Andy Montoya
Periods can be a challenging time for many women, with symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and mood changes. It is well-known that diet can play a crucial role in managing these symptoms. While some foods can help alleviate discomfort, others can make it worse. One food that has been identified as potentially detrimental during this time is cheese. Cheese is a dairy product that contains saturated fats, which have been linked to increased bloating, breast tenderness, and skin breakouts during menstruation. Additionally, the hormones released during this time can lead to cravings for sugar and fat, which can further influence food choices. However, it's important to note that individual responses to cheese may vary, and some women may not experience any negative effects from consuming it during their period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese good for period? | No |
| Reason | Cheese is a dairy product containing saturated fats that can lead to bloating, breast tenderness and breakouts during menstruation. |
| Alternative | Plant-based sources of calcium like green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, or broccoli, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and wholegrains. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can lead to bloating and breast tenderness
- Dairy products can worsen period symptoms, but calcium helps reduce cramps and bloating
- Magnesium-rich foods reduce cramps and headaches, and regulate mood changes
- High-sugar foods cause energy crashes, which can lead to mood swings
- A low-fat, high-fibre diet can reduce estrogen levels and alleviate period pain
Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can lead to bloating and breast tenderness
While cheese is a beloved food for many, it is high in saturated fat, which can lead to bloating and breast tenderness during your period. According to Dr. Lori Shemek, eating a diet rich in saturated fat during the first few days of your period can result in bloating, breast tenderness, and breakouts.
Cheese is indeed a source of saturated fat, which can negatively impact your body when consumed in high amounts during menstruation. The high fat content in cheese can contribute to an increase in estrogen levels, which can lead to a thicker uterine lining. When this lining breaks down during menstruation, it releases higher levels of prostaglandins, resulting in more intense pain and cramping.
Additionally, the saturated fat in cheese can cause digestive issues, leading to bloating and discomfort. This is especially true if you are already experiencing period-related bloating, as the fat in cheese can exacerbate the issue.
It is important to note that while cheese may not be the best option during your period, it is not necessarily something you need to avoid entirely. Moderation is key. Enjoying cheese in smaller portions and opting for lower-fat alternatives can help you manage your intake of saturated fat.
Overall, being mindful of your diet during your period can make a significant difference in how you feel. While cheese may be a craving, there are healthier alternatives that can provide similar satisfaction without worsening period symptoms.
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Dairy products can worsen period symptoms, but calcium helps reduce cramps and bloating
It is well recognised that diet can influence period symptoms and bad dietary habits could potentially worsen them. While cheese is a beloved food, the saturated fats in cheese are not menstruation-friendly. Eating a diet high in saturated fat during the first few days of your period can lead to bloating, breast tenderness, and breakouts.
Dairy products are among the foods to avoid during menstruation. However, dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese are also good sources of calcium, which helps reduce cramps and bloating. If you're worried about missing out on the benefits of dairy, there are plant-based sources of calcium, including green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, or broccoli, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and wholegrains. Many of these alternatives also provide additional nutrients such as magnesium, which can help with cramps and mood swings.
Magnesium is found in foods such as dark chocolate, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, and wholegrain products. It can help reduce symptoms such as headaches and cramps. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 are also effective in reducing menstrual pain.
To reduce bloating, it is important to avoid ultra-processed foods or those containing a lot of sodium. Drinking enough water can also help with bloating, cramps, and tiredness.
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Magnesium-rich foods reduce cramps and headaches, and regulate mood changes
While cheese is a good source of calcium, it is a dairy product and therefore one of the foods to avoid during your period. Dairy products are known to cause period symptoms or make them worse.
