EAT THESE FOODS IF YOU WANT BAD PERIOD CRAMPS 🥵

While some are definitely more prone to menstrual cramps compared to others, certain foods can exacerbate the pain as well!!! 😤

I avoid these foods during your period to reduce the occurrence of super bad cramps (yes, these are science-backed!!!) 👀

🍟 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝

Salty foods retain water and cause bloating, so try to lower your intake in the meantime 😭 It can cause inflammation and make your cramps hurt more agssywgsby!!!🥲

I know you just want to snack on junk but trust me, saying no to chips, french fries and canned foods will do you good.

You may want to skip out on hawker centre meals in the meantime, or opt for healthier options! I usually meal prep and can directly control the amount of salt in my food, which works really well during this period especially ☺️

☕️ 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one, but you should avoid coffee right before and after your period.

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it makes blood vessels constrict and tighten. This may worsen cramps and cause higher levels of discomfort.

If you really can’t function without caffeine, try switching your cup of coffee for some tea (some of my faves linked here for your perusal 💕) which has significantly less amounts of caffeine.

🍬 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫

I know, the sugar cravings can hit hard during your periods so you just want to stuff your face with chocolate 🍫

Consuming too much sugar can lead to spikes in your blood sugar levels, and the crashes are not great — it can lead to bad mood swings and excessive bloating as sugar retains salt and water.

Try to limit your intake of it and as always, drink lots of water 💦

🥩 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐭

While red meat is a great source of iron (super important to replenish when you’re losing blood!!!), it is also high in saturated fats. Saturated fats are not only bad for your health but may worsen period pains.

Stick to leaner forms of meat such as chicken, or go for fatty fish such as salmon, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids (which do the opposite and may ease your cramps) 👍🏻🤩

🥛 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲

Foods like milk, cheese, and ice cream contain arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid which can increase inflammation which will worsen your cramps 😭

It can also increase your bloating which makes it super uncomfortable.

Calcium is still important so during this period I get my daily requirements from supplements instead 😤

〰️

Personally, I’ve found that my body responds pretty well by eliminating these foods from my diet + continuously moving it during this time.

I try to limit my spicy food intake but generally I find that it doesn’t really impact my cramps or make me uncomfortable — but that’s just me.

Hope this was helpful for you and girlies we’re all in this pain of menses together 😭

#LoveMyself #periodtalk #periodcare #selfcare #eatinghabits #healthyeating #healthyhabits #Lemon8SG #Lemon8Lifestyle #selflove