Unfortunately, almost 80% of women suffer from period cramps. Although for most, it’s a mild pain that can be eased by heat or pain killers. However, several others suffer from Dysmenorrhea, which is severe cramps pain. Moreover, since periods are a natural condition affecting all women, there is really nothing we can do about it, right? Well, maybe there is. Medical research showed that certain elements can help your body recover the energy that it loses every month with all the blood-loss. So, what foods should you be eating on your period?
Lentils
Lentils are some of the best options when it comes to iron-rich foods. As you will be loosing few ones of blood everyday, you need to compensate for it. In fact, loss of iron is what cause you to feel fatigue on your period. Therefore, iron-source foods such as red meat, poultry, beans and lentils will help you recover and feel physically better.
Healthy Fats
Healthy or unsaturated fats can be found in salmon, nuts and avocados (the latter is also a high source of magnesium.) Consuming these foods especially prior to your period, can actually help ease cramps. Since hormones change during PMS period, and that results in mood swings. Luckily, eating plenty of healthy fats will help regulate your mood and hormones during your period.
Vegetables
Including leafy veggies such as spinach and broccoli, and also root veggies such as carrots, potatoes and beets. During your period, you should be eating these foods to increase your Vitamin A intake. Moreover, when the uterine line begins shedding, your ovaries release estrogen. This leads to uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, mood shifts and bloating. Luckily, you can fight those off with vegetables.
Dairy
Research claims that extra-calcium can help relieve PMS effects. Since dairy products are high in calcium, experts recommend that they can help ease the pain and reduce the ”sadness.” Moreover, protein-rich dairy products like eggs, are also some of the food you should be eating on your period, to aid in satiety.
Dark Chocolate
Finally, feeling like watching a sad movie with some snacks? Chocolate should be your best friend during your period. In addition to its benefits on your mood, making you feel better, dark chocolate is also helps relax your muscles as it contains magnesium, omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Photos: Freepik.