The Best Foods To Eat During Your Period

With periods often come a range of food cravings. While we'd like to give in to every whim, some foods can exacerbate PMS symptoms.

Sometimes, the body could do with a little gentle assistance from some nutrient food to get you through your menstrual period easier.

If you experience PMS symptoms like headaches, nausea, sluggishness, and bloating, you can take some steps to ease the discomfort. Remember to stay hydrated always, and with that, here are some foods that you may want to add to your grocery list for your monthlies.

Eat: Salmon

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Fish is a great source of omega-3. A 2014 study suggests that omega-3 may have a positive effect on your mood. So if you're one for mood swings around menstruation, omega-3s may be helpful.

Eat: Broccoli

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Broccoli contains nutrients like magnesium, vitamins A, E, C, and calcium, which may soothe some of the nagging PMS symptoms.

Eat: Dark Chocolate

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Sugar may not be advisable during your period, but sometimes you get that sudden hankering for a sugary treat. "Byrdie" suggests that if you want the serotonin boost, opt for a chocolate that's 60% cacao or higher.

Eat: Quinoa

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"Healthline" suggests the super nutrient grain, quinoa, during your period. Quinoa can also give you sustained energy to keep you going through your day.

Drink: Peppermint Tea

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Peppermint tea is a great option for a soothing tea. A 2016 study suggests that peppermint tea can help soothe some of the symptoms of PMS.

Avoid: Caffeine

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While we love cup of coffee for that extra little boost (which we may a lot more to fight off sluggishness), but caffeine makes the blood vessels constrict, which can ultimately have a tightening effect on the uterus, according to "The Thirty".

Avoid: Sugar

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Aim to consume sugars in moderation. If you tend to feel moody during your period, watching your sugar intake can help regulate your mood.

Avoid: Spicy Foods

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More specifically if you ware not used to spicy food, during your period may not be the best time to go experimental. May people report an upset stomach after eating spicy food giving them diarrhea and stomach pain.

Avoid: Alcohol

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"Your body is already on overdrive and fatigued. Adding a toxin to your body will do more harm than good."

explains Laura Martin, certified holistic health and wellness consultant, gut specialist, and founder of Healing to Happy to "The Thirty"