Menstruation is a natural thing experienced by women. During menstruation, hormonal changes can affect physical and psychological conditions. One of the things that need to be considered during menstruation is diet. Some types of food are not recommended for consumption because they can worsen the symptoms you are feeling. Anything? Let's look at the list of foods that are prohibited for consumption during menstruation below.

Prohibited Foods During Menstruation

One type of food that is recommended to be avoided before menstruation is fast food or junk food. Even though it tastes good, this type of food tends to be low in nutrition and high in calories and salt, so it is not good for health, especially for women during menstruation.

Apart from fast food, there are several other types of food that should be avoided or limited during menstruation, including:

1. High Salt Levels Foods 
   To reduce the symptoms of bloating and accumulation of fluid in the blood vessels, you should avoid consuming foods that contain high levels of salt just before menstruation or during menstruation. There are many ways to reduce excess salt consumption, for example by replacing french fries with baked potatoes which tend to have lower salt levels.

2. High Caffeine Drinks
   During menstruation or before menstruation, it is advisable to avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine. This is because caffeine can increase feelings of restlessness and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms of mood swings during menstruation.
   
   In addition, caffeine can also increase uterine contractions which exacerbate menstrual pain. All of these can affect mood and trigger the desire to eat more. In addition to these effects, caffeine can also increase stomach acid production, which can trigger heartburn and increase discomfort during menstruation.
   
   Therefore, it is advisable to limit consumption of coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate ice cream, or other foods that contain caffeine during the menstrual period. So, it's better to replace these drinks with healthier and more nutritious drinks during the menstrual period.

3. Fatty Foods
   Foods that contain a lot of fat can slow down the digestive process and cause abdominal pain and bloating. In addition, fatty foods can also increase the production of the hormone estrogen which can exacerbate menstrual symptoms such as headaches and mood swings. Several types of fatty foods that should be avoided during menstrual periods include fatty meats, sausages, pastries, cheese, smoked meats, and foods that use coconut milk as the main ingredient. It is better to choose healthy and nutritious foods during menstruation to reduce the risk of unwanted symptoms.

4. Alcohol
   Foods and drinks that contain alcohol should be avoided before and during the menstrual period, because they can worsen the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In addition, alcohol can also cause a decrease in blood sugar levels, which makes it easier for you to feel sensitive and irritable, anxious, tired, and can cause headaches. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming alcohol during your period to help reduce symptoms and improve mood.

5. Spicy Food
   Spicy foods can stimulate the stomach and cause flatulence and pain during menstruation. This happens due to exposure to chemicals in chili which can increase stomach acid production. In addition, spicy food can also cause changes in body temperature which can exacerbate the symptoms you are feeling.

6. Foods High in Sugar
   Foods that contain lots of sugar can trigger changes in body temperature, which can exacerbate symptoms of mood swings during menstrual periods. In addition, foods rich in sugar can also increase the production of the hormone insulin which can exacerbate menstrual symptoms such as pain and cramps. Therefore, it is best to avoid foods or drinks that contain high sugar during menstruation, and choose healthier and more nutritious foods to help reduce uncomfortable symptoms.

These are the types of food that should be avoided during menstruation. Avoiding these foods during menstruation can help reduce painful symptoms that may be felt.

References:

https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/103/makanan-dan-minuman-yang-harus-dihindari-saat-haid

https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/6-makanan-yang-sebaiknya-dihindari-saat-menstruasi

https://www.alodokter.com/wanita-perlu-tahu-ini-jenis-makanan-yang-dilarang-saat-haid