During menstruation, resistance decreases and emotions can be unstable. Some people may experience symptoms such as poor appetite, lower back pain, and fatigue. Due to blood loss during menstruation, especially for those with heavy periods, each period results in the loss of major components of blood such as plasma protein, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, special attention should be paid to diet.
1. Cold Drinks
Should be avoided by those with a "cold" constitution. If women with a "cold" body type drink cold drinks during their period, it may cause menstrual blood to clot, leading to a "cold uterus," worsening menstrual cramps, and in severe cases, causing diarrhea.
2. Milk
Dairy products can cause menstrual cramps: such as milk, cheese, cream, and yogurt. These foods can interfere with the absorption of magnesium. A deficiency of magnesium in the body can easily lead to emotional instability, irritability, muscle spasms, and hyper-reflexivity. A study in the United States found that the brain magnesium levels of most migraine patients are lower than normal. A survey of patients with menstrual cramps by medical researchers found that 45% of them had magnesium levels below the average, and consuming 200 mg of magnesium daily can alleviate menstrual cramps.
3. Soda
Many women who enjoy carbonated beverages experience fatigue and listlessness during their menstrual period, which is a sign of iron deficiency. This is because sodas and other drinks mostly contain phosphates, which react chemically with iron in the body, making it difficult to absorb. Furthermore, drinking too much soda can neutralize stomach acid with the sodium bicarbonate in the soda, reducing the digestive and bactericidal capabilities of stomach acid and affecting appetite.
4. Tea
Menstrual blood contains relatively high levels of hemoglobin, plasma protein, and blood pigments, so women lose a significant amount of iron after their period and should supplement it. Tea contains more than 30% tannic acid, which hinders the intestinal mucosa's absorption of iron ions, can cause breast tenderness, and lead to anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability. It also depletes stored vitamin B and disrupts carbohydrate metabolism.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol depletes the body's vitamin B and minerals. Excessive drinking can disrupt carbohydrate metabolism and produce excessive estrogen. Alcohol speeds up blood circulation, which can lead to increased menstrual flow. Drinking cold beer can also cause menstrual cramps. Additionally, women have a reduced ability to break down alcohol during their period. If they drink too much at once, the duration of being drunk will be prolonged, and the feeling or symptoms of intoxication will be more severe. This is why it's easier to become addicted to alcohol and more prone to alcohol poisoning during menstruation.
6. Coffee
Coffee contains a significant amount of caffeine. When menstruation begins, the body's internal environment undergoes certain changes. At this time, a small amount of caffeine can alleviate the discomfort some women experience. However, excessive caffeine can hinder carbohydrate metabolism, causing breast swelling and tenderness. Moreover, excessive caffeine intake increases the consumption of stored vitamin B. Choline and inositol in vitamin B have a sedative effect on the central nervous system; their disruption can cause symptoms of emotional instability such as insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.