What should l avoid in periods?

Foods, Drinks, and Habits to Skip for a Smoother Cycle

Your period can come with all kinds of unwelcome symptoms — cramps, bloating, mood swings, fatigue — and sometimes what you eat, drink, and do can make those symptoms worse. Avoiding certain foods, beverages, and habits can help you feel more comfortable and support a healthier cycle.

Let’s break down what to avoid during your period for better comfort and wellbeing.

🍽️ Foods to Avoid

1. Salty and Processed Foods

  • Cause water retention and bloating

  • Examples: chips, fast food, canned soups, frozen meals

2. Sugary Snacks and Sweets

  • Can spike blood sugar and increase mood swings and irritability

  • Promote inflammation which may worsen cramps

3. Caffeinated Drinks

  • Increase anxiety and worsen breast tenderness

  • Can lead to dehydration and intensified cramps

  • Examples: coffee, energy drinks, some sodas

4. Fried and Fatty Foods

  • Can increase inflammation and bloating

  • Make digestion sluggish, increasing discomfort

5. Alcohol

  • Dehydrates the body

  • Can worsen mood swings and disrupt sleep

  • May increase menstrual flow in some people

🥤 Drinks to Avoid

  • Carbonated sodas and fizzy drinks: Cause gas and bloating

  • Too much caffeine: Leads to jitteriness and worsened cramps

  • Excessive alcohol: Dehydrates and impacts hormone balance

⚠️ Habits to Avoid

1. Skipping Meals or Undereating

  • Low energy can worsen fatigue and hormone imbalance

  • Can cause your period to become irregular

2. Overexercising or Intense Workouts

  • Excessive exercise can increase stress hormones and delay ovulation

  • Can cause missed or irregular periods if nutrition isn’t balanced

3. Ignoring Rest and Sleep Needs

  • Poor sleep worsens mood swings and fatigue

  • Sleep is vital for hormone regulation and recovery

4. Stress Overload

  • High stress releases cortisol, disrupting menstrual hormones

  • Can lead to delayed or missed periods and worsened symptoms

✅ What to Do Instead

  • Eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits, veggies, protein, and whole grains

  • Drink plenty of water and soothing herbal teas (ginger, chamomile)

  • Practice gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching

  • Prioritize restful sleep and stress-relief activities like meditation or deep breathing

Final Thoughts

Being mindful about what you avoid during your period can make a big difference in how you feel. Cutting back on salty, sugary, caffeinated, and processed foods — and giving your body the rest and care it needs — can help reduce pain, bloating, and mood swings.

Want a simple, easy-to-follow period-friendly meal and lifestyle plan to help you feel your best every month? I can make one for you!

Also, for gentle, breathable period care products, check out 👉 NYX Collection – Period Pads

Back to blog