What Should Be Avoided During Menstruation?

Menstruation refers to the cyclical shedding and bleeding of the endometrium that occurs in conjunction with ovarian cyclical changes. Regular menstruation is an important indicator of mature reproductive function and represents a key physiological phenomenon for women of childbearing age. Normal menstruation is characterized by both periodicity and self-limitation. So, what foods should be avoided during menstruation? The following addresses this question.

Foods to Avoid During Menstruation

1. Cold-Natured Fruits

Certain fruits classified as “cold-natured” in traditional Chinese medicine should be avoided, as they may impede blood circulation and allow cold pathogens to invade the body. Examples include pears, bananas, persimmons, muskmelons, mangoes, watermelons, kiwifruits, pomelos, mulberries, dragon fruits, tangerines, and strawberries. In particular, watermelon, banana, and persimmon should absolutely be avoided by women during menstruation.

2. Chilled Fruits

Even fruits with warm or neutral thermal properties should not be consumed straight from the refrigerator. Consuming chilled foods during menstruation lowers core body temperature, impairing uterine contractility and hindering menstrual flow—potentially leading to blood clots. To expel these clots, the uterus must contract more forcefully, which may trigger dysmenorrhea and other discomforts.

3. Sour or Astringent Fruits

During menstruation, women should consume light, easily digestible foods. Sour or spicy foods may cause digestive disturbances or disrupt normal menstrual flow. Examples include sour plums, crab apples, and unripe, tart fruits.

4. Carbonated Beverages

Many women who regularly consume carbonated drinks may experience fatigue, weakness, and lethargy during their period—symptoms often linked to iron deficiency. This is because phosphates in carbonated beverages chemically interact with dietary iron, inhibiting its absorption. Moreover, excessive intake of carbonated drinks neutralizes gastric acid via sodium bicarbonate, reducing gastric acid’s digestive and antimicrobial capacity and thereby diminishing appetite.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol depletes vitamin B and essential minerals in the body. Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts carbohydrate metabolism and elevates estrogen levels, potentially causing early onset of menstruation and menorrhagia (excessively heavy menstrual bleeding).

6. Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine may exacerbate breast tenderness and contribute to anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability. It also depletes stored vitamin B and interferes with carbohydrate metabolism.

The above outlines foods to avoid during menstruation. We hope this information is helpful to you.