All That You Need To Know About Period Bloating

Have you ever noticed an annoying disruption in your digestive system right around the time that your periods decide to show up!

Well, your aren’t dealing with this alone – we’re all quite familiar with it!

What you are experiencing is called bloating. Most women deal with this boated feeling around their periods and the discomfort is no joke. Don’t worry, read on to know more about period bloating and how to rid yourselves of this discomfort.

What causes period bloating?

Periods cause altered (or slowed) bowel movements. This further leads to incomplete evacuation of stool and gas, which eventually goes on to cause bloating. Bloating can be controlled by avoiding and incorporating certain foods in your diet.

  

What foods should be avoided to reduce bloating?

While bloating is not completely avoidable, there are certain foods that can make it much worse – make sure to steer clear of them!

• Legumes like kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, beans and soybeans - they cause an increase of gas in your system, which will make you feel even more uncomfortable.
• Additional intake of salt in foods such as chips, namkeen, pickles and chutneys - they lead to water retention, which often also leads to this bloated feeling.
• Dry fruit – these are high in sugar and lead to fermentation in the stomach, resulting in bloating.
• Raw fruits and vegetables, especially melons. Fruits such as watermelon contain fructose, a natural sugar that is tough on the digestive system. This can cause gas and increase bloating. 

 

What foods are good to reduce bloating?

• Avocado

Avocados are rich in potassium, which helps regulate bloating by managing sodium levels and reducing water retention. They are also high in fiber so they prevent constipation, which also may be a cause for bloating.

 

• Pineapple

Pineapples consist of the enzyme bromelain, which helps treat digestive issues and inflammation. This reduces bloating and swelling.

 

• Papaya

Papaya consists of the enzyme called papain, which helps in the breakdown of amino acids - improving digestion. It also is high in fiber, reducing the possibility of constipation.

 

• Ginger

Ginger consists of the enzyme called zingibain, which helps with the breakdown of protein, ensuring a smooth and efficient digestive system, thus combating any bloating.

 

• Cucumber

Cucumber has high water content. It helps hydrate your system and reduces the possibility of bloating and water retention resulting from dehydration.

 

• Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a probiotic that helps relieve any digestive issues. It is known to fix Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ensure smooth functioning of the digestive system.

 

• Oats

Oats are extremely high in fiber. They also consist of the fiber beta glucan, which helps with inflammation.

 

• Apples

Apples are not only rich in fiber but also have high water content. They help the body stay hydrated and also include the soluble fiber called pectin, which helps accelerate the pace of digestion, thus reducing bloating and constipation.