Every woman experiences a bloody discharge every month called a menstrual period.
Hormones are released by the pituitary gland at strategic times during the menstrual cycle. These hormones cause your uterus to thicken its walls.
Your uterus thickens its walls in preparation for the possible fertilisation of your eggs as they’re released. The uterus being “battle-ready” for a successful placement of the egg is disappointed after waiting throughout the menstrual cycle in vain. Then its sheds this wall it had built. The result comes out as a bloody discharge, usually referred to as menstruation or period.
Every woman is unique in her own experiences but the process is pretty much the same. The length of the menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. On average, it runs for 28 days. You can bleed for a period of 3 to 7 days.
Women spend a good number of their time on Earth observing their periods; once a month, twelve times a year. Multiply your age by twelve and you will agree with me, that put together, it is a lot of time.
When you factor in the huge release of hormones during these periods and how your body reacts to them, then we can both agree that menstruation is a big deal not to be overlooked, underrated, or treated with laxity.
Aside from the various side effects which include; nausea, tiredness, abdominal cramps, headaches, and so on, a lot of complications can arise if proper care is not taken. The period of menstruation makes you susceptible to infections. The rapid loss of blood can lead to anaemia and low sugar levels.
It is therefore important that women take proper care of themselves during their period. From your diet to your hygiene, I have listed below;
Five Things You Must Avoid During Your Period
1. Do Not Skip Meals
Some women experience a loss of appetite during their period. Some just want to lie in bed all day. This is not strange as blood loss can lead to a reduction in energy levels. No matter how tempting the idea of staying away from food is, do not indulge yourself. Endeavour to eat three times a day to ensure that your sugar level does not drop to a dangerously low degree.
Also, monthly loss of blood results in low iron in the blood. Anaemia can occur if the iron loss is not restored. The best way to keep replenishing iron in the body is through eating regularly.
Eat green leafy vegetables, quinoa, and other cereals rich in nutrients. Increase your probiotic levels with the intake of yoghurts. You’re susceptible to yeast infections during your period. Consuming foods rich in probiotics reduces the chances of a yeast infection.
2. Do Not Smoke
Smoking has always been a terrible habit, whether on your period or not. Smoking has dangerous effects on the body, worst still a woman’s body.
The large amount of nicotine consumed can lead to irregular menstruation, severe menstrual cramps, and inflammation. If you have developed the habit of smoking already, it will be helpful to avoid smoking during your menses.
3. Do Not Use One Sanitary Pad Throughout the Day
This seems a difficult routine to observe, but we must do. Every 4 to 6 hours, sanitary pads, no matter the brand should be changed.
Create a schedule that allows you to change your pads as often as you can. Using the same pad throughout the day gives room for bacterial growth, bad odour, and rashes.
4. Avoid Too Much Salt
Too much sodium in your diet can lead to bloating and severe cramps. Periods come with food cravings. If it’s not cravings for sweet foods, it is for savoury foods. Do not indulge yourself and consume foods high in salt content during your period.
5. Stay Away From Coffee
Another thing to avoid during your period is caffeine. During your period, consumption of caffeine can lead to breast tenderness and severe menstrual cramps. Even if it has become your regular morning routine, avoid it during your period.
Conclusion
Menstruation is something that you experience for most of your life as a woman, observing the best period practices will make your life easier and healthier, while your periods are a lot less painful.
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