Missing a period or experiencing an abnormal menstrual cycle happens once in a while with every woman, but when irregularity becomes the norm, it is time to take notice. While contributing causes for irregularities in your period could vary widely, fluctuation in your reproductive hormone levels is often to blame. Since your diet affects each of your body processes, regulating your menstrual cycle can be helped by modifying the food you eat. If you regularly experience abnormal periods, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Useful Foods for a Healthy Period
A balanced diet is by far the most helpful solution to tackle a variety of health problems. If your diet is poor in nutrients and high on junk foods, then the effect is definitely going to be reflected in your menstrual cycle. For instance, you may miss your period or get a delayed period when you attempt a crash diet or eat very little food in order to lose weight. Foods high in calcium are very good for maintaining a regular cycle. If you don't like to drink milk, you can try other calcium-rich foods like yogurt, tofu, kale, salmon and broccoli. In case you are lactose intolerant, try soy or rice milk. In addition, opt for healthy choices like complex carbs, fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and oatmeal. Vitamin E, which is known as the reproductive vitamin, should also be included in your diet, with the best sources being liver, egg yolks and avocado. The importance of drinking adequate water each day cannot be overlooked. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of clean and filtered water each day for good overall health.
Foods to Avoid
Knowing about good foods is not enough to regulate your period. You need to know the bad foods too, so that you can keep clear of culprits that can disturb your normal menstrual cycle. Junk food, refined foods, too much fatty and greasy foods, cakes, pastries, chocolates and excessively sugary food have potentially negative effects on your period, so avoid them.
Dietary Supplements
Magnesium has been proven to be helpful in relieving discomfort and pain associated with periods, but using it irresponsibly can be harmful to health as excessive doses lead to diarrhea and lowering of blood pressure. Doctors recommend supplementing with 360 mg of high quality magnesium for three days, beginning from the day before your expected period date.
Other Factors in Your Diet
There are many other items in our diet that should be limited or avoided, such as coffee, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Also avoid smoking cigarettes and other recreational drugs. You should also refrain from using artificial sweeteners, as they have been linked to weight gain, and indirectly affect your hormone levels.
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