Patient's question:
～40Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose:
My colleague and I always crave spicy food during menstruation, and I wonder why?
Is it harmful to the body?
Doctor's answer:
Hello:When a woman's menstrual period is approaching, her body and mind may experience mild to severe "premenstrual syndrome" symptoms, such as irritability, emotional instability, tendency to conflict with others, breast or abdominal swelling, weight gain, generalized edema, changes in appetite, mouth ulcers, acne, and headaches. These symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days before menstruation and disappear within 24 hours after it starts. The severity and onset time of these symptoms vary from person to person.
Additionally, during menstruation, women may experience lower abdominal bloating and pain, back and waist pain, abnormal menstrual flow, or irregular cycles.
To smoothly navigate the menstrual period and alleviate discomfort, it is important to maintain a normal and regular lifestyle, engage in regular exercise, and choose appropriate diets based on individual physical conditions. Below are some dietary considerations for the menstrual period:
1. Avoid deliberately consuming sweet foods such as beverages, cakes, brown sugar, and candies. This helps prevent blood sugar instability and reduces menstrual discomfort.
2. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, whole wheat, brown rice, and oats. Consuming sufficient high-fiber foods can promote the excretion of estrogen, increase magnesium levels in the blood, and help regulate menstruation and calm the nervous system.
3. Snack on foods rich in the B vitamin group, such as walnuts, cashews, and dried beans, between meals.
4. Ensure adequate protein intake. Consume more high-protein foods like meat, eggs, tofu, and soybeans to replenish nutrients lost during the period.