What should not be eaten during menstruation

　　Having a menstrual period usually refers to menstruation. During menstruation, women should generally avoid consuming cold beverages, spicy chili peppers, fried chicken, high-salt pickles, strong tea, and certain medications such as Salvia Miltiorrhiza Tablets, Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets, Coptis Tablets, Diethylstilbestrol Tablets, and Senna Granules. The specific reasons are as follows:

　　I. Foods

　　1. Cold beverages: The low temperature may stimulate uterine blood vessels to constrict after entering the body, possibly leading to or worsening dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). They may also affect gastrointestinal function, causing discomfort such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

　　2. Spicy chili peppers: Containing capsaicin, these may stimulate the pelvic blood vessels to dilate, potentially increasing menstrual flow and prolonging the menstrual period. They may also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, exacerbating gastrointestinal discomfort during menstruation. Some women may experience worsened dysmenorrhea after consumption.

　　3. Fried chicken: High in fat, fried foods are difficult to digest and can increase the body's metabolic burden. During menstruation, women's digestive function is relatively weakened, and consumption may lead to bloating, indigestion, and may also affect the normal discharge of menstrual blood.

　　4. High-salt pickles: High salt content may easily lead to water and sodium retention in the body, causing or worsening menstrual edema, especially noticeable in the lower limbs and eyelids. It may also affect blood pressure stability and increase physical discomfort.

　　5. Strong tea: Contains significant amounts of caffeine and theophylline. Caffeine may stimulate the nervous system, potentially causing insomnia and emotional fluctuations during menstruation. Theophylline may affect iron absorption. Women lose a considerable amount of blood during menstruation, and this may worsen iron deficiency.

　　II. Medications

　　1. Salvia Miltiorrhiza Tablets: These have the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Taking them during menstruation may cause increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period, potentially leading to anemia. This effect is particularly evident in women who already have heavy menstrual bleeding.

　　2. Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets: These are anticoagulant drugs that inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood clotting ability. Taking them during menstruation may lead to increased menstrual flow and prolonged bleeding, increasing the risk of anemia during menstruation.

　　3. Coptis Tablets: These are cold in nature and mainly used to clear heat and relieve fire symptoms. Taking them during menstruation may increase internal coldness, potentially causing uterine vasoconstriction, dysmenorrhea, and poor discharge of menstrual blood. They may also damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach.

　　4. Diethylstilbestrol Tablets: These belong to estrogen medications. Taking them arbitrarily during menstruation may disrupt the body's normal hormonal balance, potentially causing menstrual disorders such as abnormal menstrual flow and irregular periods, affecting endocrine stability.

　　5. Senna Granules: These are stimulant laxatives that strongly stimulate intestinal peristalsis, possibly causing abdominal pain. At the same time, intense intestinal contractions may indirectly affect the uterus, worsening dysmenorrhea. They may also lead to dehydration, affecting the condition during menstruation.

　　During menstruation, women should maintain a light, warm, and easily digestible diet, consume more foods rich in iron and protein, keep warm to avoid cold exposure, develop good living habits, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.