What Food Impacts My Period?

Does food really impact our periods or menstruation cycle? Are we really what we eat? What is the best diet which will reduce symptoms of PMS and what is the best food to eat which will make our period flow better?

There are many factors that impact our periods. For instance, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, stress, diet changes, a major life change, a change in exercise routines, travel, illness, or other disturbances in a woman’s daily routine and hormones can have an impact on her period cycle.

While there are many myths and old wives tale, here’s a list of some of the foods to avoid and foods to eat during and before periods which is nutritionally important for the health of a woman.

What Food Should I Avoid?

Here’s a list of some food choices you shouldn’t be making.

Cut Out Junk Food

Junk food during or before your period is just bad for your health, plain and simple. This includes those packed biscuits, crisps, munchies, sweets, cakes etc.  Anything which isn’t fresh, organic and cooked at home with fresh ingredients will eventually cause problems. Avoiding junk food is beneficial for your long-term physical well-being. All those biscuits, crisps and colas will give you instant satisfaction but harm your health in the long run.

Minimize Processed Food

Cut out processed food from your life and notice the positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. All that processed cheese, sausages, sugar, frozen food, tin food is bad for you. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables from local vendors or grow your own if you can. Look into vertical farming to grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables if you don’t have space outside your home. Anything processed is bad for you. All those colas, fizzy drinks and boxed juices with additives and preservatives will create multiple health problems.  Too much caffeine is also not a good idea.

Avoiding salt can help reduce fluid retention and abdominal bloating before periods.

Some research over the internet suggests that eating too much of dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese can apparently cause more cramps and bloating for some women during their period.

What Food Should I Eat?

Food is the fuel for our bodies and soul. We need to ensure a healthy balanced diet with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the right proportion that are necessary for us to function well.

A daily diet which has 3 different kinds of vegetables a day, 2-3 different kinds of fruit every day, a handful of nut and seeds a day, fish (2 servings per week) and other sources of omega-3 foods such as flax or chia seeds, low-fat dairy food, sources of proteins such as legumes, lentils and eggs, and a variety of rice (brown, basmati), traditional rolled oats and wholemeal pasta is a good choice. Add a bit of turmeric, ginger, garlic, mint and parsley to your food.

Lean meat

(red meat or chicken) is an important source of iron and protein, especially for women who have very heavy periods.

Dark chocolate

appears to live up to the hype when it comes to relieving period cramps. Studies suggest that eating a little bit of dark chocolate daily during your period may help reduce some period pain.

Conclusion: What Food Impacts My Period?

Although every woman is different and different foods impact us differently, some research over the internet suggests that foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, calcium and vitamin D may reduce those annoying PMS symptoms.

In short, eat organic fresh food and live as close to nature as you can to see the positive impact on your physical and mental health. Ladies, make healthy choices for your body, soul and mind.

Learn what food impacts your period, including the best diet to reduce PMS symptoms and improve flow. Discover foods to eat and avoid for better menstrual health