5 Important Things to Avoid During Periods

By Dietician Ashu Gupta – Best Dietician in Gurgaon
Periods are a natural part of any woman's life, but they are frequently associated with pain such as cramps, mood changes, bloating, exhaustion, and irritation. While you can't completely regulate your hormones, there are several typical lifestyle and diet mistakes that might exacerbate your periods.

As a professional dietician and women's health expert, I've seen how small changes can result in significant alleviation. In this article, I'll describe the top five things to avoid during your period to keep you comfortable and healthy.

Avoid Excess Caffeine and Sugary Foods

It’s tempting to reach for coffee, chocolates, and sugary treats when you’re on your period. But these can actually make things worse.
 

Why To Avoid:
Caffeine can cause blood vessels to contract, leading to more severe cramps.

Excess sugar causes inflammation, mood changes, and tiredness.

Both can affect your sleep and enhance anxiety or irritation.

What To Do Instead:
Switch to herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint.

To satisfy sweet cravings, consume fruit, dates, or jaggery in moderation.

If you really want a treat, choose dark chocolate (70% or more), which is high in magnesium and may help with cramps.

Avoid Skipping Meals

Many women experience bloating or loss of appetite during their periods. But missing meals can be dangerous, especially during menstruation.

Why To Avoid:

Your body requires additional energy to manage changes in hormones and blood loss.

Skipping meals can induce low blood sugar, resulting in fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.

It can also lower your metabolism and worsen mood swings.

What To Do Instead:

Eat small, frequent meals every three to four hours.

Include iron-rich foods (such as spinach, lentils, and beets) to compensate for iron deficiency.

Eat balanced meals that include protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Avoid Intense Physical Workouts

Exercise is excellent for relieving cramps and improving your mood, but don't overdo it during your period.

Why To Avoid:

High-intensity workouts can put a load on your body, which is already dealing with fatigue and hormone imbalances.

Overexercising may increase bleeding and worsen cramping.

You may also experience dizziness due to poor energy levels.

What To Do Instead:

For menstrual cramps, try mild exercises such as walking, stretching, or yoga.

Concentrate on deep breathing and relaxation.

Don't ignore your body's need for rest. Sleep and healing are equally vital.

Avoid Using Chemical-Based Products

Hygiene is critical during menstruation, yet many women unintentionally use products that can harm their skin and health.

Why To Avoid:

Scented pads, tampons, and sprays frequently include chemicals and artificial smells that can cause irritation or infection.

Washing with strong soaps can alter your natural pH balance, resulting in dryness or itching.

What To Do Instead:

Use unscented organic sanitary pads or menstruation cups.

Clean your intimate area with plain water or mild, pH-balanced cleaners.

Change your pad or tampon every 4-6 hours to avoid rashes and infections.

Avoid Stress and Overthinking
 

Hygiene is critical during menstruation, yet many women unintentionally use products that can harm their skin and health.

Why To Avoid:

Scented pads, tampons, and sprays frequently include chemicals and artificial smells that can cause irritation or infection.

Washing with strong soaps can alter your natural pH balance, resulting in dryness or itching.

What To Do Instead:

Use unscented organic sanitary pads or menstruation cups.

Clean your intimate area with plain water or mild, pH-balanced cleaners.

Change your pad or tampon every 4-6 hours to avoid rashes and infections.

Additional Tips for Period Wellness

• Drink plenty of warm water to prevent bloating.
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep to maintain hormonal balance.
• Avoid drinking and smoking during your period.
• Using a hot water bag might help ease cramps naturally.
• Include magnesium- and iron-rich meals for relief from pain and tiredness.

Expert Advice by Dietician Ashu Gupta
 

As a top dietitian for women's health in Gurgaon, I help young girls and women regulate their periods naturally through dietary and lifestyle changes. Every woman's body is unique, and recognizing your specific needs is important.

If you feel severe pain, irregular periods, or weakness during your cycle, you need to consult a professional dietician.

I provide customized diets for:

• Period pain relief
• PCOS/PCOD
• Hormonal Balance
• Post-pregnancy cycles

You can contact me by email or in person at my Gurgaon clinic.

Conclusion

Managing your period does not have to be tricky. Simply avoiding these five typical mistakes will help you feel more in control and relaxed. Eat well, rest wisely, avoid stress, and live a natural, balanced lifestyle.

For expert advice on eating during periods, consult Dietician Ashu Gupta, the top dietician in Gurgaon for women's health, weight loss, and hormonal balance.
 

CONSULT DIETICIAN ASHU GUPTA FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS 

Consult Dt. Ashu Gupta for weight loss. For an appointment, you can contact us via call, WhatsApp and through the website.