What should not be eaten during menstruation

Aug 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
"Coming of age" usually refers to the menstrual period. During menstruation, one generally should avoid eating cold foods such as ice cream, crab, chili peppers, watermelon, and hawthorn. It is also necessary to avoid taking certain medications including ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, motherwort granules, salbutamol sulfate tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, and levofloxacin mesylate tablets. During the menstrual period, one should maintain a warm and nourishing diet.

  "Coming of age" usually refers to the menstrual period. Generally, certain foods such as ice cream, crabs, chili peppers, watermelon, and hawthorn should be avoided during menstruation. Also, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, motherwort granules, salbutamol sulfate tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, and levofloxacin mesylate tablets should be avoided. Detailed explanations are as follows:

  I. Foods

  1. Ice cream

  Ice cream is extremely cold and may stimulate the contraction of blood vessels in the uterus and gastrointestinal tract after consumption, possibly reducing blood supply to the uterus and causing or worsening dysmenorrhea. It might also affect the discharge of menstrual blood, leading to reduced menstrual flow or poor discharge of menstrual blood.

  2. Crabs

  Crabs are cold in nature. During menstruation, women's bodies are relatively weak, and consuming crabs easily causes accumulation of coldness in the body. This may stimulate uterine contractions, worsening dysmenorrhea, and could also obstruct the flow of menstrual blood, causing prolonged spotting.

  3. Chili peppers

  Chili peppers are hot and spicy in nature. They can stimulate pelvic congestion, potentially increasing menstrual flow and prolonging the menstrual period. They may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. This is especially true for women who already suffer from dysmenorrhea, as chili peppers can intensify the pain.

  4. Watermelon

  Watermelon is cold in nature. Consuming watermelon during menstruation can exacerbate coldness in the body and affect the circulation of blood and qi, possibly worsening dysmenorrhea and reducing menstrual flow. The cold nature may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea due to cold stimulation.

  5. Hawthorn

  Hawthorn has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Consuming it during menstruation might accelerate pelvic blood circulation, leading to increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period. Especially for women with already heavy menstrual flow, it may easily cause anemia.

  II. Medications

  1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules

  Although ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can relieve dysmenorrhea, long-term and excessive use may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which could affect normal uterine contractions. It may also damage the gastric mucosa, causing stomach pain and ulcers, and could potentially lead to liver and kidney dysfunction.

  2. Motherwort Granules

  Motherwort granules have the effect of promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation. They are only suitable for scanty menstruation and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis. If taken by women with normal or heavy menstrual flow, it may enhance the blood-activating effect, leading to increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, and even anemia.

  3. Salbutamol Sulfate Tablets

  Salbutamol sulfate tablets are bronchodilators that relax smooth muscles. They may affect the contraction of uterine smooth muscles, interfere with the normal discharge of menstrual blood, and may also cause adverse reactions such as increased heart rate, affecting bodily stability during menstruation.

  4. Warfarin Sodium Tablets

  Warfarin sodium tablets are anticoagulant medications that inhibit blood clotting. Taking them during menstruation may lead to increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, and increased bleeding risk. In severe cases, it may cause iron-deficiency anemia.

  5. Levofloxacin Mesylate Tablets

  Levofloxacin mesylate tablets belong to the quinolone class of antibiotics. They may affect cartilage development, and since women's immunity is reduced during menstruation, blind use may disrupt the balance of the body's microbial flora and may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea.

  During regular menstrual periods, maintain warm and bland diet, keep warm, and avoid strenuous exercise. If medication is necessary due to physical discomfort, be sure to consult a doctor to determine whether it is suitable for use during menstruation, avoiding self-medication that may cause health problems.

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