Many people may feel more relaxed with a glass of wine or a cocktail when they're on their period, which can help ease cramping. The relaxing effects of one or two drinks may help you feel better — just be sure to drink plenty of water when you consume alcohol.
Let's not even talk about how uncomfortable periods can get at times. But did you know there are a few things consuming which can make your periods feel even worse? And one of those things is alcohol. While you might crave for that glass of wine while PMSing, it's best to avoid it.
The risk of “bleeds” or bleeding strokes also increases as a result of heavy alcohol use.
While there is no harm in a few drinks during your period be aware that this could worsen your symptoms. Yes, it's safe but consider all the possible side effects and think of ways you can alleviate your symptoms. If you choose to, remember to do things like hydrate, eat well, avoid caffeine and get plenty of sleep.
During a woman's menstrual cycle, prostaglandins trigger contractions in the female's uterine muscle. The higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more extreme menstrual cramps. Alcohol increases prostaglandin levels, worsening period cramps.
It can worsen your cramps
Alcohol can dehydrate you like no other. This, in turn, can worsen those already-excruciating period cramps by thickening the menstrual fluids and blood, making it more difficult for them to pass and their flow more painful.
Things you should avoid
“Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes. “Avoid drinks like coffee, energy drinks etc as they can cause headaches and constipation.
Alcohol can stop or cause irregular menstrual cycles because it increases levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and sometimes the luteinizing hormone. This causes a hormonal imbalance, which in turn can affect whether your period occurs, how long it lasts, and how heavy it is.
Too much alcohol can worsen PMS symptoms. The mood swing can be abrupt; your appetite might also go for a toss, you might feel more irritable, etc. “Sadly, alcohol also thickens the menstrual blood due to dehydration, so expulsion becomes painful,” warns Dr Gaikwad.
It turns out women do drink more alcohol right before and after their period – and it's all down to your oestrogen levels, apparently.
Dates are a great natural remedy for regulating women's periods. Dates are high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which can help reduce bloating and cramping during menstruation.
If your hormone levels aren't balanced, your body can make the lining too thick, which leads to heavy bleeding when you shed the thicker lining. If you don't ovulate (release an egg from an ovary), this can throw off the hormone balance in your body, too, leading to a thicker lining and a heavier period.
Pineapple, oranges, lemon, kiwi, and mangoes are other vitamin-C-rich fruits that reduce irregularities in periods and regularise the flow when eaten regularly.
If you're wondering, “Does coffee help period cramps?” the short answer is: no. Caffeine blocks a hormone that can make blood vessels (which are present in the uterus) smaller, slowing the flow of blood. Coffee can also cause inflammation and bloating, adding to tummy pain. So, drinking coffee can make cramps worse.
Dehydration can escalate PMS and period discomfort, so drink up. Hydration prevents your blood from thickening while alleviating the muscle cramps associated with your monthly flow. Additionally, drinking water can help end your cycle faster. Eight glasses, or 64 ounces per day, really works wonders.
When you stand gravity works on you to help the blood drain out of your uterus. Similarly when you lie down blood doesn t flow out that easily. This happens on the days when your periods are lighter or for women who experience moderate flow.
Periods can last anything between 4 and 8 days, but usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days – but everyone is different. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red.
Polyps and Fibroids
Uterine polyps that grow on the cervix or in the lining of the uterus can also be a factor in heavy clotting. If you're experiencing heavy bleeding, large blood clots during your period or lower back pain, it could be a uterine obstruction like a fibroid.
Some early studies suggest that dietary changes may help manage period symptoms. For example, eating more fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water may reduce menstrual cramps. In some cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help control period symptoms such as bloating and pain.
Summing Up on How to Increase Blood Flow During Periods
Various factors contribute to irregular periods, delayed cycles, and light bleeding. Foods like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, jaggery, coconut, pineapple, papaya, and beetroot can help in inducing bleeding and increasing your flow.
The first day of a woman's period is day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood in a period. Some women bleed more heavily than this, but help is available if heavy periods are a problem. Find out about heavy periods.