Does Coke Help with Period Pain?

There’s a common myth that drinking Coca-Cola or other carbonated sodas can help relieve period pain. However, this is not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, consuming Coke and similar sugary drinks might actually worsen menstrual cramps for several reasons.

1. High Sugar Content

Coca-Cola contains a high amount of sugar, which can lead to rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can increase irritability and fatigue, potentially making period pain feel more intense.

• Alternative: Opt for water or herbal teas to stay hydrated without the negative effects of sugar.

For more details about the effects of high sugar on menstruation, check here and here.

2. Caffeine

Coke contains caffeine, which can constrict blood vessels and increase tension in the body. This can exacerbate menstrual cramps and lead to additional discomfort.

• Alternative: If you need a caffeine fix, consider green tea, which has less caffeine and contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

For more information about the effects of caffeine on period pain, check here and here.

3. Carbonation

The carbonation in Coke can cause bloating and gas, which can further aggravate the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. The buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines can put additional pressure on the abdomen.

• Alternative: Drink still water or herbal teas that do not contain carbonation to avoid bloating.

For more information about the effects of carbonation on menstrual cramps, check here and here.

4. Artificial Additives

Coke contains artificial additives and preservatives that can contribute to inflammation and overall poor health. Consuming these additives during your period might make your body feel more stressed and uncomfortable.

• Alternative: Focus on natural, whole foods and drinks that nourish your body and help reduce inflammation.

For more details about the impact of artificial additives on period pain, check this study.

5. Dehydration

While Coke is a liquid, it is not as hydrating as water. The caffeine and sugar content can actually have a diuretic effect, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can worsen menstrual cramps and make you feel more fatigued.

• Alternative: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help reduce cramping.

For more details about the effects of dehydration on menstrual cycle, check here.

What to Drink Instead

To better manage period pain, consider these healthier alternatives:

• Water: Staying hydrated helps reduce bloating and keeps muscles, including the uterus, relaxed.
• Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas can soothe cramps and reduce inflammation.
• Warm Beverages: Warm drinks, like hot water with lemon or warm milk, can help relax muscles and provide comfort.

Tip: check out our article here about the best drinks for reducing period pain

Healthy Habits for Reducing Period Pain

In addition to avoiding Coke and sugary drinks, adopting these habits can help manage menstrual cramps:

• Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide your body with essential nutrients.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve blood flow and release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and muscle tension.
• Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep each night to support overall health and reduce sensitivity to pain.

For more information, check out here for details on how to deal with period pain.

In summary, while drinking Coke is a common myth for relieving period pain, it can actually make cramps worse due to its sugar, caffeine, and carbonation content. Opt for healthier, hydrating alternatives to better manage menstrual discomfort.

Reference

1. Monday I, Anthony P, Olunu E, Otohinoyi D, Abiodun S, Owolabi A, Mobolaji B, Fakoya AOJ. Prevalence and Correlation between Diet and Dysmenorrhea among High School and College Students in Saint Vincent and Grenadines. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Mar 28;7(6):920-924. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.205. PMID: 30976334; PMCID: PMC6454168.
2. Naraoka Y, Hosokawa M, Minato-Inokawa S, Sato Y. Severity of Menstrual Pain Is Associated with Nutritional Intake and Lifestyle Habits. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Apr 30;11(9):1289. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11091289. PMID: 37174831; PMCID: PMC10178419.
3. Fenster L, Quale C, Waller K, Windham GC, Elkin EP, Benowitz N, Swan SH. Caffeine consumption and menstrual function. Am J Epidemiol. 1999 Mar 15;149(6):550-7. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009851. PMID: 10084244.
4. Association between menstrual disturbances and habitual use of caffeine
5. Wang, L., Wen, S., Li, X. et al. Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students. Sci Rep 14, 21210 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8
6. Assessment of menstrual characteristics among nulliparous female consumers of carbonated soft drinks
7. Park, S., Chung, C. Effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels: a single group clinical trial. BMC Women’s Health 21, 58 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01199-3
8. Torkan B, Mousavi M, Dehghani S, Hajipour L, Sadeghi N, Ziaei Rad M, Montazeri A. The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study. BMC Womens Health. 2021 Jan 28;21(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s12905-021-01184-w. PMID: 33509179; PMCID: PMC7845092.

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