Bloating is common in menstruating women during and before their periods. In fact, more women become bloated before their periods, but the difference isn’t significant when compared with women that get bloated during their periods.
Bloating is common during periods, and it can be caused by hormones or be non-hormonal. Every woman should understand why they get bloated during their periods. Dealing with the causes can be cheap at times, especially if the cause of bloating does not involve hormones.
Women may believe that there is no need to treat bloated stomachs during their periods, but this is not true. Bloating can cause abdominal discomfort as well as pain. As a result, dealing with bloating during periods should be practiced.
Before attempting to treat bloating during periods, it is critical to first understand what causes bloating during periods. Let us first look at what causes bloating before delving into the remedies available to help you with bloating during your period.
What causes bloating during periods?
The imbalance of the hormone estrogen is the first cause of bloating in women during their periods. Estrogen levels typically rise in the days preceding periods, causing the body to retain more water and salt. The water that is added to the body causes the cells to swell.
Bloating and weight gain are the result of swollen cells. Estrogen is the primary hormonal component of the menstrual cycle, and its levels fluctuate throughout the cycle. To avoid bloating during periods, this hormone must be properly balanced.
The second cause of bloating is the progesterone hormone, which is abundant during menstruation. Progesterone affects intestinal mobility by slowing the digestion process. Food then stays in the stomach longer, causing bloating, gas, and constipation.
During one’s period, progesterone can cause cravings. Wheat products, salty foods, and carbonated drinks are examples of foods and beverages that should be avoided during periods. These foods and drinks, when consumed, will contribute to bloating.
Prostaglandins, which are acids released during menstruation, are the third cause of bloating. During periods, prostaglandins help the uterine wall contract and shed its lining. These acids can be overproduced, causing bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
The fourth cause is the food and beverages we consume. What we eat during our periods should be strictly monitored. Some foods and drinks contribute to bloating, including those that are difficult to digest and produce gas in the GI tract.
How to deal with bloating during periods
There are several ways to deal with bloating during your period. Trying different methods to deal with bloating during periods is essential, especially if you haven’t seen a doctor. When attempting to deal with bloating during periods, the cause of bloating is critical because it will influence the method of dealing with bloating.
Here are some remedies for bloating during menstruation.
Bloat supplements
Bloat supplements are specifically designed to treat bloating in both men and women. These supplements can help women who have a bloated stomach during their periods. Bloat supplements are made of ingredients that are known to help with bloating, such as peppermint, green tea, papaya, lemon juice, and others.
Bloat supplements can help relieve bloating by reducing water retention, preventing gas, healing cramps, supporting gut health, and providing other benefits. When shopping for bloat supplements, look for GMO-free options.
Eating potassium-rich foods
Potassium-rich foods help regulate the amount of sodium in the body, which is important when you have a bloated stomach during your period. This is a natural choice for anyone who wants to deal with or avoid bloating during their period.
Eating foods like bananas, avocados, and spinach should be prioritized in order to balance sodium levels in the body.
Avoiding salty foods and carbohydrates
Salt increases the amount of water in the body, particularly in women on their menstrual cycle. If one consumes salty foods, water will remain in the body for a longer period of time. The amount of salt consumed during periods should be monitored.
Carbohydrates should be avoided because they raise insulin levels in the body, causing water retention. To avoid bloating, consume unrefined carbohydrates during your period.
Conclusion
Bloating during periods is common in women, with Women’s Health Magazine estimating that 51% of women become bloated during their periods. There are safe and effective remedies for bloating during periods. Bloating relief methods can be used in conjunction with one another for faster and more effective relief.
