15 Foods to Avoid During Menstruation
Nov 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
There is no specific list of 15 foods to avoid during menstruation. "Da Yi Ma" refers to menstruation, and foods to be avoided during this period include raw, cold, and cooling foods; spicy and stimulating foods; sweets; dairy products; and salty foods. During menstruation, women are advised to consume light, warm, iron-rich, and easily digestible foods to alleviate menstrual discomfort and promote overall health.
Generally speaking, there is no established concept of avoiding 15 specific foods during menstruation. Menstruation, commonly referred to as "big aunt" (a colloquial term for a woman's period), requires women to avoid certain types of food during their menstrual cycle, including raw, cold, and cooling foods; spicy and stimulating foods; sweet foods; dairy products; and salty foods. The specific details are as follows:
1. Raw, cold, and cooling foods
Such as ice cream, popsicles, frozen fruits, chilled beverages, crabs, and snails. These foods may trigger uterine contractions, potentially causing dysmenorrhea or worsening existing symptoms. Additionally, cold foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to problems such as indigestion.
2. Spicy and stimulating foods
Such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, black pepper, spicy hotpot, spicy snacks, and raw onions, ginger, and garlic. These foods may stimulate the uterus, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding or changes in the menstrual cycle.
3. Sweet foods
Such as cakes, candies, and fruit juices, which are high in sugar. Excessive sugar intake can elevate blood glucose levels and alter the vaginal pH balance, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing vaginitis. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consuming high-sugar foods during menstruation.
4. Dairy products
Such as cream cheese, fresh cheese, and hard cheese. These foods may interfere with the body's absorption of magnesium, potentially worsening symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Therefore, women should reduce their intake of dairy products during menstruation.
5. Salty foods
Such as pickled vegetables, preserved vegetables,榨菜 (preserved mustard tuber), and salted meats, which are high in salt content. Consuming excessive amounts of salt during menstruation may lead to increased sodium levels in the body, potentially causing discomfort such as headaches and localized swelling.
During menstruation, women are advised to consume bland, warm, iron-rich, and easily digestible foods to alleviate menstrual discomfort and promote overall health.
