TCM believes that dysmenorrhea is often caused by poor blood circulation or deficiency of Qi and blood. Dietary therapy is the most effective method to regulate dysmenorrhea in women. Of course, the appropriate dietary regimen for women varies at different times.
Before menstruation: Eat light and easily digestible foods
During the 3 to 5 days before menstruation, the diet should be light and easily digestible. Eat foods that are easy to digest and absorb, avoid overeating, and especially avoid consuming raw and cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, leading to or aggravating dysmenorrhea.
During menstruation: Avoid stimulating foods
When menstruation has started, it is even more important to avoid all raw and cold, difficult to digest, and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, raw onions, raw garlic, peppers, and strong alcohol. During menstruation, it is appropriate to eat some acidic foods, such as pickled vegetables and vinegar, as acidic foods can help alleviate pain.
After menstruation: Eat more fruits and vegetables that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation
In daily diet, dysmenorrhea patients should have a diversified diet and avoid being picky eaters. They should regularly consume vegetables and fruits that have the function of regulating Qi and promoting blood circulation, such as shepherd's purse, asparagus root, cilantro, carrots, oranges, Buddha's hand, and ginger. For those with weak constitution and deficiency of Qi and blood, it is advisable to eat foods that nourish Qi, blood, liver, and kidneys, such as chicken, duck, fish, eggs, milk, animal liver and kidneys, fish, and beans.
Regardless of whether it is before or after menstruation, dysmenorrhea patients should maintain regular bowel movements. It is advisable to eat more honey, bananas, celery, and sweet potatoes as these foods can help prevent constipation, which can induce dysmenorrhea and increase pain.
If the menstrual flow is not heavy, it is appropriate to drink some wine in moderation, as it can alleviate dysmenorrhea. This is because wine contains ethanol, which has a stimulating effect on the body. Drinking wine can help relax emotions, relieve liver stagnation, especially for dysmenorrhea caused by cold and dampness stagnation, it can dispel cold and dampness, promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation, and alleviate dysmenorrhea.
