Foods to Avoid During Menstruation
When it comes to maintaining well-being during menstruation, being mindful of your diet is essential. Not only should you avoid consuming ice, but there are several other cool and damp foods that can adversely affect your body during this time. Foods such as ice cream, eggplant, loofah, cucumber, winter melon, crab, field snails, kelp, bamboo shoots, oranges, pears, grapefruit, and watermelon should be limited. Additionally, acidic foods like sour plums and unripe fruits, as well as spicy dishes such as fried foods, chili peppers, black pepper, and mustard, should also be avoided to prevent issues with blood circulation.
Recommended Foods During Menstruation
On the other hand, certain foods can provide beneficial nutrients and promote better circulation during your menstrual period. It is advisable to consume white scallions, black fungus, peanuts, walnuts, jujubes, longan, and rose petals. If you accidentally indulge in cold foods or ice during your period, consider drinking ginger tea with brown sugar to help balance your body’s blood flow and maintain warmth.
Helpful Tips for a Comfortable Menstrual Period
In addition to monitoring your food intake, it’s crucial for women to focus on staying warm during menstruation. Avoid exposure to cold environments, such as swimming, bathing in cold water, or getting caught in the rain and sunlight. It’s also important to maintain hygiene by keeping the external genital area, underwear, and sanitary products clean. Abstaining from sexual activity during this time is recommended as well.
Understanding the Traditional and Modern Perspectives
Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that ice should be completely avoided during menstruation, while conventional Western medicine tends to be more lenient, allowing for a wider range of food choices. The process of menstruation involves the shedding of the uterine lining and the contraction of the uterus to expel menstrual blood. Consuming ice can lower the temperature of the gastrointestinal tract, which may affect uterine contractions and lead to difficulty in releasing menstrual blood. This can result in blood clots, thus prompting the uterus to contract more intensely to eliminate these clots, potentially causing menstrual cramps.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
While it’s true that Western medicine does not impose strict dietary restrictions during menstruation—even allowing ice during postpartum recovery—women should monitor their bodies and symptoms closely. If consuming cold foods leads to excessive menstrual pain or discomfort, it is advisable to consult with a gynecologist to rule out any underlying health issues.
By making informed dietary choices and prioritizing comfort, women can navigate their menstrual cycles with greater ease and well-being.