5 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat While Having Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual camps happens during your period when your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormone-like substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.
Other causes of menstrual cramps includes Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, Adenomyosis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Cervical stenosis. Eating the 5 foods stated below may worsen menstrual cramps, read below;
Alcohol
Alcohol acts as a diuretic and can cause you to retain water during your period. This can worsen the menstrual cramping by leading to bloating as well. If you do drink, you should limit yourself to only one to two servings of beer or wine a day.
Caffeine
Caffeine can be found in teas, coffee and soft drinks. The caffeine can increase tension as well as constrict blood vessels, which can worsen menstrual cramps. The oils found in coffee can also irritate the intestines. Select decaffeinated versions of these drinks.
Chocolate
Although you may have chocolate cravings during your period, you should limit yourself to only a small amount of sweets. Chocolate contains caffeine, a substance that can worsen your cramps.
Red Meat
Red meat contains substances known as arachadonic acids. According to an article on the “Fitness Magazine” website, arachadonic acids have been linked to the stimulation of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause menstrual cramps.
Salty Foods
Foods high in salt can cause you to retain water and should be avoided if you suffer from menstrual cramps. Foods high in sodium include chips, processed meals, table salt, fast foods and Chinese food dishes, like General Tso’s chicken and lo mein. When preparing meals at home, eliminate the salt from recipes and use fresh herbs and pepper to season dishes.