These are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS , which affects over 90 percent of females at some point in their lives. For many people, food cravings and slight increases in hunger levels are a regular part of the menstrual cycle. If compulsive eating persists after the period ends, this may indicate an eating disorder, which requires medical treatment.
Some research suggests that changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause cravings for foods rich in carbohydrates and sugars before a period.
Carbs and sweet foods may also help relieve the low mood and fatigue that often occur prior to the onset of a period. Sugars and starches both cause the body to release serotonin , a chemical that increases feelings of happiness.
Also, eating regularly helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which may keep moods steady. Compulsive eating before a period can sometimes indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. This more severe form of PMS affects up to 5 percent of women of childbearing age. PMDD can cause symptoms of depression , mood changes, and food cravings or binge eating. Some research also suggests an association between binge eating and menstrual issues, such as irregular periods or an absence of periods.
Many experience relief after making lifestyle changes, but others also require support or treatment from a medical professional. A person should become aware of the amount and types of food they eat, before a period and at other stages of their menstrual cycle.
Using a food diary or a similar app can help a person identify times that they eat compulsively and how severe the issue may be. It can be tempting to give in to cravings, for chocolate or pizza, for example. Simple carbohydrates, found in candy, cookies, and white bread, can release serotonin and fight fatigue.
However, complex carbohydrates, often found in more healthful foods, have the same effects. These also last much longer and do not cause sudden crashes in energy and mood. If a person has cravings for sweet foods, fresh fruits and smoothies made with fruit and yogurt present a more healthful option than candy. Some people find it helpful to eat a little bit of the food they crave, such as a square of high-quality dark chocolate. Denying the cravings completely sometimes causes them to persist.
Eating is not the only way to lift the mood and reduce fatigue. If stress is contributing to a low mood, a person can benefit from relaxation techniques, such as:. Talking to other people about compulsive eating and other PMS symptoms may provide reassurance and a sense of relief. It may help to speak to friends and family. There must be some you like if not the entire gamut. Walnuts, pistachios, almonds, raisins, pecans, cashews, grab them anytime and munch anywhere, on the way to work, at the office desk or in the classroom too.
If you like fresh fruit pick those rich in iron and magnesium. They can ease the period troubles a bit. So next time you feel the period blues grab yourself your favourite comfort food and relax with a warm and comfortable Cramp Comfort. You can get your pack of Cramp Comfort right here. Did we miss something? Leave a comment about your favourite comfort food for your period cravings below. Periods are the day when I m not allowed to do anything in kitchen.
As i like to eat them in periods. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. A safe space for you to share your stories and learn from women who are just like you.
Read expert articles, experience personal stories, and explore authentic content on the Nua Blog, InSync. Forgot your password? Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password. Nutrition Periods and PMS. Top 5 foods to satisfy your period cravings By Madhur Acharya. January 11, Chocolate A prized commodity grown in select regions around the world, chocolate certainly is an example of happiness growing on trees.
Beverages Just holding a warm beverage in your hand can have a comforting effect. Sweets According to a study , women feel guilty about eating comfort foods while men treat it like a reward. Salt and spice Even if you want to avoid milk at this time, cheese can be a fairly tempting substitute. The healthy Comfort Foods If you are looking for healthy comfort food, we got those nominations too.
Madhur Acharya About author Madhur is a member of the customer experience team at Nua. She is passionate about tennis, photography and baking. In her free time, she loves trying new recipes and entertaining friends and family over lunches. Minerals are vital for the functioning of these glands. When you have a mineral deficiency you crave salty foods. It is important that you choose your salts carefully. You can go for sea salt, sea vegetables, and water-rich vegetables that are high in the full spectrum of minerals that our body needs.
And try to avoid refined salt, canned foods, and packaged goods. Also, drink lots of water for these minerals to flow through the body and effectively be used in hormonal reactions. Consume glasses of water daily, and choose the healthy salty foods when you crave salt. Some women might crave more food just before their period because they need more B vitamins like thiamine vitamin B1 and riboflavin vitamin B2. Upping the intake of these vitamins can help with PMS symptoms. So, consider getting beans, nuts, grains and nutritional yeast for vitamin B1 and green veggies like broccoli, spinach, kale and asparagus for vitamin B2.
Also, vitamin D is proved super for making us happy, so 20 minutes of the sun during the day, mushrooms or vitamin D supplements is all it takes. Keep a diary and track everything you eat. Keeping a count of the calorie intake might help you stop the binge.
Also, try to eat healthily and cut back on foods containing refined sugars. Say no to junk food. Fresh home-cooked food has the power to carry nature's intelligence to your body. These foods are called triptighna , which means they are satisfying and nourishing for your body. Stress can cause emotional eating. Exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, and maintaining a positive outlook can help manage stress and reduce your food cravings during periods.
If you want to reduce the irritability, bloating, and cramping every month, here is a list of 7 foods that can help you fight PMS. Changing levels of hormones often cause food cravings during periods or a general increase in appetite for a woman.
Remember that aching for all those carbs, fats, and sugary snacks in your refrigerator before and during your periods is completely normal.
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