Every woman is experiencing the menstrual cycle every month, while some of the ladies would have the menstrual symptoms such as exhaustion, lower energy level and look much paler than they normally are. Those days were said to be the most unwelcome days for most women of the month. There are lists of dos and don’ts on the internet, however, what exactly should we do to maintain a healthy body during this period?

PhytoFairy thinks that there is no need for us to go the extra mile in fasting or taking supplements, instead, we may opt for a balanced diet and at the same time, make some small adjustments in our diets.

1. Iron

Due to large discharge of blood, we may consume more iron-rich foods to increase the function of haematopoiesis (formation of blood cellular components).

Sources of heme iron (animal sources): meats (beef), seafoods (oyster), internal organs (pork liver).

Sources of nonheme iron (plant-based sources): red amaranth, black fungus, sweet potato leaves and other dark green vegetables contain folic acid that helps in producing red blood cells.

Precautions: The absorption rate of nonheme iron is much lower, vegetarians may consume it with vitamin C rich foods to increase the absorption of iron.

2. Protein

Protein-rich food may help in the formation of red blood cells, which may help to improve symptoms of tiredness. Heme iron not only provides iron, but it is rich in protein too! However, vegetarians may also take in protein from soybeans, black beans and edamame.

3. Drink more water

Although it may sound perfunctory, drinking more water indeed helps women to get through with menstruation. Estrogen and progesterone might affect our body’s moisture content. If you opt for a hot drink during this period, it is suggested to drink some ginger tea to warm up your body and relieve the coldness in your limbs.

PhytoNutri and Phyto Chlorophyll

PhytoNutri contains 21 types of beans and whole grains, helping us to take in protein adequately. Meanwhile, Phyto Chlorophyll helps in maintaining the health and strengthening of the body. Based on study, chlorophyll in plants has a similar structure with hemoglobin. Taking food rich in chlorophyll and iron may help in blood health.

Any don’ts while having menstruation?

1. Raw and cold foods

If you always suffer from menstrual cramps, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, before and during the menstrual phase, you might need to avoid eating uncooked and cold foods, cold desserts and cold beverages to prevent coldness in the spleen and stomach and ease the pain. PhytoFairy understands that the weather has always been hot in Malaysia but for the sake of a healthier body, we still need to avoid eating these foods.

2. Chocolates

Many people think that chocolates could help relieve menstrual cramp discomforts. 70% dark chocolate (cocoa) is rich in magnesium, consuming magnesium adequately may help us relax our muscles. However, chocolate is still considered a sweet food. Taking in too much of it might lead to being overweight and even causing pimples.

Hope this article could help you learn more about the healthy diet during menstruation. If you are still feeling unwell, remember to seek medical treatments from the doctor to ease down the discomfort!