10 Mistakes You Should Avoid During Your Period
According to gynecologists, you should avoid making these mistakes during your period. It's always a difficult time anyway
When we're on our periods, we usually lie around for a couple of days with abdominal pain and cramping. But even if we don't have these problems and do pretty well with our periods, there are a few things everyone who menstruates should keep in mind when strawberry week comes around again and, more importantly, mistakes to avoid:
#1 Less Salty Food
Due to the change in hormonal balance, many experience water retention, which is why they weigh a little more before and during their period. This water retention is made worse when we eat foods that are too salty, such as potato chips or fast food. Fluid retention can also increase the cramps that come with your period. You should also drink plenty of fluids while you menstruate so that you don't feel even more bloated.
#2 Don't Forget Birth Control
Even during your period, pregnancy cannot be ruled out. Therefore, you should not neglect your contraception. In addition, while menstruating you are more susceptible to illnesses and the risk of infection by certain STIs is notably higher. That's why you shouldn't go without a condom!
#3 Painkillers are Allowed
Many people experience severe pain and cramping during menstruation. If this is also your case, you can take painkillers such as ibuprofen from time to time.
#4 Be Active
It's important to not only lie around on the couch and watch sappy movies during your period. You don't necessarily have to exercise intensely, but even a short walk in the fresh air can do wonders.
#5 No Scented Soap
If you notice an unpleasant odor "down there", you should definitely not use scented soap! If the odor is due to a bacterial or fungal infection, it can be made worse with harsh soaps and fragrances. To freshen up, gynecologists recommend baby wipes, which are particularly mild and above all pH neutral.
#6. Avoid Alcohol and Nicotine
You should avoid alcohol and nicotine during your period. Alcohol, for example, increases headaches and affects sleep patterns and even the timing of ovulation. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the tissues, which leads to stronger cramps.
#7 Too Little Sleep
We sleep a lot less at night and not as deeply as usual when we have our period. But to compensate for the discomfort, we also need enough sleep. That's why you should avoid caffeine and not eat too late at night, so you can sleep better!
#8 Too Much Chocolate
We'd prefer to eat nothing but chocolate during our period, but this is not good for the body at all! Too much sugar throws the body and immune system out of balance and, in the worst case scenario, can make cramps worse.
#9 Coffee
While we all love coffee, the caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which can also increase cramps. A more pleasant alternative is tea, especially fennel tea which is good for you.
#10 Too Much Stress
Don't put too many appointments on your calendar during your period. Our bodies are already weakened enough during these days, they don't need the physical and mental stress. It's best to take it easy.
