Dark chocolate can positively affect periods by reducing menstrual pain and cramps due to high magnesium and nutrient content, which help relax uterine muscles and improve mood. Consuming dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) is recommended over milk chocolate to avoid increased inflammation from high sugar, while offering potential relief for PMS symptoms.
The flavonoid content in dark chocolate is also known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin hormones, which are responsible for the pain experienced during menstruation.
Teenage girls and adult women can consume a moderate amount of chocolate during their periods. Dark chocolates are high in magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron content, which help relax the muscles and uplift the mood.
Excessive cramping and vomiting could be a sign of an abnormal period. Heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstrual cycles could also signify that you're dealing with this condition. Other examples of abnormal periods include: Periods that are less than three weeks apart or more than five weeks apart.
Chey: Traditionally, chocolate has been viewed as a potential trigger for gut symptoms like pain, cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea. This is because chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, contains a lot of sugar, including lactose, milk proteins and fat – all of which can cause symptoms in susceptible persons.
Missed or late periods
Because of the way these habits can effect your body, menstrual cycle symptoms can become worse.
Junk food, like fast food and sugary snacks, may lead to heavier periods. This could be due to poor nutrition and high-fat content, which can impact hormones and menstrual cycles. Celiac disease, a condition where the body can't handle gluten, can also cause heavy periods.
Chocolate contains compounds that trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which help improve mood and reduce irritability. It is also rich in magnesium, a nutrient that plays an important role in relaxing muscles and easing menstrual cramps.
Causes of heavy periods
Sometimes heavy periods can be caused by: conditions affecting your womb or ovaries, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. conditions that can make you bleed more easily, such as Von Willebrand disease.
These hygiene practices can help you stay healthy and comfortable during your period:
Naturally, eating foods that decrease inflammation in the body will help to tame menstrual cramps. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
A stress period looks like menstrual changes due to hormonal disruption, featuring spotting, early/late/missed periods, heavier/lighter flow, longer duration, bigger clots, more cramping, worse PMS, and potential loss of libido, alongside physical signs like headaches, fatigue, muscle tension (neck/back pain), jaw clenching, and digestive issues, all stemming from elevated cortisol and disrupted reproductive hormones.
Research suggests that diets high in inflammatory foods such as meat, oil, sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol can contribute to period cramps.
Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.
Women start perimenopause at different ages. You may notice signs, such as your periods becoming irregular, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their 30s or as late as their 50s.
“There are no ways, methods, or medication that can stop a period in the same cycle once it has started,” says Dr. Flanagan. “However, if you are struggling with really heavy or painful periods, speak to your doctor.” “They may prescribe you medication to make your periods lighter, less painful, and shorter.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
Chocolate cravings around your period might be linked to hormone changes or low magnesium levels. But there isn't much data to support these claims. It's okay to enjoy chocolate during your period. If you need to limit sugar, try pre-portioning your treats or swapping chocolate for lower-sugar options like fruit.
Systemic symptoms such as severe headache, rhinorrhea, sneezing, wheezing, nausea, and cramps too can occur. [34] Chocolate may also trigger adrenergic urticaria, a condition in which serum catecholamines and IgE levels rise.
Highly processed foods
Packaged snacks, frozen meals and fast food are often high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates that can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms like bloating, cramping and mood swings.
Ginger and Lemon Tea
Ginger is renowned for its uplifting anti-inflammatory properties that relieve menstrual cramps and even soothe an upset stomach. Some studies even suggest ginger is as effective as ibuprofen for muscle pain. Fresh lemon also comes with powerful health benefits.
During menstruation, you should avoid heavy/intense exercise, excessive caffeine, alcohol, salty/sugary foods, and tight clothing, as these can worsen cramps, bloating, and mood swings; also, practice good hygiene by changing menstrual products frequently (every 3-4 hours for tampons) to prevent infection and avoid strenuous activities if you feel fatigued or in pain.
Here are some fruits that may help with period cramps: