Women have their own characteristics in terms of physiological metabolism, and traditional Chinese medicine has always emphasized the nurturing of women in the five stages, namely menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, lactation, and menopause. Each stage has its own particularities in terms of physiological changes, so dietary nourishment also varies accordingly.
(1) Menstruation. Menstruation refers to regular and cyclical uterine bleeding, which is influenced and regulated by hormones produced by the cerebral cortex, pituitary gland, and ovaries. During menstruation, the shedding of the endometrium, pelvic congestion, decreased excitability of the cerebral cortex, and decreased overall and local resistance make women more susceptible to diseases if not cared for properly. Therefore, during menstruation, attention should be paid to local cleanliness and hygiene, abstaining from sexual activities, moderate rest and activity, avoiding mental stimulation, maintaining appropriate temperature, and refraining from smoking and drinking. The diet should consist of light and easily digestible foods, avoiding spicy, dry, and greasy foods, as well as raw and cold fruits, beverages, and cold foods to prevent excessive menstrual flow or blood stagnation due to cold, leading to symptoms such as stasis, amenorrhea, and infertility.
(2) Pregnancy. After conception, the various organs and systems in a woman's body undergo corresponding changes to accommodate the growth and development of the mother and fetus, as well as the needs of labor and postpartum lactation. This includes an increased need for energy, water, electrolytes, and trace elements. During pregnancy, nutrition should be comprehensive and rich, with a preference for light and easily digestible foods. The growth and development of the fetus completely rely on maternal nutrition, and the strength of the fetus depends on whether the maternal nutrition is adequate during pregnancy. Therefore, more nutritional substances should be consumed during pregnancy, including nutrient-rich meats, eggs, soy products, various vegetables, fruits, while avoiding spicy and greasy foods, as well as smoking and alcohol, to prevent adverse effects on fetal growth and development.
(3) Postpartum period. This refers to the period from the delivery of the placenta to the complete recovery of the reproductive organs, generally lasting 6-8 weeks. During this period, the mother's body undergoes significant changes, with postpartum women often experiencing weakness and deficiency due to blood loss and depletion of Qi and blood. Within the first 1-2 days after childbirth, dry lips, thirst, decreased appetite, and reduced stomach acid production may occur, and it takes about 10 days to return to normal. It is not advisable to rush to replenish or consume excessively greasy foods during this time. In the first 1-3 days postpartum, it is recommended to eat light and easily digestible foods. Afterwards, foods with sufficient calories (12,600 kilojoules per day) and water should be consumed based on the mother's physical condition. To ensure milk secretion, soups, eggs, meats, fish, shrimp, green vegetables, and soy products should be consumed. Fruits should be consumed in moderation after 3 days postpartum, and if the weather is cold, fruits should be consumed after warming them in hot water.
(4) Lactation. If lactating mothers have a weak constitution and poor spleen and stomach function, it can affect milk production. In this case, it is recommended to consume nutritious fish soups, chicken soups, and other foods, or use Chinese medicine or medicinal diets to nourish Qi and blood.
(5) Menopause. Women experience physiological changes during menopause, transitioning from the previous state of adaptation to the balance of Yin and Yang through the regulation of the nervous and endocrine systems to a new endocrine environment in old age. This can lead to temporary inability to adapt, often resulting in symptoms related to autonomic dysfunction, which can affect daily life, work, and learning, known as menopausal syndrome.
The decline in ovarian function is the main cause of metabolic changes and clinical symptoms during menopause. Menopausal women not only experience physiological changes but also exhibit many specific psychological manifestations. Therefore, menopausal women must treat themselves correctly and maintain a happy, open-minded, and optimistic mood. Regularity in diet and daily routines, developing good lifestyle habits, balancing rest and activity, ensuring sufficient sleep but avoiding prolonged bed rest, and maintaining a balance between physical and mental activities are important. It is recommended to eat nutritious and easily digestible foods. Individuals with obesity and a tendency towards diabetes should adjust their diet accordingly, consuming less or avoiding sweet and greasy foods. The diet should consist of a combination of coarse and fine foods, with an emphasis on mushrooms, vegetables, fish, and soy products, while reducing fat intake, especially animal fat.
