What foods should not be eaten during menstruation?

During the menstrual period, you should avoid eating cold, spicy, high-salt and high-sugar foods, including ice cream, chili, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, etc.

1. Raw and cold food

Ice cream, cold drinks, sashimi and other low-temperature foods should be avoided during menstruation. Low temperature stimulation may cause pelvic vasoconstriction, aggravating dysmenorrhea or poor discharge of menstrual blood. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that the cold nature can easily lead to obstruction of the flow of qi and blood. Women with cold constitutions need to pay more attention. Such people are often accompanied by symptoms such as cold hands and feet and dark menstrual blood.

2. Spicy and stimulating food

Spicy seasonings such as chili pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, and mustard may stimulate the dilation of uterine blood vessels and increase menstrual blood volume. Some women may experience burning sensation in their lower abdomen or prolonged menstruation after consuming it. Patients with endometriosis or adenomyosis should control their intake to avoid aggravating the inflammatory reaction.

3. Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine in strong tea, coffee, and energy drinks may affect iron absorption and aggravate the symptoms of menstrual anemia. Caffeine also has a stimulating effect on nerves, which may aggravate menstrual irritability, insomnia and other discomforts. It is recommended to replace it with warm tonic drinks such as red dates and wolfberry tea, brown sugar and ginger tea.

4. High-salt processed foods

Foods with high sodium content such as pickled products, ham sausages, and instant noodles can easily lead to water and sodium retention and induce premenstrual syndrome such as breast tenderness and facial swelling. It is recommended to control the daily salt intake within 5 grams, and choose more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement potassium to balance electrolytes.

5. Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol inhibits the liver's ability to metabolize estrogen, which may disrupt the menstrual cycle. The dilation of blood vessels after drinking alcohol may also increase the amount of menstrual blood. Discomforts such as headaches and fatigue are often more obvious after drinking alcohol during menstruation. Fermented alcoholic beverages such as beer and red wine may also increase moisture in the body.

The diet during the menstrual period should be warm and easy to digest, with an appropriate amount of iron-containing foods such as beef and pork liver, paired with high-iron vegetables such as spinach and black fungus. Pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm, avoid strenuous exercise, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day. If severe dysmenorrhea or abnormal menstrual flow occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to check for pathological factors such as uterine fibroids and endocrine disorders.