Women's monthly menstrual period can be said to be their "nightmare", especially for those who experience painful periods every time. In addition to being related to physical constitution, menstrual pain can also be influenced by diet and other factors. Eating certain foods during menstruation can worsen menstrual pain. Below are 8 foods that can aggravate menstrual pain.
1. Milk
Milk contains rich calcium, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, iron, zinc, and other elements. However, these elements can easily react with magnesium, which can hinder the absorption of magnesium in the body. Magnesium is essential for protein synthesis, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, temperature regulation, cell integrity, and energy metabolism. The lack of magnesium during menstruation can increase uterine muscle spasms, intensify menstrual pain, and weaken the body's immune system.
2. Grapes
Grapes contain a high level of tannic acid, which can worsen menstrual pain.
Additionally, grapes are one of the most cooling fruits. Consuming grapes during menstruation can have negative effects on digestion and the body's yang energy, leading to the production of internal coldness, coagulation, and hindered blood flow. This can cause a decrease in menstrual flow and even worsen menstrual pain.
3. Salt
Consuming salty foods before menstruation can be harmful for women. Excessive salt intake can increase salt and water reserves in the body, leading to symptoms such as headaches, agitation, and irritability before menstruation. Therefore, during menstruation, it is recommended to have a diet that is generally mild and balanced, with a focus on foods that replenish blood and qi. This is to avoid disrupting the balance of acid-base and water concentration in the internal environment, and to prevent damage to the entire circulatory system.
4. Hawthorn
Hawthorn can promote blood circulation and relieve blood stasis. Moderate consumption of hawthorn or hawthorn products can help alleviate symptoms such as menstrual pain and irregular periods caused by blood stasis. However, hawthorn also contains a high level of tannic acid. Excessive consumption can easily lead to iron deficiency in the body, causing discomfort during menstruation. In addition to people with blood stasis-type menstrual pain, other women who consume hawthorn during menstruation may experience excessive menstrual flow.
5. Crab
The autumn and winter seasons are the harvest season for crabs, and people may be tempted to indulge in a full crab feast. However, women who are in their menstrual period should be cautious. Crabs are considered cold in nature and can clear heat, cool blood, and dispel stasis. Due to these properties, consuming crabs during menstruation can stimulate the sensory nerves in the abdominal and uterine areas, leading to a sudden drop in temperature. Without sufficient temperature support, menstrual blood can easily form clots and increase uterine contractions, causing more pain for those experiencing menstrual pain.
6. Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain a high amount of tannins, such as tannic acid, tannins, and gallic acid, which can worsen discomfort during menstruation. The taste of pomegranates is sour and contains alkaloids and ursolic acid, which have a strong astringent effect. This is not conducive to the discharge and smooth flow of menstrual blood, especially for those who experience menstrual pain.
7. Chili
During menstruation, it is advisable to consume mild, balanced, and nutrient-rich foods, and avoid eating highly stimulating and spicy foods to prevent the dilation of blood vessels, early onset of menstruation, and excessive menstrual flow. Many women like to add chili peppers to their dishes to enhance the flavor and stimulate their appetite. However, the stimulating properties of chili peppers are even more pronounced than that of pepper and cloves, and can easily cause symptoms of menstrual pain or excessive menstrual flow in women during their menstrual period.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate can cause emotional instability. It can lead to increased emotional instability and cravings for sugar. In addition to weight gain, it can also increase the body's demand for vitamin B. At the same time, sugar can deplete the body's vitamin B and mineral reserves, and make people crave more sugary foods. Consuming high-sugar sweets not only fails to improve discomfort during menstruation but may also disrupt hormonal balance due to unstable blood sugar levels, worsening the overall discomfort.
