Health Steward Q&A Women’s Health

What to eat to detoxify during menstruation

Asked by:Bobby

Asked on:Apr 12, 2026 09:20 AM

Answers:1 Views:483
  • Bolger Bolger

    Apr 12, 2026

    During menstruation, you can eat an appropriate amount of vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber, high-quality protein foods, iron-containing foods, warm and tonic foods, and drink an appropriate amount of water to help promote metabolism and relieve discomfort. Menstruation is a physiological process of endometrial shedding. The so-called detoxification needs to be understood scientifically as promoting the discharge of metabolic waste, rather than toxins in the true sense.

    1. Vegetables and fruits

    Spinach, broccoli and other dark vegetables are rich in vitamin K and iron, which can help improve menstrual blood loss anemia. The pectin and dietary fiber in apples, bananas and other fruits can promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce the probability of constipation during menstruation. It is recommended to consume 300-500 grams of fresh vegetables and 200-350 grams of fruits daily, and avoid excessive consumption of cold fruits such as watermelon.

    2. High-quality protein foods

    High-quality proteins such as eggs and fish can provide the body with essential amino acids and maintain hemoglobin synthesis. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can inhibit excessive secretion of prostaglandins and relieve menstrual cramps. It is recommended to consume 40-75 grams of livestock and poultry meat and 40-75 grams of aquatic products every day. Pay attention to using low-fat cooking methods such as steaming.

    3. Foods containing iron

    Foods containing heme iron such as animal liver and duck blood have higher absorption rates and are suitable for supplementation after menstrual blood loss. Plant-based iron sources such as black fungus and red dates need to be eaten with vitamin C foods to improve utilization. However, people with severe anemia need to use iron supplements such as ferrous succinate tablets under the guidance of a doctor.

    4. Warm and tonic foods

    Brown sugar ginger tea can dilate blood vessels through gingerol and improve uterine cold dysmenorrhea. Longan contains a variety of minerals that help calm the nerves. However, people with yin deficiency constitution should not consume excessive amounts of warm food to avoid discomfort symptoms such as dry mouth and tongue.

    5. Drink appropriate amounts of water

    Maintaining a daily intake of 1500-1700 ml of warm water can accelerate the excretion of metabolites. You can alternately drink herbal drinks such as rose tea, but avoid caffeinated drinks such as strong tea and coffee, which may affect iron absorption. People with menstrual edema can drink red bean and barley water appropriately.

    During menstrual period, you need to pay attention to balanced nutrition and avoid spicy, cold and spicy foods. Mild exercise such as moderate walking can be used to promote blood circulation, but bathing, swimming and other activities that may cause infection are prohibited. If severe dysmenorrhea, abnormal menstrual flow, etc. occur, you should seek medical treatment promptly to check for organic diseases such as adenomyosis. If necessary, follow the doctor's advice and use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules and other drugs to relieve symptoms.

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