August is Women’s month! To celebrate, we have some informative articles around women’s health. Read below for a list of some of the best foods to eat while menstruating.
Women experience mild to extreme symptoms while on their period. Some need painkillers and hot water bottles to make it through the day while others barely notice theirs. This list of foods takes into account the general symptoms experienced by women during their menstruation such as fatigue, bloating, nausea, irritability and diarrhoea. We also experience tiredness due to a loss in iron. For iron-rich foods, click here.
Eat for a flat belly
- Whole grains instead of processed wheat products
- Plant-based milks instead of dairy
- Drink water instead of cooldrinks
- Choose plant protein or oily fish instead of red meat
- Healthy snacks such as carrots, cucumbers and celery instead of shop-bought cookies, pastries and chips
- Include turmeric, which is a natural anti-inflammatory
Eat for mood
These foods help to energise you and lift your mood:
- Green tea for energy
- Dark good-quality chocolate for energy and endorphin boost
- Nuts and seeds for serotonin production
- Have a banana – high vitamin B6, it can help synthesise feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin
Eat for a happy gut
- Eat kimchi or sauerkraut regularly to maintain happy gut health
- Have ginger to ease nausea
- Choose herbs or mild flavours over chilli
- Cultured dairy products such as yoghurt, kefir and buttermilk