low energy, constipation are just a few of the annoying symptoms we face during the menstrual cycle. But, the worst side effect of periods is the constant cravings that usually aren’t healthy. So, before you get all emotional and grab a tub of ice cream, let’s have a movement and think about foods to eat during periods.

Only a woman can understand the pain and the behavior patterns of a woman during the periods. While the usual cramps and uneasiness make the life hell during periods, the food cravings, if not controlled, can make it even worse.

Best Foods to Eat During Periods

Cravings for unhealthy or tempting foods are often on the rise during your menstrual cycle. Succumbing to these cravings may offer some relief for some time but it will deter your health later on.

Being a woman and understanding the effect of period blues first hand, I can relate to all the problems a woman goes through during periods. The only way to counter the pain and overcome the food cravings is going for the best period comfort food.

Here’s the list of best foods to eat during periods. Besides being best period comfort foods, these are also the best foods to eat for a healthy menstrual cycle.

So, without a further ado, let’s check out the list of best foods to eat during periods.

Chocolate:

Before you get all excited and grab the whole bar of chocolate, take hold of emotions. Not every chocolate is good for periods. Milk chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate cake are bad for periods also for the waistline. Instead, opt of dark chocolate as it has less sugar, more antioxidants, and magnesium. If you are having mood swings or cravings, take few bites of dark chocolate to satisfy the inner demon. Dark chocolates are also great stress busters.

Leafy Green Vegetables:

Don’t go green just by thinking about eating green vegetables. If you have painful periods, then leafy vegetables might be the solution for you. Spinach, broccoli, fenugreek leaves and kale are high in iron which suffices the nutritional deficit in the body. You can always make a green salad, smoothie or make a stir fry to get a healthy dose of green vegetables during periods.

Papaya:

If you suffer from acute abdominal pain due irregular periods then you can always go for food to eat to have menstruation. Papaya is one such fruit that cleanses the system and regulates the periods. It is also useful to reduce period acne problem. So, wait no more, peel to enjoy this tropical fruit.

Salmon:

If you are searching for “what to eat during periods to increase flow” then the answer lies in a fishy zone. Salmon is rich Omega 3s that relaxes the muscles, reduce the pain and increase the flow. You can always go for grilled fish with some lemon juice on top to enhance the taste.

Whole Grains:

An excellent source of Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and magnesium, consuming whole grain food help reduce muscle tension in periods. It is also proven effective in controlling PMS, depression, and fatigue. If you have to hunger cravings, then try having a wheat sandwich with fresh vegetables that will keep you fuller for longer.

Nuts:

The most common symptom women face during periods is lack of energy. Instead of going for sugar-based products, pack a bowl of nuts which fuels your body to function all day long. Nuts are concentrated in protein, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber that helps you going without making harming the body.

Chamomile Tea:

This drink contains properties that are effective in relieving muscle spasms, reduce anxiety, irritability, anti-inflammatory and reduce menstrual cramps.

Yogurt:

Consuming healthy food is important when you have the menstrual cycle. Yogurt contains probiotics and calcium that reduce the effects of PMS, relax the muscles and promotes healthy digestion. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, try consuming kale or broccoli.

Bananas:

If you face constipation during periods then try eating bananas. The best source of B6, Vitamins, and potassium, bananas is a boon for women who are facing health struggle during menstruation.

Things to do during Periods:

Well, eating the right food is not enough for a painless menstrual cycle. Periods are the most important cycle of a woman’s body as it cleanses her from within. It is a bodily function that every woman goes through once in a month.

Due to stress and other stuff, these 5-6 days of menstruation can be very painful and hectic in a woman’s life.

To ensure that you have a healthy and painless menstrual cycle, here are some of best things to do.

Heat Up:

Abdominal Paid usually occurs during the first and second day of menstrual cycle. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the stomach to reduce the pain. You can also have a warm shower to minimize the pain and reduce bloating.

Do Some Stretch Exercises:

Exercise may not be the wise choice when you are in periods, but a good stretch can relax your muscles. Practice yoga stretching followed by meditation to calm body and mind.

Stay Hydrated:

Water plays a huge role in cleansing your body during the menstrual cycle. Bloating often happens when you consume too much caffeine or sugar-based product. Drinking plenty of water will remove the toxins from the body and reduce bloating.

Eat Healthily:

Avoid eating junk foods at all cost as it will alleviate the pain and discomfort. Instead eat iron-rich products, protein, vitamins, and fiber that will make the body stronger and give you glowing skin. Check out the previous list of best foods to eat during periods.

Take Rest:

Periods is the time when you feel more tired than usual days Bloating, cramping, discomfort and pain can cause irritation and PMS. The best way to lower down these symptoms is by giving adequate rest to the body. Have 8 hours of sleep in the night and if possible rest in the day too so you can recover from period blues.

Over to you!

Periods are no fun, but instead of crying over this for a week, you can make some changes in your daily lifestyle to have a healthy menstrual cycle. Remember, you are much stronger, and with wise food choices, you can minimize the effects of period blues.