Which Fruits Should Be Avoided During Menstruation?

Women may consume fruits in moderation during menstruation. Certain fruits can help prevent constipation and reduce pelvic congestion, thereby supporting menstrual health. However, some fruits may adversely affect women’s bodies, potentially causing dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), fatigue, or postprandial lethargy. So, which fruits should be avoided during menstruation?

Fruits to Avoid During Menstruation

During menstruation, women should avoid pears, mangoes, and hawthorn. Pears are considered “cold” foods in traditional Chinese medicine; consuming them during this period is not advisable, as cold foods may impede uterine blood circulation and hinder the smooth expulsion of menstrual blood—potentially triggering or worsening dysmenorrhea. Mangoes are also classified as “cold” fruits. Individuals with a naturally cool or cold constitution—especially women—should limit their intake, particularly during menstruation. Hawthorn contains abundant tannic acid; excessive consumption may lead to iron deficiency, exacerbating menstrual discomfort. Moreover, aside from women with blood-stasis-type dysmenorrhea, most others who consume hawthorn during menstruation may experience menorrhagia (excessively heavy menstrual bleeding).

Apples, papayas, and kiwifruits are excellent fruit choices during menstruation. Apples are among the most common low-calorie fruits and are highly nutritious. Malic acid in apples helps accelerate metabolism, and apples are also rich in calcium—making them especially beneficial for women during their periods. Papayas are sweet, delicious, and highly nutritious. Their unique proteolytic enzymes aid in breaking down excess body fat, while the pectin they contain helps eliminate accumulated metabolic waste. Kiwifruit possesses notable properties for regulating qi, promoting salivation, and moistening dryness, offering supportive benefits for digestive disorders.

Drinking brown sugar water and red date soup frequently during menstruation can help alleviate menstrual discomfort. Women should also avoid spicy and cold foods during this time. We hope this information proves helpful to you.