Are you tired of dealing with really bad period pain, headaches, mood swings, or bloating every month?
While it’s common for women to have tough symptoms during their period, if it’s getting too much, your female body might be asking for some help. Let’s look at some of the foods you can eat during each phase of your menstrual cycle to help you feel better:
1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5)
During your period, your body is losing iron and can feel a bit drained. Here’s what you can eat to replenish energy:
- Protein: Try to have duck, liver, red meat, and sardines. These foods are full of iron and can help your body get the nutrients it needs.
- Vegetables: Go for veggies like kale, sweet potatoes, and beets. These are not only good for you but also have vitamins and minerals that can help you out during menstruation.
- Fruits: Have fruits like watermelon, grapes, blueberries, and blackberries. They are hydrating and have antioxidants that can give you an energy boost.
2. Follicular Phase (Day 6-14)
Image via ART Fertility Clinics
During this phase, your body has lots of energy from the rising estrogen levels. Here are some foods you can follow to keep it that way:
- Protein: Foods like eggs, poultry, trout, shellfish, and black-eyed peas can help you keep up your energy levels.
- Vegetables: Go for veggies like broccoli, lettuce, green peas, artichokes, and carrots. These will give you a nice vitamin and mineral boost.
- Fruits: Try fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, avocados, and grapefruits. They have the essential nutrients to help you feel refreshed and keep your mood up.
3. Ovulation Phase (Day 15-18)
Ovulation is at the peak of your menstruation, so this is when you need to take good care of your body. Here are some foods that can help:
- Protein: Consider having tuna, shrimp, lamb, and lentils. These can help balance your hormones.
- Vegetables: Go for spinach, tomatoes, eggplants, chives, and scallions. They are full of antioxidants and can reduce inflammation.
- Fruits: Have fruits like coconut, apricots, figs, guavas, and cantaloupes. These fruits can help reduce inflammation and provide support during this vulnerable stage of your cycle.
4. Luteal Phase (Day 19-28)
During this phase, you might feel some PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms like bloating, mood swings, or cravings. Follow these foods depending on your liking:
- Protein: Try beef, salmon, chickpeas, flounder, and halibut. These can provide essential nutrients and help ease PMS symptoms.
- Vegetables: Have onions, radishes, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. They can help regulate your digestive system and manage bloating.
- Fruits: Include dates, raisins, apples, peaches, and pears. These fruits can provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins to help combat cravings and keep you feeling good during this phase.
Remember, your body is working hard to function properly for your health, and it sends signals when you’re not treating it well. It’s time to treat your body like a temple, be attuned to your menstrual phases, and seize the day with no more bad period pain!