Our body is what we eat. That is why it is very important to be cautious of what we eat. With the advancement of technology in food practices and with the impact of fast foods in our lives, we have destroyed or lessen our ability to access what used to be “good, natural and healthy food”.

Our food is not balanced anymore. We have been exposed to frozen foods and other processed foods which have chemicals and preservatives added in them. Vitamins B and C are lost during the freezing process. Antioxidants, which are good for our body, are lower in frozen foods than they are in fresh foods.

Our bodies, especially women’s bodies are affected by the kind of food we eat and that also has an impact on our periods. A few days before the start of the menstrual cycle each month, some women experience bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, cramps in stomach, legs or back, anxiety etc. owing to PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome).

Different hormones have different functions. Each hormone has its specific functions. Foods that we consume affect our hormones’ level. To have healthy periods, it is important for women to have a healthy balance in estrogen and progesterone hormone.

Following are some diet hacks that would help you in managing your hormone health and have comfortable periods –

• Eating foods that have high amount of iron, is helpful during menstruation. Green leafy vegetables like Spinach, Fenugreek leaves; fruits like Pomegranate, beetroot, Broccoli are rich source of iron.
• Avoid eating processed foods. Processed foods not only affect your thyroid function, but also provide empty calories.
• Make sure that you have adequate amount of Vitamin-D in your body. Early morning sunlight is the best source of Vitamin-D. Food sources of vitamin-D are dairy products, egg yolks, salmon, mackerel. Vitamin-D deficiency is linked to mental health issues like depression, anxiety and may also make it difficult to manage weight.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea and sugary aerated drinks.
• Carbohydrates are a good source of energy for the body. It is a common misconception that reducing or cutting carbohydrates intake will aid weight loss. In doing so, they realize their body get deprived of the energy our body gets from carbs. Potatoes are not bad for health. They are a good source of carbohydrates and energy and good for the body when eaten in balanced proportions.

Know The Best Carbohydrates for Weight Loss

• Choose personal care products that are free from chemicals like parabens and phthalates
• Stress is one of the key factors that damages hormone health – try to keep calm, practicing Yoga and meditation helps.
• Have adequate sleep so that your body clock is not disturbed and your body is well rested.

Women who get their period every month, need that energy in their body. Simple fact: adjusting your hormones through natural foods would make your periods easy.