foods to eat during periods

• Certain foods can naturally help reduce the severity of heavy menstrual flow by improving iron absorption, boosting platelet count, and supporting healthy blood clotting.
• Balancing hormones and detoxifying excess estrogen through a diet rich in specific nutrients can also contribute to a lighter, more manageable period.
• Incorporating nutrient-rich foods like iron-rich produce, Vitamin K vegetables, and hormone-supporting seeds into your diet can make a significant difference in menstrual health.

When it comes to managing heavy menstrual flow, diet can play a surprisingly powerful role. While medication and other treatments are often necessary, what you eat may also help in reducing the severity and duration of your period.

This article explores how certain foods can support your body during menstruation, offering natural ways to alleviate heavy flow. By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and support overall menstrual health.

Let’s dive into the connection between diet and menstrual health, and discover the best foods to eat for a lighter, more manageable period.

Boost Iron Absorbtion

Women who have heavy flow often become iron deficient as the body loses a lot of the iron it needs when the blood flows out. The heavier the flow, the more iron the body has lost. To produce hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen, iron plays a very important part.  Hence, iron absorption is key to a manageable flow.

You can improve your absorption using cast iron skillets, pairing iron with Vitamin C, soaking or sprouting grains, but avoid consuming tea, coffee, milk, and wine.

Boost Platelet Count

Low platelets are a major reason for heavy blood flow during menstruation, so boosting the platelet count will help reduce the flow. This can be done by consuming fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, including beets, berries, grapes, and even pomegranate.

Eat Food Rich in Vitamin K

Veggies that are rich in Vitamin K, including broccoli, spinach, kale, and collard greens help with normal blood clotting which helps reduce the flow of heavy periods, eventually leading to a manageable and less painful flow.

Also Read:
5 Blood Boosting Desserts to Eat Before Your Periods

Boost Blood Count

Eating food that boosts blood flow and creates healthy blood cells is what helps absorb iron better, the better the absorption is, the good the flow. Eating cottage cheese, organ meat, pumpkin, carrots, cashews, shitake mushrooms, chicken, and beans can help with that.

Support Hormone Balance

Heavy periods can be a result of hormonal imbalance, which includes excess estrogen or low progesterone. Eating specific foods during the cycle helps produce hormones and help. These foods include Kale, flax for lignans, pumpkin seeds for zinc, cacao for magnesium, sunflower for Vitamin E and B6, Sweet potato, and sesame seeds.

Estrogen Detox

Estrogen dominance can be a common reason for heavy flows. Eating foods rich in estrogen detox and good for the liver can help. These include garlic, carrots, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and even broccoli sprouts.

Boost Progesterone

Too much estrogen can lead to thickening of the uterine which can result in heavy flow. Boosting progesterone can be helpful to balance the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. These foods include avocados, citrus, grass-fed butter, oysters, and even chickpeas.