The answer lies in WHY we have painful periods or PMS to begin with. Cycle symptoms are the result of hormonal imbalances (such as low progesterone, estrogen dominance or estrogen excess) and systemic dysfunction.
Since our cycle is regulated by the delicate orchestration of hormones, the answer lies in making sure these hormones are balanced.
Hormonal imbalances can manifest through gut dysbiosis (too much bad bacteria in our gut), impaired liver detoxification, not eating enough, blood sugar dysregulation and nutrient deficiencies.
When we experience crazy PMS or painful periods, all we want is a solution and I have a place you can start :)
The key to a healthy pain-free period? A well-balanced nutrient-dense diet!
What does that mean? This means that you are striving to get the big macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) in each meal (hopefully 3!) throughout the day.
Protein: Proteins are an essential building block for the body to maintain tissues and internal organs, produce hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Foods high in protein include chicken, fish, red meat, lentils, beans, nuts, etc.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are brain fuel, they help regular bowel movements, and regulate protein and fat metabolism. There are two types of carbs: simple and complex carbs. Foods containing simple carbohydrates include vegetables and fruits which contain super important micronutrients but burn quickly in our body. Foods containing complex carbohydrates include millet, quinoa, brown rice, oats, etc.
Fats: Fats are a condensed source of energy in our diet that helps balance blood sugar, hormone production, keep us satiated and build cell membranes. Foods with healthy fats include avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, butter, ghee, etc [really any food that if you squeezed would produce an oil!].
Some foods will have a combination of all three of these macronutrients. Also, depending on your culture, you may have a variety of different foods not mentioned here that fall into these categories too!
The old saying "you are what you eat"? Yeah, it kind of rings true! Eating a variety of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is vital to ensuring all systems of our body are firing on all cylinders to make the necessary hormones to have a healthy ovulation. A healthy ovulation will prevent against pms and painful periods.
While these macronutrient foundations remain the same, every body is unique. Depending on your unique body and reproductive health, you may need more of certain nutrients to optimize your period.
If you'd like help optimizing your nutrition so you no longer have to feel run-down by period pain, bloating, hormonal acne and fatigue, book a free consultation to explore 1:1 coaching with me.
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