Food That Is Prohibited During Menstruation
Some women are familiar with the desire to eat certain foods before menstruation, ranging from chocolate, fast food, or other types of food. However, several types of food should be avoided or restricted, to avoid pain, and bloating during menstruation. In addition to the desire to eat certain foods, there are also other symptoms related to the eating patterns experienced by some women before menstruation. Like still want to eat after being full, eat large portions, or eat continuously. According to research, this is related to hormonal changes. Towards menstruation, the level of the hormone progesterone increases so that it encourages appetite.
You Should Avoid This Food
One type of food that should be avoided before menstruation is fast food or junk food. Although delicious on the tongue, these foods tend to be low in nutrition and high in salt content that is not good for health, including women before and during menstruation.
Women Need To Know This Type Of Food That Is Prohibited During Menstruation |
In addition to fast food, here are some foods that are prohibited during menstruation or are restricted:
Have a high salt content
Avoid consuming foods that contain high salt levels when approaching or menstruating. It aims to reduce the symptoms of bloating and fluid retention. To get around the consumption of excess salt, you can replace the snack of fried potatoes with baked potatoes that tend to lower salt levels.
Contains caffeine
When menstruating or approaching menstruation, it is advisable to avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine. Because caffeine can trigger anxiety and difficulty sleeping or insomnia that contribute to changes in your mood. In addition to tea, coffee which is known as caffeine, you should limit soda drinks, energy drinks, chocolate ice cream or drinks, and other foods that contain caffeine or coffee. The caffeine content is also able to cause an increase in stomach acid production, which triggers heartburn, thereby increasing discomfort during menstruation.
Foods high in fat
Types of fatty foods should indeed be avoided because it can cause bloating that can be annoying, especially during menstruation. Fatty foods that should be avoided include fatty meats, sausages, pastries, cheese, salami, coconut milk, and biscuits.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can cause a decrease in blood sugar levels, making you more sensitive and irritable, restless, fatigued, and can also cause headaches.
Tips to Control Your Appetite Before Menstruation
The desire to overeat during menstruation usually lasts only a few days. After menstruation lasts, this desire will again decrease. To keep your appetite under control, you can do things like:
- Increase your intake of fibrous foods, especially from fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
- Chew food more slowly.
- Drinking water when you feel like you want to overeat. In addition, you can also eat gum.
- Record the food consumed every day in your notebook to find out how many calories are consumed.
- Manage stress well, so it doesn't increase the desire to overeat.
As for reducing the pain that comes when menstruation, you are advised to start a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. Then, consume natural foods that are easily digested and rich in fiber, such as papaya, avocado, banana, strawberry, broccoli, cucumber, brown rice, and green leafy vegetables. You can also eat well-cooked chicken and fish as a source of protein and iron.
Do not eat food that should be avoided during menstruation, can alleviate various complaints that usually accompany menstruation. However, they still pay attention and choose healthy foods, especially when approaching and during menstruation, to avoid excessive menstrual disorders.