Foods you need to avoid when on your period (Photo: iStock)

Most women tend to concern themselves with menstrual hygiene and maybe medication to help ease severe PMS symptoms when Aunt Flo is in town.

They don't often take time to think about how their food choices could impact and increase discomfort during this period.

While it is important to focus on healthy foods and drink plenty of water, here are some foods you should eat in moderation during this period:

Salty snacks

When you're on your period, there are times when you can function normally without any interruptions.

However, there are those days when the symptoms get the best of you and all you want to do is lie in bed, watch your favourite show, and eat an excessive amount of salty snacks like crisps and popcorn.

This might seem like a good idea but salty foods actually worsen bloating.

Spicy foods
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If you're a fan of spicy foods like Ethiopian and Indian cuisines during this time it would be wise to put a pause on them.

The main reason why it doesn't work so well is, that your gut is going through a bit of a sensitive phase and any slight thing can cause unpleasant effects like diarrhoea and nausea.

Dairy products

Even though you enjoy chocolate milk, ice cream, and yoghurt, these meals are among those you should cut out on temporarily.

They have been proved to make period pains worse and, if you have an intolerance to them, they can also cause more severe diarrhoea and other digestive problems.

Caffeinated drinks

Many people opt for a nice cup of coffee in the morning. It's also what you might choose if you need some extra energy as the day goes by.

However, when Aunt Flo is in town you ought to slow down or, better yet, refrain from it.

Caffeine will make your menses heavier, slow down blood flow in your vessels and trigger more intense cramps without forgetting the bonus bloating.

Alcohol

It's also a good idea to stay away from liquor while menstruating. Alcoholic drinks can affect your hormonal balance which could lead to bloating and prolonged cramps.

Also, excessive drinking leaves you with a bad hangover and PMS symptoms which cannot be a good combination.

Menstrual Health Reproductive Health Nutrition