Can I drink cola during my menstrual period?

May 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to avoid drinking cola during menstruation. Cola contains caffeine, carbonic acid, and sugar, which may potentially irritate the body during the menstrual period. Among these components, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system and may exacerbate menstrual anxiety, insomnia, or induce mild uterine contractions. Sensitive individuals may experience abdominal pain or poor menstrual blood discharge.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid drinking cola during menstruation. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cola contains caffeine, carbonation, and sugar, which may irritate the body during menstruation. Specifically, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, potentially exacerbating menstrual anxiety, insomnia, or inducing mild uterine contractions; abdominal pain or poor menstrual blood discharge may occur in sensitive individuals. Carbon dioxide gas can cause bloating and worsen common gastrointestinal distension during menstruation. The high sugar content in regular cola may lead to blood sugar fluctuations, indirectly affecting hormonal balance and aggravating fatigue or headaches. Drinking ice-cold cola may further constrict uterine blood vessels due to the low temperature, possibly reducing menstrual flow or darkening its color, especially noticeable in individuals with cold constitutions.

Women with cold constitutions or a history of dysmenorrhea should strictly avoid cola. These individuals often experience cold hands and feet, dark menstrual blood, and abdominal pain relieved by warmth during menstruation. The combined effects of caffeine and cold stimulation may intensify internal coldness. It is recommended to substitute with warm beverages like brown sugar ginger tea or longan red date tea. For daily hydration, prioritize warm water, or drink warm milk to supplement calcium and protein, or use rose tea or lavender tea to soothe emotions.

If not necessary, women should尽量 avoid stimulating beverages like cola during menstruation due to their low nutritional value and potential to disrupt bodily balance. At the same time, it is important to enhance nutrition during menstruation, avoiding or limiting spicy foods and cold-natured foods, while maintaining good lifestyle habits and emotional well-being. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's advice.

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