Make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs with our section dedicated to getting all the good stuff into your diet...
DIET AND MENSTRUATION
Andrea Rymer from The Vegan Society tackles a key element of women's health and advises on the best diet to adopt to ensure pain-free periods and fewer unwanted symptoms.
CARROTS: THE VERSATILE ROOT VEGETABLE
Dr Justine Butler guides you through the nutritional benefits of the humble carrot, including how the idea came about that they help with night vision.
SUPERFOODS FOR EVERYONE
If you're struggling to justify the price tags on your food shop,
Veronika Prošek Charvátová uncovers the affordable foods that are packed with nutrients.
KEEPING UP YOUR WINTER ENERGY LEVELS
Jenny Carson from Viridian Nutrition looks at the factors that can influence our energy levels and how to avoid feeling lethargic during the winter.
Nutrition Diet & menstruation
Andrea Rymer from The Vegan Society looks at how maintaining a balanced vegan diet can be a valuable part of managing your menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle involves a series of hormonal and metabolic fluctuations, meaning that nutrition is important in supporting menstrual health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can present some unpleasant symptoms, from muscle cramps and bloating to mood swings and fatigue, but understanding your nutritional needs throughout your cycle may actually help to suppress some of these nasty symptoms.
Of course, following a healthy balanced diet all month long will be more effective than it is to be changing your dietary habits only during that time of the month. But how does a well-planned diet support menstrual health?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are important for everyone because they are your body’s main source of fuel. For women of child-bearing age, carbohydrates can help to support the chemical signalling to the brain that controls hormone regulation and reproductive function. A sufficient carbohydrate intake helps to maintain healthy glucose levels, which are more sensitive during menstruation; this helps to regulate your appetite and body composition. Not eating enough carbohydrates can elevate the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can lead to weight gain, mood changes and, in some prolonged cases, amenorrhea (when your periods stop altogether).
It is common to crave sugary foods
