5 FOODS TO EAT AND AVOID DURING YOUR PERIOD

All women experience different symptoms when having their period. For some, a period may come and go and they’d be none the wiser, for others, symptoms like nausea, pain, headaches and bloating is a regular occurrence. The good news? There are foods that may help!

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Aunty flow, that time of the month, code red, shark week – whatever we call our menstruation cycle, it’s a time during the month that women rarely look forward to – for many reasons, the main ones being those terrible symptoms that tag along.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is real and uncomfortable, to say the least, which is why it’s great to know there are simpler ways to ease the horrible bloat, nausea or cramps you may be feeling every month.

Take a look at a few foods to eat and avoid to help you feel your best, even when you’re menstruating.

1. EGGS
Eggs have long been known for their many health benefits, and now you can add it to the list of foods to help ease PMS too. Eggs contain a range of healthy nutrients including essential fatty acids, B vitamins, iron and protein that all work together to reduce discomfort.

2. CITRUS
Fruits like oranges, lemons and limes could help satisfy a sweet tooth, but they also contain fibre and vitamin C to reduce mood swings and bloating. For nausea, you may want to try some lemon water or a citrus smoothie.



3. CHAMOMILE
After a tiring day, many turn to a trusted cup of chamomile tea to help relieve their stresses. For period cramps, it has the same effect. Chamomile tea relaxes your nerves, reduces the intensity of cramps, eases anxiety and promotes better sleep.

4. OATMEAL
Oats are a great source of iron and rich in vitamins A and B and calcium, which helps to relieve bloating caused by water retention.

5. DARK CHOCOLATE
This delicious treat is more than just a favourite, it’s also packed full of magnesium which helps to relax muscles and ease aches to reduce period pain. When choosing dark chocolate, go for the plain kind rather than one filled with candy.

FOODS TO AVOID
When you’re menstruating, it’s best to choose whole foods that are jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients. Stay away from the food mentioned below, it may taste delicious in the moment, but you might end up regretting your choices once the effects kick in.

1. PROCESSED FOODS
Your stomach is in knots and cooking is the last thing on your mind – we get it. But takeaways is definitely not the answer. Foods like takeaways, canned goods or processed meat are packed full of preservatives and sodium that could make bloating even worse.



2. SWEET TREATS
Fruit is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Candy and sweet snacks may be delicious at the moment, but that feeling won’t last long. Soon you’ll crash from a sugar spike and you may end up feeling gassy and bloated.

3. SPICY FOODS
Best to keep your favourite curry for after your period. Spicy foods are renowned for causing tummy troubles like bloating and cramps, and when you’re already not feeling your best, this culprit will only add more stress to your stomach, which, let’s face it, already feels like a war zone.

4. MILK
Milk contains lactose, so if you’re having trouble with continuous cramps, dairy products like milk might make the problem even worse by causing bloating, pain and nausea.

5. ALCOHOL
Because alcohol can dehydrate, it could worsen your period cramps by thickening your menstrual fluids and blood, which causes your period flow to become even more painful.

Related article: How to beat the bloat



Flow: The Book About Menstruation
Menstruation might not be the most pleasant, but it is one of the most beautiful processes a women undergoes. If you have a young daughter or know of someone who may need help understanding the process, Flow: The Book About Menstruation by Candice Chirwa, Karen Jeynes, Pontsho Pilane with Dr Ilana Johnson, Tariq Hoosen and Claire Fourie is a wonderful edition that helps moms and dads explain the changes a young woman may experience when she menstruates. It aims to inform, educate and empower young and old.

For a chance to win a copy of  Flow: The Book About Menstruation by Candice Chirwa, Karen Jeynes, Pontsho Pilane with Dr Ilana Johnson, Tariq Hoosen and Claire Fourie, visit our Facebook page and enter by 7 October 2021. Ts & Cs apply.

Related article: How to talk to your child about puberty