Struggling with periods? These Foods That Can Save Your Day

It is well known that lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, exercise and diet can easily affect our menstrual cycle. Be it sudden weight fluctuations, a busy work schedule, or small changes in daily habits, these factors can unbalance our cycle. You may be surprised to know that what we eat and how we manage stress can make our periods lighter, heavier or delayed. While you can take painkillers or wait for the discomfort to go away, a better way to maintain a balanced and healthy cycle is to eat foods that align with your flow. If you struggle with regular menstrual cycles, this article is for you. Read on to know which foods to include based on your menstrual cycle.

Also read: Menstrual Cramps, Stomach Pain – 3 Expert Diet Tips That Can Help

Here are some foods you should eat for menstrual problems

According to nutritionist and homeopath Dr Smita Bhoir, if you face problems related to your menstrual cycle then the right foods can help you recover naturally.

1. For less menstruation

Shorter periods mean that your blood flow is lighter. According to experts, the reason for this could be stress, low body weight, PCOS or thyroid problem. To address this, you can boost circulation by:

• Iron-rich foods: Like chicken, liver, beetroot, lentils and spinach.
• Healthy Fats: Consume healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds and ghee regularly.
• Ginger: Ginger helps stimulate blood flow, so try including it in your diet.

2. For late menstruation

Late menstruation means that your menstrual cycle lacks a set schedule. Experts say that stress, weight fluctuations, PCOS or thyroid dysfunction could be the reason. As a remedy, doctors suggest consuming:

• Iron rich foods with ginger and raw papaya. The latter two can stimulate menstruation by contracting the uterine muscles.

Include ginger in your daily diet.
Photo Credit: iStock

3. For heavy menstruation

Heavy flow or longer cycles indicate heavy periods. This may be due to hormonal imbalance, fibroids or thyroid disorders. Experts suggest including:

• Include iron and vitamin C rich foods in your diet.
• Vitamin K foods: Such as cruciferous vegetables, spinach, kiwi and plums help with blood clotting and may help reduce menstrual flow.
• Omega-3 foods: To combat inflammation, include omega-3 rich foods like flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts in your daily diet.

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Also read: 7 great home remedies for period pain

What food combinations do you consume for menstrual health? Let us know in the comments below.