What Not to Drink on Your Period?

When you’re on your period, you may experience discomfort, bloating, cramps, or mood swings. What you eat and drink during this time can significantly impact how you feel. While certain beverages can help alleviate symptoms, others can make them worse.

This article explores what you should avoid drinking during your period, along with recommendations on the best drinks to keep you comfortable. We will also address common questions such as whether you can drink milk, Coca-Cola, or other popular beverages during your period.

When you’re menstruating, certain drinks can exacerbate discomfort or lead to additional issues. Here are some beverages to avoid:

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages can worsen period symptoms like cramps, bloating, and irritability. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the uterus, which can intensify cramps. Additionally, caffeine can increase anxiety and make you feel more jittery, contributing to mood swings.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol on your period can lead to dehydration, which may worsen bloating and cramps. Alcohol also affects hormone levels, which can increase irritability, headaches, and fatigue. Furthermore, it can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling even more exhausted. Learn more here.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas, sweetened teas, and sugary juices can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and crash, leading to energy fluctuations and mood swings. High sugar intake can also contribute to inflammation and bloating, making you feel more uncomfortable during your period.
Carbonated Beverages: Drinks like soda and sparkling water can cause gas and bloating, which are already common during menstruation. The carbonation in these drinks can make you feel more uncomfortable and exacerbate digestive issues.
Cold Drinks: Some believe that cold drinks can constrict blood vessels, leading to increased menstrual cramps. While this isn’t scientifically proven, if you find that cold beverages worsen your cramps, it’s best to avoid them.

What is Best to Drink on Your Period?

Staying hydrated and choosing the right beverages during your period can help alleviate discomfort. Here are some of the best drinks to consume:

Water: Plain water is the best way to stay hydrated and help reduce bloating. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess sodium and reduces water retention, which can alleviate bloating and cramps.
Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint, can soothe cramps, reduce bloating, and help you relax. Chamomile tea, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and discomfort. Ginger tea is known for its anti-nausea effects and can help with digestive issues. Peppermint tea can ease bloating and improve digestion. Learn more here.
Warm Water with Lemon: Warm water with a squeeze of lemon is another great option. It can help with digestion, reduce bloating, and provide a boost of vitamin C, which supports your immune system during your period.
Fruit-Infused Water: If plain water is too bland, try infusing it with slices of fruit like lemon, cucumber, or berries. This adds a natural sweetness and extra vitamins without the added sugar of store-bought flavored drinks.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, which can help balance your hydration levels. It’s a great alternative to sugary sports drinks and can help replenish lost nutrients, especially if you experience heavy bleeding.

Can I Drink Milk on My Period?

Milk is a common question when it comes to period diets. While it’s generally safe to drink milk during your period, it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Some women find that dairy products, including milk, can increase bloating and gas due to lactose content. If you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, you may want to avoid milk during your period. However, if you tolerate dairy well, milk can be a good source of calcium, which may help reduce cramps.

An alternative is plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk. These are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, offering similar benefits without the potential for bloating associated with dairy milk.

You can learn more here.

Can I Drink Coca-Cola During My Period?

Coca-Cola and other sugary, caffeinated sodas are not ideal choices during your period. As mentioned earlier, caffeine can worsen cramps, while the high sugar content can lead to energy crashes and mood swings. Additionally, the carbonation in Coca-Cola can contribute to bloating and discomfort.

If you’re craving something fizzy, consider switching to a naturally flavored sparkling water with no added sugars or caffeine. This can satisfy your craving without the negative effects of soda.

What Drink Makes Your Period Faster?

There’s no scientifically proven drink that can make your period end faster. However, staying well-hydrated with water or herbal teas can support your body’s natural processes and potentially help alleviate some period symptoms.

In some cases, people believe that warm beverages, like ginger tea, can increase blood flow and help reduce the length of your period, but this is largely anecdotal.

Can I Eat Eggs on My Period?

Yes, you can eat eggs during your period. In fact, eggs are a good source of high-quality protein and nutrients like iron, which can help replenish iron lost during menstruation.

Eggs also contain vitamin D, which may help reduce the severity of cramps. Eating a balanced diet that includes eggs can help you feel more energized and less fatigued during your period.

Which Fruit is Good During Periods?

Fruits are a great addition to your diet during your period, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Some of the best fruits to eat during your period include:

Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas can help reduce bloating and cramping. They also provide energy-boosting carbohydrates to keep you feeling energized.
Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
Watermelon: Watermelon is hydrating and can help reduce bloating due to its high water content. It’s also a good source of natural sugars, which can satisfy your sweet cravings without causing a blood sugar crash.
Oranges: Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation and support your immune system. They also contain calcium and vitamin D, which can alleviate cramps.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce muscle tension and inflammation, making it a good fruit to eat during your period.

Conclusion

What you drink during your period can have a significant impact on how you feel. Avoiding certain beverages like caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks can help minimize discomfort, while staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, and fruit-infused beverages can improve your overall well-being.

Milk can be consumed if you tolerate it well, but plant-based alternatives are also excellent choices. As for foods, eggs and certain fruits can provide essential nutrients and help alleviate period symptoms.

By making mindful choices about what you drink and eat, you can navigate your period with greater comfort and ease.

Reference

Carroll HA, Lustyk MK, Larimer ME. The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015 Dec;18(6):773-81. doi: 10.1007/s00737-015-0568-2. Epub 2015 Aug 21. PMID: 26293593; PMCID: PMC4859868.
Wu T, Doyle C, Ito J, Ramesh N, Ernest DK, Crespo NC, Hsu FC, Oren E. Cold Exposures in Relation to Dysmenorrhea among Asian and White Women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Dec 30;21(1):56. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21010056. PMID: 38248521; PMCID: PMC10815354.
Kim K, Wactawski-Wende J, Michels KA, Plowden TC, Chaljub EN, Sjaarda LA, Mumford SL. Dairy Food Intake Is Associated with Reproductive Hormones and Sporadic Anovulation among Healthy Premenopausal Women. J Nutr. 2017 Feb;147(2):218-226. doi: 10.3945/jn.116.241521. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27881593; PMCID: PMC5265695.

Tools:

0 Shares

What Not to Drink on Your Period?