Many women believe that they should eat warm foods during their period to replenish blood, such as red dates and donkey-hide gelatin. In fact, this is a very general and incorrect view. Gynecological experts explain that diet during menstruation is quite particular; only by eating the right foods can one achieve the effect of nourishing and conditioning the body.
1. Before menstruation, one should promptly harmonize Qi and blood. Avoid eating foods that are too "hot-natured." You can take some Dendrobium officinale, pork ribs, Chinese yam (to strengthen the spleen and stomach), Angelica sinensis, lotus root (to replenish iron), or seaweed (to resolve phlegm, promote urination, and relieve constipation). During menstruation, Yin blood flows downwards, while Yang energy becomes relatively predominant. At this time, one should not consume "hot-natured" foods that are rich in Yang energy, such as red dates and donkey-hide gelatin.
After menstruation, it is important to nourish Yin and blood to replenish what was lost. You can cook some nourishing soups, such as black-bone chicken soup with goji berries and red dates. You can also eat pork ribs, Chinese yam, and lotus root. Of course, it is best to take traditional Chinese medicine that nourishes Yin and blood. During this time, you can also eat more "black-colored" foods, such as black fungus, black beans, black fish, and loach.
2. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. It also depletes stored vitamin B in the body and disrupts carbohydrate metabolism.
3. Cheese is a culprit for dysmenorrhea. Foods like milk, cheese, cream, yogurt, and eggs can interfere with magnesium absorption, leading to menstrual cramps. Chocolate can also make mood swings worse and increase sugar cravings. Besides causing weight gain, it also depletes vitamin B in the body.
4. High-sodium foods can cause water retention, leading to bloating and breast tenderness.
5. Fried foods are also a major taboo for women during their period. Influenced by progesterone, women's skin produces more sebum, and capillaries dilate, making the skin very sensitive. Eating fried foods during this time can increase the burden on the skin, easily leading to acne and dark circles. Furthermore, because fat and water metabolism slow down during menstruation, eating fried foods can easily lead to fat accumulation in the body.