What should women not eat during menstruation?

Women should avoid eating cold, spicy, spicy, high-salt, high-sugar and caffeinated foods during menstruation to avoid aggravating discomfort or affecting the discharge of menstrual blood. Mainly include raw and cold fruits, spicy hot pot, strong tea and coffee, high-salt pickled products, alcoholic drinks, etc.

1. Raw and cold fruits

Cold fruits such as watermelon, pears, and dragon fruit may cause abnormal uterine contractions, leading to dysmenorrhea or reduced menstrual flow. Gastrointestinal function is weak during menstruation, and excessive consumption may cause diarrhea. It is recommended to choose warm fruits such as apples and longans, or eat them after heating.

2. Spicy hot pot

Exciting foods such as chili pepper and Sichuan peppercorns will accelerate pelvic congestion and aggravate the symptoms of abdominal distension and backache during menstruation. Spicy food may also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and induce or aggravate menstrual constipation. If you want to eat it, you can reduce the spiciness and pair it with a light soup base.

3. Strong tea and coffee

Caffeine inhibits iron absorption and aggravates menstrual anemia symptoms. Tea polyphenols may stimulate nerves, cause insomnia and anxiety, and affect emotional stability during menstruation. It is recommended to replace it with warm drinks such as brown sugar ginger tea and rose tea, and the daily caffeine intake should not exceed 200 mg.

4. High-salt pickled products

Foods with high sodium content such as pickles and bacon can easily cause water and sodium retention, aggravating breast pain and facial swelling. Nitrite in pickled foods may affect blood circulation. It is recommended that daily salt intake be controlled within 5 grams and eat more fresh vegetables to supplement potassium ions.

5. Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol dilates blood vessels and accelerates menstrual blood loss, which may prolong menstrual periods or increase bleeding. Metabolizing alcohol will increase the burden on the liver and affect the decomposition of estrogen. Drinking alcohol during menstruation may also lower the pain threshold, making the pain more noticeable. If necessary, drink a small amount of warm rice wine.

During menstruation, it is recommended to keep the diet warm and easy to digest, increase iron-containing foods such as lean meat and animal liver in an appropriate amount, and drink 1500-2000 ml of warm water every day. 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, you should seek medical treatment promptly to check for uterine fibroids, endometriosis and other diseases.