Today’s our Project Swole women’s health correspondent is prepared to address an important female concern – the period. This is not so much a piece about fitness but is definitely a solid reflection on female health, nutrition, and most of all preventing discomfort.
Menstruation is not a shocking phase for every woman the moment they reach their puberty phase. Happening for 3-7 days, periods are not a funny monthly experience. Besides the discomforts of vaginal bleeding, other factors like hormonal imbalances that result in mood swings, muscle cramps, and dysmenorrhea increase the irritability from this monthly cycle.
Aside from these, some women experience heavier periods, a condition known as menorrhagia. Usually, a woman loses up to 80 mL of blood during menstruation and more than that is considered a heavy one. And one of the reasons it occurs is what is usually consumed at this time.
Here are some of the foods that may cause to have heavier periods, and these should be avoided to lessen the uneasiness brought by menstruation:
1. Beetroots
Beetroots are one of the nutritious foods that can surely add to overall health because these are filled with vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, folic acid, and fibers. However, consuming it or even drinking its juice triggers heavy periods because it promotes the increase of the blood flow.
2. Chocolates
These and other sweet foods have always been the “rescuer”, especially during periods because it helps to feel better due to its ability to induce the happy hormones, endorphins, and serotonin that triggers a happier mood. Also, having a loss of blood and the hormonal imbalances can cause to crave more.
However, just like the beetroots, chocolates can also intensify the blood flow so it is better to deprive of craving on this and switch to healthier alternatives for the meantime.
3. Honey
As sweet as it may seem, honey can provide a more soothing feeling to the body and feeling especially during periods. However, the warmth it brings is also a contributing factor to have heavier blood flows at this time. As it gives heat to the body internally, it can also cause to produce heavier blood flow from the usual.
4. Coffee
Some say that coffee helps to lessen the physical pains during menstruation. But consuming coffee and other foods with caffeine just stimulates the estrogen which makes the menstrual cycle worse. Also, it can trigger breast tenderness during periods. Additionally, some researches show that caffeine blocks the GABA or “downer” neurotransmitter in the brain which results in intensified anxiety feeling and heart rate, and heightens the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
5. Dairy products
Dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese are filled with saturated fats and this can cause inflammations that make menstruation worse. Moreover, arachidonic acid causes to experience menstrual cramps.
What to do to Avoid Heavier Periods
Aside from avoiding to eat the mentioned foods, another way to lessen the worst effects of menstruation is to consume healthy and natural foods. Moreover, do not skip meals because it can cause a more nauseous feeling. Also, keep one’s self properly hydrated always.
Finally, doing regular exercises and keeping active can lessen the physical pains during menstruation. they got cool stuff at halo health that can help your menstrual journey less painful and discomforting.
Tags: female health
