Can I eat dragon fruit during my menstrual period?

Mar 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 27-year-old female. Recently, I always experience abdominal pain during menstruation. I would like to ask, is it okay to eat dragon fruit during my period?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

It is generally acceptable to moderately consume room-temperature pitaya (dragon fruit) during menstruation, as this fruit poses no adverse effects on the body and may even offer certain benefits. Pitaya is rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins, which help promote intestinal motility and relieve common menstrual-related constipation. Moreover, pitaya contains abundant antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body and enhance immunity. Although pitaya has a slightly cooling nature, it is not excessively cold, and moderate consumption will not irritate the uterus or cause discomfort, making it a suitable fruit to eat during menstruation.

To better meet the body's needs, it is recommended to consume pitaya at room temperature and avoid cold intake that might cause abdominal discomfort. If concerned about its cooling properties, you can slightly warm the pitaya or consume it together with warming foods, such as making a fruit tea with red dates or goji berries. At the same time, maintain a balanced diet and consume more iron-rich foods like lean meat and spinach to compensate for iron loss caused by menstrual bleeding. Avoid raw, cold, spicy, or excessively greasy foods that might worsen menstrual discomfort.