Magnesium-rich foods, on the other hand, can help reduce cramps and headaches and regulate mood changes during your period. Magnesium is an essential mineral with hundreds of functions in the body, including lowering inflammation, muscle relaxation, and balancing hormones. By relaxing the uterine muscles, the intensity and frequency of contractions will be less severe, reducing the pain associated with period cramps. Magnesium also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate the pain and discomfort from period cramps. Additionally, magnesium can help balance hormone levels that increase during the menstrual cycle, such as estrogen and progesterone. Balanced hormones can lead to less severe menstrual cramps and other period symptoms.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium for women is 320 milligrams. However, most people do not consume enough magnesium-rich foods to meet their daily needs. Some magnesium-rich foods include dark chocolate, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, black beans, and edamame.
In addition to magnesium-rich foods, staying hydrated by drinking water can also help with symptoms like bloating, cramps, and tiredness. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 have also been found to be effective in reducing menstrual pain.
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High-sugar foods cause energy crashes, which can lead to mood swings
It is well-recognised that diet can influence period symptoms, and bad dietary habits can potentially make them worse. While cheese is a dairy product, which is recommended to be avoided during periods, there are some other foods that should be avoided as well.
High-sugar foods can cause energy crashes, which can lead to mood swings. Sugar is known to provide empty calories, meaning that foods rich in sugar supply energy but have no other nutritional value. Eating sugar regularly promotes inflammation and, over time, appears to drive changes in feel-good brain chemicals, which can lead to depression and problems with attention and memory. The more calorific and sugary foods we eat, the more likely we are to feel anxious, and the longer we continue to eat these foods, the higher our risk of feeling this way becomes.
Sugar rushes can be addictive, and the more we eat, the more our body craves it. This is because our blood sugar levels spike, but the effect doesn't last long and is followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar, which may leave us tired and in need of more sugar to stabilise our energy levels. This drastic drop in energy can make us incredibly distracted throughout the day, leading to a lack of productivity and concentration.
To avoid sugar crashes, it is important to incorporate balance into your diet. This can be done by keeping blood glucose levels consistent, which can be achieved by balancing meals with appropriate amounts of protein sources, fibre, and fats. Eating smaller portions every two to three hours throughout the day can also help.
It is also important to note that magnesium is thought to be beneficial for women of childbearing age. It may help with monthly symptoms like uncomfortable cramps and erratic mood swings. Some foods that contain magnesium include green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and whole grains.
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A low-fat, high-fibre diet can reduce estrogen levels and alleviate period pain
It is well recognised that diet can influence period symptoms and bad dietary habits can make them worse. Eating a diet high in saturated fat during the first few days of your period can lead to bloating, breast tenderness and breakouts. Cheese is a food that contains saturated fats, so it may not be the best option to eat during your period.
A low-fat, high-fibre diet can significantly reduce estrogen levels. This is because animal products and added oils increase estrogen levels in the body, and higher estrogen levels mean a thicker uterine lining. When this breaks down during the menstrual cycle, it creates more prostaglandins, resulting in higher levels of pain.
Foods that are high in fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods also have the added benefit of decreasing inflammation in the body, which can help to tame menstrual cramps.
Magnesium is another nutrient that can help reduce period pain by easing cramps and headaches. Magnesium can be found in dark chocolate, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, and wholegrain products.
In addition to diet, other things that can help alleviate period pain include heating pads, warm baths, and medications. Staying hydrated is also important, as water can help with symptoms like bloating, cramps, and tiredness.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese is not considered good to eat during your period. Cheese is a dairy product, and dairy products are among the foods to avoid during your period. Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can lead to bloating, breast tenderness, and breakouts.
Dairy products are high in saturated fats, which can lead to bloating, breast tenderness, and breakouts. Dairy products can also cause a spike in your estrogen levels, which can lead to more prostaglandins being produced and higher levels of pain.
There are many plant-based sources of calcium and other nutrients that are important during your period. These include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, or broccoli, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and whole grains.
In addition to dairy, it is recommended to avoid caffeine, sugar, red meat, and ultra-processed foods during your period. These foods can cause dehydration, bloating, headaches, and cramping.
Yes, eating foods that are high in magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B can help reduce symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood changes. These nutrients can be found in dark chocolate, avocados, leafy greens, almonds, and whole grains.
