What should not be eaten during menstruation

It is not recommended to eat raw and cold foods, spicy and stimulating foods, high salt foods, caffeinated beverages, and cold fruits during menstruation to avoid exacerbating discomfort.

1. Raw and Cold Foods

Consuming raw and cold foods such as ice cream and cold drinks during menstruation can cause constriction of pelvic blood vessels, leading to uterine smooth muscle spasms and exacerbating dysmenorrhea symptoms. These types of foods can also cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to diarrhea or bloating, and affecting the body's absorption of nutrients. It is recommended to heat food before consumption and avoid direct intake of low-temperature foods to maintain temperature balance in the body and reduce menstrual blood discharge problems caused by cold stimulation.

2. Spicy foods

Spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger can dilate blood vessels, accelerate blood circulation, and may lead to excessive menstrual flow or prolonged periods. At the same time, spicy ingredients can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing stomach pain, constipation, or hemorrhoids, and increasing the burden on the body during menstruation. For women with inflammation or sensitive skin, consuming such foods may also induce acne or worsen pelvic congestion, leading to a significant feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen.

3. High salt foods

High salt foods such as pickled foods and processed meat contain a lot of sodium ions. Excessive intake will cause water and sodium retention in the body, resulting in edema of the face, hands and lower limbs, and temporary weight gain. A high salt diet can also increase high blood pressure, worsen menstrual headaches and emotional fluctuations. In addition, excessive salt can consume calcium in the body, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis and muscle cramps during menstruation, and is not conducive to physical recovery.

4. Caffeine containing beverages

Coffee, strong tea, cola, and other caffeinated beverages can stimulate the central nervous system, causing anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations, and disrupting the normal rest rhythm of menstruation. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which may accelerate water loss in the body and worsen dehydration symptoms. At the same time, it can constrict blood vessels, affect uterine blood supply, and potentially worsen the severity of dysmenorrhea. Some people may experience increased breast swelling and pain after drinking, which affects comfort.

5. Cold fruits

Watermelon, pear, persimmon and other cold fruits have a cool nature, and excessive consumption during menstruation can easily damage the yang qi of the spleen and stomach, leading to the stagnation of cold qi in the uterus, causing menstrual blood to coagulate into lumps and be difficult to discharge. This not only causes severe abdominal pain, but may also lead to a sudden decrease in menstrual flow or amenorrhea. It is recommended to eat a small amount of warm fruits such as apples and grapes between meals, or to steam and consume cold fruits to reduce their coldness. During menstruation, women should maintain a light and warm diet, and consume foods rich in iron and high-quality protein such as lean meat, eggs, spinach, etc. to supplement lost nutrients. Pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm, avoid catching a cold, and engage in light exercise such as walking to promote blood circulation. Ensuring sufficient sleep, avoiding staying up late and overexertion, and maintaining a relaxed mood can help alleviate menstrual tension. If severe dysmenorrhea or abnormal menstrual flow occurs, timely medical examination should be sought to rule out organic lesions, and medication should not be blindly taken on one's own.