Many women suffer from irregular periods. For example, you can get your periods 2 weeks later than the usual date, miss a month or get it 2 weeks earlier instead. A healthy woman or girl of menstruating age has an average menstrual cycle of 21 to 35 days. Periods can last from 4 to 7 days for most women.
There are several factors that cause irregular periods including:
-Stress
-Eating too little food
-Birth control pills
-Low body weight
-Eating too much food that is pumped with hormones like factory chicken
-Being overweight
-Exercising too much
-Certain health conditions such as PCOS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc
Missing a period, having unusually heavy periods or getting two periods in a month can make any girl go into panic mode. But don’t worry! If this happens once in a blue moon, then it’s nothing serious – a lot of people experience this sometimes. However, you definitely do not want it to happen regularly, right?
That’s why today, We will be sharing the top 10 foods to eat to regulate periods! Diet plays a big role in nourishing your body, balancing hormones and regulating periods.
Caution:
Remember to seek medical attention if you have suspect having a medical condition causing your irregular periods.
Some of the foods listed below are emmenagogues, meaning they help stimulate menstruation. This means if you are pregnant, they can cause miscarriages. So if you suspect that you are pregnant or are trying to conceive, avoid these foods or consult a doctor for advice. Take care!
Top 10 Foods to Eat to Regulate Periods
Check out these top 10 foods to eat to regulate periods naturally!
1. Papaya
Papaya is the best food for regulating periods. It actually stimulates menstruation so if you have scanty periods or miss periods, then this is the number one food you should eat. Papaya is delicious so buy fresh papaya, peel it, cut it up and enjoy it before breakfast regularly! What’s more, is that papaya is known to promote glowing skin, so what are you waiting for?! Incorporate this sweet tropical fruit into your diet.
2. Parsley
A herb we use to garnish our food, parsley is actually very good for regulating periods. Fresh parsley boiled in water is said to have been used as an emmenagogue for centuries in traditional cultures. Drink parsley tea twice a day, which helps bring on your period. Steep about a handful of fresh parsley in 2 cups of hot water and drink one cup twice a day.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric powder is among the best foods that fight inflammation and pain. It is warming in nature, contain a high amount of antioxidants and also helps regulate periods by balancing hormones. Take turmeric powder before and during your period to minimize PMS and painful periods. The best way to consume turmeric is by making ‘golden milk.’ Pour warm milk into a cup then add ¼ tsp to ½ tsp of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper (this increases the bioavailability of turmeric by miles!!) and your sweetener of choice (I like local honey). Stir well and sip away before bed every night.
4. Ginger
Ginger is one of the top spices highly praised in both Ayurvedic Indian and Chinese medicine for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving powers. It is also a strong emmenagogue which makes it good for inducing periods. If you have delayed periods, take fresh ginger tea every day, mixed with honey.
5. Oily Fish
These include salmon, mackerel, lake trout, and herring, among others. What’s unique in oily fish is their high protein, healthy fats, and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats help reduce inflammation which is a root cause of many health issues including pain, bloating and menstrual cramps. So if you have heavy painful periods instead of healthy normal flow, then incorporate oily fish into your diet and cut down on red meat and cheeses which are rich in saturated fat, which is the unhealthy kind of fat.
6. Carrots
Carrots are great for your eyes and also for balancing hormones! Whole raw carrots contain a unique fiber that helps regulate hormones by binding toxins, especially excess estrogen, and getting it out of the body. You can’t juice or cook the carrot, it must be just eating a raw carrot a day. Of course, you can make a salad out of it, add some lemon juice, salt and enjoy it as a snack! And one more thing – it is best eaten in between meals, not with a meal.
7. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds offer a lot of health benefits! They are the top sources of omega 3 fats and fiber as well. According to a report published in 2012 (read it here), flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans that are natural compounds that can help balance hormones, including estrogen. In this report, flaxseed supplementation was shown to help decrease androgen levels (male hormone) in a woman suffering from PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome), whose symptoms include irregular periods, among others.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice can also be consumed to help balance hormones and alkalize the body thereby regulating periods. You can drink aloe vera juice with a natural sweetener like honey!
9. Almonds
Munch on a handful of almonds every day to regulate your periods! Almonds deliver a boatload of nutrients. They are rich in protein, vitamin E, magnesium and manganese. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress that causes a whole lot of health problems. Please soak your almonds for about 4 hours or overnight before consuming them to remove the phytic acid that binds certain minerals, preventing them from being absorbed.
10. Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein and healthy fats which are important for hormonal balance and regulating menstruation. Have an egg every day to get the necessary protein you need! Remember eggs also promote long thick and luscious hair!
Tip: Make Your Periods Easier By Sipping on Red Raspberry Tea!
