Certain drinks may also be helpful, like peppermint tea to ease cramps and kombucha to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
While some foods can lessen these symptoms, others may make them worse.
Foods high in salt, sugar, and spices can intensify some period symptoms.
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Making changes to your diet during yourperiodmay reduce your symptoms while also satisfying cravings.
Eating foods withvitamin Eandcalciummay also improve pain and energy levels.
High-fiber foods help preventconstipationand regulate the digestive tract.
Chicken
Chicken is a good source of iron andprotein.
Dark Chocolate
The iron andmagnesiumindark chocolatemay improve menstrual pain.
People with low magnesium levels are at an increased risk of PMS symptoms like headaches, bloating, andcramps.
Turmeric
Turmericis a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The main compound in turmeric is curcumin.
Research found that taking curcumin before your period may improve PMS symptoms like cramping and bloating.
Consider incorporating nuts into your diet before and during your period.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseedscontain omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve period pain, andflaxseed oilcan improve constipation.
It’s common to experience gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation and diarrhea during your period.
Quinoa
Quinoais rich in protein and contains nine essential amino acids.
A high-protein diet can improve food cravings before and during your period.
Quinoa also contains iron and magnesium to ease period symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
They are rich in fiber, which can support digestion and reduce bloating.
In addition to quinoa, other whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat, farro, and oats.
Lentils and Beans
Lentilsand beans contain iron and protein to improve period discomfort.
A high-protein diet can help you feel fuller longer while reducing cravings for sugary foods.
Consuming probiotics before and during your period may relieve pain and improve your mood.
More research is needed to confirm their role in managing period pain.
Tofu
Tofu is afermented foodrich in protein, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Water
Drinking water can reduce PMS symptoms like bloating and constipation.
Can Certain Foods Make My Period End Faster?
It is unclear if certain foods can decrease the number of bleeding days and make your period end faster.
Foods to Avoid
Some foodscan make period symptoms worse.
Foods that contain high amounts of salt and sugar may make you feel worse during your period.
Salt
A diet rich in salt and processed foods may lead towater retention.
Salt can make period bloating worse.
However, lowering the amount of salt you eat during your period may reduce the risk of bloating.
Sugar
You may find yourselfcraving sweetsbefore your period.
Indulge in your favorites, but moderation is key.
Eating sugary foods causes your blood sugar to spike and then fall.
It may also make food cravings feel more intense.
A study found that when people chose a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet, their food cravings were reduced significantly.
Red Meat
Eatingred meatmay contribute to the risk of pain around your period.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods may cause abdominal distress.
Spicy foods made with hot spices often contain capsaicin.
Capsaicin is irritating to the stomach lining and may lead toheartburnordiarrhea.
This can make period-related diarrhea worse.
Highly Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are often high in salt, fat, and sugar.
They may lead to worsened period symptoms.
Research shows that calorie-dense snack foods may contribute to food cravings and period discomfort.
Coffee
Drinking too muchcaffeinated coffeemay worsen period symptoms like anxiety.
Side effects of drinking alcohol may include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
Are Food Cravings Normal During Your Period?
Food cravings are very common before and during the menstrual period.
They are likely caused byprogesterone, a hormone that peaks before your period.
Researchers believe progesterone may cause you to feel hungrier right before your period.
Helpful drinks during your period include water, peppermint tea,and kombucha.
Plan to avoid or use moderation with foods that can worsen period symptoms.
These include foods rich in sugar and salt, red meat, and processed foods.
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