What should I pay attention to regarding diet during menstruation?
Jan 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
During menstruation, women should avoid raw and cold foods to prevent dysmenorrhea. At the same time, they should appropriately increase their intake of iron to improve symptoms of anemia. If the body is relatively weak during menstruation, it is important to maintain a balanced diet to enhance physical strength. Some women should reduce salt intake and consume less spicy food to alleviate discomfort.
Generally speaking, the term "aunt's period" refers to the menstrual period. Dietary considerations during menstruation include avoiding cold and raw foods, increasing iron intake, maintaining nutritional balance, reducing salt consumption, and minimizing spicy foods. Specific recommendations are as follows:
1. Avoid cold and raw foods
Women are more vulnerable during their menstrual period, and thus should avoid consuming cold and raw foods, such as ice cream, popsicles, and ice lollies, to prevent cold-related reactions that may cause excessive uterine contractions and lead to dysmenorrhea.
2. Increase iron intake
Vaginal bleeding occurs during menstruation due to shedding of the endometrium. Women who experience heavy bleeding may develop symptoms of anemia such as dizziness and pallor. Therefore, it is recommended to increase iron intake moderately during menstruation through foods like pork liver and egg yolks to alleviate these symptoms.
3. Maintain balanced nutrition
Some women may experience symptoms like fatigue and poor mental condition during menstruation. Therefore, it is important to enhance the nutritional value of food to improve physical well-being. Foods such as eggs, milk, and chicken can supply necessary nutrients like protein and calcium.
4. Reduce salt intake
It is important to control salt consumption and avoid foods like sausages and preserved meats, which are high in salt content. Hormonal changes occur during menstruation, and excessive salt intake may lead to water and sodium retention, causing edema.
5. Limit spicy foods
Spicy foods such as chili peppers and pepper should be avoided as much as possible. These foods may irritate the uterus, causing uterine contractions and resulting in abdominal pain. Additionally, they may increase the risk of infection.
Moreover, it is recommended for women to consume more bland and easily digestible foods during menstruation. It is also important to stay warm and avoid getting chilled, which could worsen discomfort.
