Foods to avoid for a more comfortable period

By Dr. Dalite Sancic, DACM, L.Ac., MS

Did you know that diet can have a big impact on your PMS symptoms and how you feel  during your period?  

Diet is an important part of East Asian Medicine. Food is believed to provide the essential  energy (Qi) and nourishment required for the production of blood and the proper functioning of organs. 

A balanced diet helps maintain the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, which prevents imbalances that can lead to symptoms or illness. 

Avoiding certain foods around your period can help reduce discomfort and alleviate  symptoms like bloating, cramps and fatigue.  

Give these dietary tips a try!  

It can be hard to be strict about your diet when you don’t feel well and just want  comfort foods like a warm, gooey brownie or big glass of wine (or both!) right before your  period.  However, once you try reducing the foods that are worsening your period symptoms, you will feel so much better each month that it will become easier to follow these guidelines.  You’ll likely experience less bloating, cramping, headaches, and fatigue. And, you don’t have to eliminate all of these things, of course!  

Pick one or two groups per month and try reducing or eliminating them beginning the week before your PMS starts, through the day your period ends. 

Keep a food journal to track what you’re eating and avoiding and any symptoms you’re  experiencing. Over time you’ll develop a good idea of what foods worsen your period  symptoms, and which are okay for your unique body. 

Ready? Here we go! 

Some foods and drinks to avoid: 

Very Salty Foods: 

Examples: Processed foods, canned soups, chips, and fast food. 

Reason: High salt intake can worsen water retention and bloating. 

Sugary Foods: 

Examples: Sweets, candies, pastries, and sugary drinks. 

Reason: Excessive sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, causing more intense  mood swings and worsening fatigue. 

Excess Caffeine:

Examples: Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. 

Reason: Caffeine can increase anxiety, irritability, and disrupt sleep. It may also contribute  to breast tenderness and exacerbate cramps. 

Alcohol: 

Examples: Beer, wine, and spirits. 

Reason: Alcohol can dehydrate the body, worsen PMS symptoms, and interfere with sleep  patterns. 

Refined Carbohydrates: 

Examples: White bread, pasta, cake, brownies, and pastries. 

Reason: These can cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings and  energy fluctuations. 

Dairy: 

Examples: Milk, cheese, and ice cream. 

Reason: Especially if you have a sensitive digestion, you may find that dairy increases  digestive symptoms around your period like bloating, loose stool, or diarrhea, as well as  overall inflammation. 

Avoiding these foods and drinks around your period can reduce the severity of  menstrual symptoms and make you feel much more comfortable overall.  

Instead, focus on a balanced diet of whole foods, including plenty of vegetables, lean  proteins, healthy fats, and room-temperature water. 

And of course, acupuncture can make your period even more comfortable and easy. 

There’s no reason to suffer every month. We’d love to help! We’ll tailor a plan just for you  and your unique body’s needs.  

If you are not yet a patient, call 802-855-8547 or email us at info@moonbrookmedicine.com to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or schedule your appointment today. If you are already a patient and struggling, talk to your provider to come up with a treatment plan. Feel free to pass this along to a friend or family member that you think may benefit from this information.