Periods are indeed challenging for many women. Ouch the cramps, mood swings, headache, fatigue, acnes, and there are a lot more things come into their concern.
And, food cravings during menstruation is unexplainable. Some women can sense increased craving for milk and dairy products like milk sweets, cheesy items, ice cream, milk chocolate, and more. This happens before a week of menstruation because of an increase in prolactin secretion.
That means, craving milk and dairy products during this period is normal. If so, then why does it cause bloating? How many glasses of milk should I drink? All your questions are answered here.
Keep reading the blog to know about this in detail.
How Hormones Affect Milk Consumption During Periods
A female’s body loses a lot of blood during their periods. They need to include a healthy diet and drink adequate fluids for staying hydrated. So, drinking milk, fresh juices, vegetables, and fruits become mandatory to cope up with the blood loss.
In particular, drinking a sufficient amount of milk can prevent calcium deficiency diseases like Hypocalcemia, Osteoporosis, and other issues in future.
During menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall that result in increase of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH and Follicle-Stimulating hormone.
These hormonal fluctuations can affect the way your body accepts specific foods. Similarly, your body may react to the milk consumption during periods.
Estrogen enhances calcium absorption during this time. That’s why drinking milk during periods energizes your body and regulates cramps.
On the other hand, some women can feel an aversion due to milk consumption. They can sense bloating and water retention in the body, which is caused by the progesterone hormone.
The Relationship Between Calcium And Menstrual Cramps
Calcium is an essential mineral for your body to carry out important functions. As per the studies, 14 to 18 year old children need 1,300 mg calcium per day and from 19 to 50 year old adults need 1000 mg calcium per day.
Consuming calcium-rich foods in the required amount is quite important, as it has several benefits. Such as,
- Aids in muscle movement.
- Supports healthy pregnancy.
- Promotes strong and healthy bones.
- Regulates heart functioning.
- Improves nervous system functioning.
This shows the significance of calcium in daily life. So, does it mean milk impacts your menstrual cramps? Let’s discuss them in detail.
Calcium’s high anti-inflammatory properties could help with the inflammation and pain during periods. Consuming it in the required amount can relieve your abdominal pain and relax the uterine muscle contractions.
However, there is no scientific evidence that consuming milk will surely reduce your cramps. You can try other methods like heat pads, a healthy diet, over-the-counter medication, and others to ease the cramps.
You can also try golden milk, which is turmeric milk. The powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can improve your overall health, prevent menstrual irregularities, and make you feel better.
Does Drinking Milk Impact Blood Flow During Periods?
There is no scientific evidence that milk increases or decreases the blood flow during the periods. Every individual’s body reacts to milk consumption differently.
For some women, consuming milk during their periods could cause side effects like gas, bloating, and others. So, if you notice any potential chances in your body, opt for almond milk or other sources of nutrients.
Because, milk is packed with nutrients and quality protein. Including it in your daily diet offers you abundant health benefits. Plus, you can add it to many dishes like smoothies, oatmeal, and fresh juices.
Therefore, milk doesn’t have any direct association with blood flow during menstrual cramps. But, including it in your diet helps to maintain a good weight and bone health.
The Bottom Line
Craving dairy products and milk during the ovulation phase is absolutely fine and normal. But, it is essential to listen to your body’s response. If your body shows allergic reactions or worse the cramps, then it is good to avoid during menstruation.
You can shift to alternate options like toned milk, soy milk, buttermilk, or even almond milk. Furthermore, you can consider doctor’s advice and get a clear idea about milk consumption according to your health.
Yes, drinking milk can cause bloating during menstruation. Drinking milk can cause diarrhea, gas, and bloating to the lactose intolerant people. So, consuming milk during periods may cause bloating that adds to the period woes.
No doubt that milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, so it can provide your body the required energy.
Anyhow, if your body can’t tolerate the lactose, then relying on alternatives is a good idea. You can consider almond milk or soy milk.
Adults need 3 cups of milk per day. However, there is no accurate measure for drinking milk on your periods. So, women can consume it how much they need until they don’t feel any allergic or sensitive reactions to it.
Calcium supplements may help with menstrual symptoms like period cramps, mood changes, and fatigue. So, women can opt for curd and buttermilk instead of milk, which are highly recommended during periods for easing the severe pain.
