Every girl on her ‘monthlies’ is given a rule list of Do’s and Don’ts of eating that are to be strictly followed. But do they really affect your period cramps or flow? We give you a breakdown on all the common period diet myths.
Myth: Drinking hot water increases flow of blood
Fact: Drinking hot water improves hydration and digestion. Drinking regular water will keep you well hydrated and ensure to act as best medium to carry all nutrients to your body.
Myth :Food cravings are all about ‘ the hormones
Fact: Cravings before menses is due to deficiency of Vitamin D and calcium. Ensure to follow a well-balanced diet rich in macro as well as micronutrients
Myth : Carrot juice can help reduce menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding
Fact: Excessive menstrual bleeding can be treated with increasing iron rich foods in diet. Carrot juice is a rich source of beta-carotene and minerals. So it will act as a boost of antioxidants.
Myth : Jaggery helps to increase blood flow
Fact : jaggery is one of the rich rich in iron. As sushruta samhita defines unrefined unwashed jaggery as- सक्षार: नातिशीत: स्निग्ध: मूत्ररक्तशोधन: वातघ्न: नातिपित्तजित मेद: कृमीकर: बल्यो वृष्यश्च
Which means jaggery increases strength, cleanses bladder and urine and purifies blood. So bite a piece of it excess of it can add on extra weight.
Myth :Warm milk with cloves helps to regulate period flow
Fact : Milk is one of the rich source of calcium and cloves are rich source of antioxidants. Clove can add aroma. You can also add flavor to milk with dry fruits and turmeric.
What to eat for period cramps?
- Dark chocolate :This actually helps to relieve pain and relax your aching muscles.
- Celery: It’s full of water and will help reduce bloating and won’t add on those calories. Eat it raw or with some hummus and peanut butter.
- Pumpkin seeds: Loaded with zinc they have shown to reduce menstrual cramps. Chow down those seeds by roasting them in the oven or by adding it in a salad for some extra crunch!
- Bananas : They instantly reduce bloating. You may add some honey and cinnamon to make an instant dessert.
- Cube of fresh cheese– to add calcium and vitamin D
- Peppermint/Green tea : Peppermint will soothe your stomach, while green tea and its high antioxidants will help keep inflammation at bay.
- Water : This will keep you hydrated as you drain out otherwise.
