You can eat your way to clear skin, healthy hair, a better memory, and even a happier version of you. Food really is medicine. Perhaps, if you’re eating—it the right way. But on the other hand, there are several foods you’ll want to steer completely clear of when your periods come in.
Best Food –
1. Oranges
Eating calcium in periods reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. Vitamin D regulates the enzyme, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Together, calcium and vitamin D ward off PMS symptoms.
2. Watermelon
When cravings hit, reach for a piece of fruit instead of chocolates. Whole fruits provide all the nutrients you need to fight weakness and fatigue. Plus, the natural sugars in fruits like watermelon, plums, figs, and berries help alleviate bloating.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli contains all of the nutrients that play a role in easing PMS symptoms—magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, B6, and E. Fill your plate with broccoli to boost your mood, fight fatigue, and combat depression.
4. Bananas
Bananas are one of the best mood-boosting foods you can eat thanks to the high dose of vitamin B6 they have. It’s rich in potassium and magnesium, too, which can reduce water retention and bloat. They also help regulate your digestive system, which some struggle with around this time of the month.
5. Kale
Your iron levels can take a dip, when you’re on your periods which is why cravings for iron-rich foods during this time are common. But instead of reaching for a cheeseburger, choose leafy greens like spinach and kale to replenish your body’s iron supply.
Worst Food
1. Fried Foods
Cut back on foods containing trans fats, which increase inflammation, to reduce pain during your period. That means fried foods are out.
2. Sodas
Sugary, carbonated drinks like soda contribute to bloating. Stick to water instead. Increasing your water intake will actually ease water retention and bloating.
3. Don’t consume coffee.
Your blood vessels contract when caffeine is present in your body, which worsens menstrual cramps. Also, for those with digestive problems while on their periods, adding caffeine to your diet will make it difficult for your body to retain water and worsen it. The time of the month has already got us at the edge of our sanity, so combining coffee and your period may not be the best idea.
4. Diary
Unless you’re careful to include organic dairy only, it’s possible that dairy could have some influence on our hormones. Dairy products like cheese and milk may make your PMS symptoms worse.