Can you eat ice cream while on your period?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you eat ice cream while on your period?” with an in-depth analysis of periods. Moreover, we will discuss whether ice cream increases the intensity of menstrual cramps, the foods to eat while on periods, and some methods to relieve the menstrual cramps.
Can you eat ice cream while on your period?
No, it is better to avoid ice cream while on your period. Ice cream can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. It is a dairy product. Though dairy is a major part of a healthy diet, having an excessive amount of cheese or milk-based products while on periods can cause the period cramps to get worse.
Ice cream consists of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can worsen inflammation and can induce cramping.
What are periods?
Periods, also known as menstruation, is a monthly cycle during which the lining of the uterus sheds. This shedding is due to a drop in hormonal levels when a woman is not pregnant. The lining of the uterus includes tissue and blood, which is why women bleed during their periods.
What are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps indicate the painful feelings that females undergo before and during their period. The severity of the pain varies from dull, severe to extreme.
It affects both the lower abdomen and the lower back. Usually, the pain is more severe in 10 per cent of menstruating women during the initial 3 days. Pain that is only due to menstruation is called primary dysmenorrhea.
But, menstruating women may experience period pain that results from a medical problem, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, a condition referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea.
What foods should be consumed during periods?
Foods that should be consumed during periods include:
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Menstruating women should get their omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements.
The best food source of omega-3 fatty acids is non-fried, oily fish. These fish are composed of good amounts of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids that provide many health benefits. For instance, they may aid to control joint pain and stiffness.
However, not every fish is healthy as some contain high mercury content. The best fish types to consume for omega-3 fatty acids include herring, marlin, anchovies, sardines, salmon, sturgeon, lake trout, tuna, and bluefish.
In addition to fish, you can also get omega 3 fatty acids by consuming flaxseed, walnuts, algal oil, soybean, chia seeds, canola oil, and fortified foods including yoghurts and juices.
Foods rich in iron
Periods make the iron levels of women drop considerably because of blood loss. That is why it can be potentially harmful and may lead to iron deficiency anaemia, especially in women with heavy bleeding.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition that is characterized by low levels of healthy erythrocytes in the blood, which is important for carrying oxygen to the body tissues. Rather than consuming ice cream, you are encouraged to eat more iron-rich foods.
Some of the iron-rich foods include beans, red meat, seafood, dark green leafy, iron-fortified cereals, pasta, and bread, vegetables, and peas as well as dried fruits including apricots and raisins.
Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide many important vitamins and minerals that are beneficial during periods.
Other methods to treat menstrual cramps
Some reliable methods that help to reduce period cramps include:
The heating technique
Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen really helps to soothe the period cramps. Heat allows the abdominal muscles to relax, thus relieving cramps. It may also help overcome the discomfort. For instance, if you are experiencing pain in the lower back, you can place the heating pad over there also.
Gentle exercise
Exercise is a reliable method that works well in reducing menstrual pain. However, be very careful when choosing the routine as difficult exercises may do more harm than good.
It is better to seek the help of a fitness instructor when deciding on an exercise program to perform while on your period. Some of the recommended exercises include brisk walks and yoga.
Massage
You can also get rid of menstrual cramps by massaging your abdomen. This helps to relax the pelvic muscles and help relieve the cramps.
Foods to avoid during periods
Foods that should be avoided during periods include:
- Refined carbs and sugar
- Coffee
- Fatty food
- Dairy products
- Processed and salty foods
- Alcohol
Other FAQs about Ice cream that you may be interested in.
Can you eat ice cream when you have the flu?
Can you eat ice cream while pregnant?
Can you eat ice cream with acid reflux?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question, “Can you eat ice cream while on your period?” with an in-depth analysis of periods. Moreover, we have discussed whether ice cream increases the intensity of menstrual cramps, the foods to eat while on periods, and some methods to relieve the menstrual cramps.
