Debunking Menstruation Myths: What Women Should and Shouldn't Do During Their Periods

January 6, 2024

For women, the monthly menstrual period is not unfamiliar. Many women see it as a "nightmare" because it can make women feel uncomfortable in various ways. Many women experience pain, backache, and inconvenience during their periods due to physical reasons. In order to prevent these discomforts, they try various methods, but the results are not always satisfactory. In fact, these symptoms can be prevented, but the methods of prevention have been mistaken. So, what should women do and not do during their periods? Let me take you to explore.
 


 

Eight Misconceptions:

1. Intense exercise during menstruation

During menstruation, intense exercise can cause excessive menstrual blood flow and other problems. However, some women are worried that exercising during their period will increase the amount of menstrual blood. They feel that exercise is not convenient during their period. In fact, sitting for a long time during menstruation can cause poor blood circulation. Jogging and walking are the best forms of exercise during menstruation.

2. Spicy food and cold drinks during menstruation

During menstruation, some women have cravings and like to eat heavily flavored food. They eat fried food with chili peppers and drink cold beverages. This is a common preference for many people. However, it is important to note that during menstruation, eating cold and spicy food can stimulate the uterus and cause increased menstrual blood flow, pain, and coldness in the uterus. During menstruation, it is best for women to eat light food and consume more fruits and vegetables.

3. Drinking alcohol during menstruation

During menstruation, the body's ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. Drinking alcohol during this time can not only easily lead to intoxication but also cause more severe damage to the liver than usual. Therefore, drinking alcohol during menstruation can prolong the duration of the period and cause excessive menstrual bleeding.

4. Sweet food can relieve menstrual pain

Many girls intentionally eat a lot of sweet food such as candy, chocolate, and cake during their periods, thinking that it can relieve stomach pain. But this idea is incorrect. Research shows that eating high-sugar sweets can rapidly increase blood sugar levels and have a stabilizing effect on emotions. However, once blood sugar levels drop, it can have the opposite effect and lead to emotional instability. In particular, eating too much chocolate during menstruation can aggravate irritability and breast pain. Additionally, excessive consumption of sweet food can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and worsen various discomforts during menstruation.

5. No tea during menstruation

Not all types of tea should be avoided during menstruation. It is best to avoid strong tea and cool teas such as chrysanthemum tea. However, you can drink rose tea, which has the effect of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. Drinking rose tea during menstruation not only improves mood but also gives you a better complexion.

However, it is important to note that it is better not to brew rose tea with tea leaves because tea leaves contain a large amount of tannic acid, which can affect the liver-soothing and depression-relieving effects of rose tea. In addition, because rose tea promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, it is better for friends with excessive menstrual flow not to drink rose tea during their periods.

6. Women do not gain weight during menstruation

There is a saying that "women do not gain weight during menstruation," so some women eat foods that they are afraid to eat when they are not on their periods. However, this is a misconception. It is true that menstruation is a good time for women to lose weight, but women should not randomly eat spicy and fried foods during their periods. Fried foods are actually a taboo for women during their periods. Due to the influence of progesterone in the body, women produce more sebum during menstruation, making their skin greasy. At the same time, the capillaries dilate, making their skin sensitive. Eating fried foods at this time will increase the burden on the skin and can easily lead to acne, folliculitis, and dark circles. In addition, during menstruation, the metabolism of fat and water slows down, so eating fried foods during this time can easily accumulate fat in the body.
 


 

7. No painkillers during menstruation

Most women experience menstrual cramps during their periods, and many women believe that they should not take painkillers during their periods because of the side effects and the sensitivity during that time. However, this is a misconception. It is correct and necessary to take safe painkillers such as Tylenol when the pain starts. Tylenol has no adverse effects on the brain and is not addictive. It also avoids the effects on the gastrointestinal tract compared to aspirin-based painkillers. It can be taken before or after meals and can quickly relieve pain.

Many experts believe that the most important thing for treating menstrual cramps is through daily conditioning, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and a good mindset. Taking painkillers early is beneficial for promoting physical and mental health and improving quality of life, so timely use of painkillers is the correct and necessary symptomatic treatment.

8. Good nutrition during menstruation

Many women have a big appetite when their monthly period is approaching, and they believe that menstruation must be detrimental to the body, so they indulge in their cravings and eat a lot. However, for women with dysmenorrhea, their diet should be light and easily digestible 3-5 days before their period. They should eat easily digestible and absorbable food and avoid overeating. Additionally, women with dysmenorrhea should maintain regular bowel movements before and after their periods because constipation can induce menstrual pain and increase the feeling of pain. It is also recommended to eat honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, and other foods. Women can drink a cup of warm milk with honey before bed every night during their periods, which can alleviate or eliminate various discomforts during menstruation.

After reading these misconceptions, do you feel that many dietary and lifestyle habits during menstruation are not advisable? Do not see your menstrual period as a "nightmare" anymore. Maintain regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and a good mindset in your daily life, so that your period is no longer "painful".


Share

Everyone Is Watching

icon

Hot Picks