Menstruation makes for an unpleasant period for a lot of women (if not all women). Do you experience mood swings, low energy, cramps, etc. during your period? You are not alone. The truth is, these symptoms come with your periods naturally, but if you can eat right, you may be able to comfort your raging hormones without reaching for a can of soda.
Here are the best foods you can eat before (and even after) your period to help reduce the unpleasantness of menstruation.
1. Yogurt
You may want to go for yogurt first because they’ll have a calming effect on muscles, especially during your periods. This calmness that comes from yogurt is as a result of its calcium contents. According to research, women who consume 1200 mg of calcium experience lesser PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.
Be careful though, not all yogurts are good for you. The healthier yogurt choices have lesser ingredients listed on the label, healthy live cultures, and are as natural as possible.
2. Salmon
Salmon will help keep your period cramps on the hold naturally. You don’t have to ingest some unwanted chemicals into your body in order to calm your period cramp woes.
Salmon is rich in vitamin b12 and Omega-3 fatty acids which are good fatty acids that relax the muscles, reduce pains and menstrual cramps. If you’re a vegetarian or you don’t eat fish for some reason, you can go for plant-based omega-3 fatty acid found in walnuts, avocado, pumpkins, and flaxseeds.
3. Chocolates
Chocolate is a “female thingy” already, so it’s not surprising to have it on this list of best things to eat before your period.
Chocolates are rich in antioxidants and magnesium that helps with mood swing and also control serotonin; which is a happy hormone. You can take any chocolate of your choice, except those with high sugar contents such as chocolate cookies, milk chocolate, or chocolate cakes. Basically, any dark chocolate with low sugar can do.
4. Wholegrains
Wholegrain is an amazing source of minerals like magnesium, which is a good mineral for muscles tension. It also reduces mood swing and contains important vitamins such as vitamin B and E.
Whole grains have been found to be very effective in controlling mood swings during periods with the help of their antidepressant properties. They can also help to reduce cravings and hunger during this time.
5. Leafy Greens
During or before the period, leafy greens are among the best foods to eat. In fact, if there is any best time in the world to enjoy your leafy green foods, it should be during your period as they are rich in iron which the body loses during the menstruation. It also contains important vitamins and minerals that are essential to the body. Some good choices of leafy greens are; spinach, kale, collard greens, and swiss chard.
6. Bananas
What’s your worst condition during your period? For some people, it may be the mood swing, for some others, it may be the cramps. If you suffer a lot of mood swing during your period, then you should eat a lot of banana before, during, and after your period. This will help to regulate your mood swings.
Bananas are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin B6, and other mood-boosting vitamins. Apart from mood-boosting they also help in bowel movements, which is a problem experienced by some ladies during their period.
7. Oranges
Oranges are a rich source of calcium that helps reduce depression and anxiety during periods. They contain other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D that helps in the production of serotonin. During your period, it is advised to look out for a good combination of citrus fruits like lemon, tangerine, and lime.
8. Watermelon
Period cramps are normal, but when they’re excessive, you may want to do something to help reduce it. That is when watermelon comes into play. Period cramps are often caused by water retention in the body. And this water retention is as a result of dehydration. The best way to remedy this situation is by increasing your water intake and eating water based meals like watermelon.
Watermelon contains important vitamins and minerals that contribute to a less dramatic period. They are also delicious and a good way of fixing your cravings at this time to avoid taking more calories than is healthy for you.
9. Broccoli
Are you having symptoms of PMS during your period? Do you want to ease it? All you have to do is make broccoli a part of your daily diet, especially during your period. It is rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc. You can count on it to relieve your cramps to a notable extent and improve relaxation. It prevents mood swings too.
Broccoli is also rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, C B6 and E. So when your period is approaching, fill your plate with broccoli and eat your way into health.
10. Avocado pear
Do you have any particular secret to relieving menstrual pains? Well, here is one! Eating half of a medium-sized avocado a day will help reduce your menstrual pains to a very notable level. This sounds exciting, except maybe you don’t like avocado, or you don’t have access to it around you.
The active content of avocado that makes it so effective for menstrual pain is its plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Aside from that, omega-3 is also effective in fighting mood swings, promoting a healthy mental state, fighting inflammation, and reducing bone and joint pains.
Conclusion
There is not much you can do to avoid your period under normal circumstances, but you can at least eat right and reduce the stress of periods. Eat healthy like has already been stated, drink a lot of water, fruits, and vegetables.
However, you may want to avoid some foods during this time. This is to prevent occurrences like more severe cramping, bloating, mood swings, and all the other unhealthy symptoms that may come with your period. Avoid foods that have a lot of sugar in them like caffeine, fatty cheese, and salty foods.
