Why you should eat fish when you are menstruating

24 Sep Why you should eat fish when you are menstruating

Were you aware that you should try to eat at least two servings of fish a week? You can get it fresh from the markets, or in the convenient tins in the supermarket, but fish is filled with all sorts of goodness, including important Omega 3 fatty acids, which can help protect your heart from heart disease, as well as lower blood triglyceride levels, curb joint stiffness in arthritis and help with depression, ADHD and alzheimers disease.

I have read that tinned fish has a high mercury content, so you might want to consider buying it fresh. It can be hard in the city to find a good purveyor of fish products, but the markets is a great place to start, if you are lucky enough to have one close by!

Fish for women’s health

I also find that fish is a very good food for women who are menstruating. I always crave fish when I have my periods and I think it is because it is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which can reduce menstrual cramps, as well as reduce Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Omega 3 fatty acids are not just found in fish though. You can also benefit from eating avocados, nuts and olive oil around your period.

I also think there might be a benefit of Omega 6 fatty acids, which can be found in Evening Primrose Oil, although, we usually consume more Omega 6 fatty acids than Omega 3 fatty acids and they need to be kept in balance.

Foods to eat when you are menstruating

Other foods that you might find beneficial when you are menstruating are more complex carbohydrates, foods rich in vitamin B6 and more liver herbs, such as milk thistle and dandelion. It is also a good idea to decrease caffeine intake and sugar intake.

Some specific foods that can help are broccoli, which is high in fibre, bananas and pumpkin seeds for magnesium, quinoa for vitamin B and a good calcium source, such as low fat milk or fortified milk. Eggs are also good, because they contain vitamin D.

I also find that staying well hydrated and eating enough fruit throughout your cycle, can help to make for a lovely period.

Enjoy!