Every menstruation has its problems it brings at the end of the month. At times, periods flow easily without any pain and complications but at times too, they can be hell. From abdominal pains to headaches, nausea, heavy flows, mood swings, diarrhoea and fatigue. All these emanate from the immediate environment you find yourself in, like the kind of foods you eat during that time of the month.

Certain foods Just make complications worse and some also bring relief. There’s therefore the need to avoid certain foods during menstruation to prevent any complications and have a free flow period.

The following are the foods avoid during menstruation;

•   Sugar:
The number one on the list is sugar and it’s very obvious. Sugar causes heavy flows and mood swings due to the amount of energy it produces. Reducing your intake of sugar during menstruation or just before menstruation help a normal and free flow of periods.

•   Salt:
No wonder salt follows sugar. These two are like siblings, very good for our taste but can be dangerous to our health. Consuming salt during your period’s results in the accumulation of fluid also known as water retention in the body. This leads to bloating and bloating during menstruation can be very unbearable. Avoid adding salt to your meals during menstruation if you want a free flow period.

•   Spicy foods:
Eating spicy foods during menstruation can cause diarrhoea and abdominal problems. One major complication that is not easy to battle with during menstruation cramps. It becomes even worse when the cramps are accompanied by diarrhoea. Stay away from spicy foods to enjoy cramps free periods.

•   Coffee:
Just like salt, coffee causes bloating and water retention as well. Coffee can also cause headaches and diarrhoea during periods. To prevent all these complications, just avoid coffee during your periods.

•   Red meat:
Another food that may cause complications during periods is red meat. During menstruation, the body produces a compound called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins help the uterus to get rid of accumulated blood(uterus lining) from the uterus which comes out as blood.

Prostaglandins are the reason why most women experience menstrual cramps. Red meat such as mutton, pork and beef also contain this prostaglandins compound. As a result, consuming these will only double up the production of prostaglandins and thereby increasing cramps.

•   Alcohol:
Alcohol causes a lot of problems to our body. During menstruation, hangovers can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and even vomiting which may make you uncomfortable. It is best when you stay away from alcohol during periods.