Mood swings, irritation, and abdominal cramps are common during periods, but what about bloating? If you are nodding as you are reading, then this one’s for you! Period bloating is a common problem faced by most women. And it is no surprise that as you near your period, you dread bloating and the complications that come with it. However, here’s all that you need to know about period bloating.
Have you ever wondered why and how that pretty dress that fit you perfectly, never fits you during your periods? This is simply because of bloating. Period boating is nothing but fluid retention in the body, which in turn makes you look swollen and fat. It is most common around the waist area and can be very annoying.
Bloating Before Period
Bloating has nothing to do with mood swings and is entirely different. Wondering when you bloat before your period? During the pre-menstrual stage of the period, there is a major fluctuation of hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. This causes fluid retention, swelling and the uncomfortable feeling of bloating. Women actually gain pounds of water while bloating during periods, due to the ability of estrogen to cause fluid to be retained.
[ Also Read: Health Benefits Of Ginger ]
During the third day, the excess water is flushed out along with the blood and women no longer experience that uneasy feeling. For those short 2 to 3 days, however, life can be pretty miserable for women dealing with this water retention and bloat. When estrogen levels rise, bloating increases and when estrogen levels fall, it also falls.
Other reasons may also include irregularity in the bowl movements resulting in either constipation or diarrhea or both. In fact, this irregularity in the movement of solid wastes through the digestive system can actually cause or add to the sensation of bloat. When the estrogen levels rise enough to cause bloating they can also cause a blockage in the bile flowing to the gallbladder and thereby result in digestive issues.
Why Do We Bloat During Period?
70% of our body is made of water! Well, if that’s what you think, you may not be completely correct. The human body is made up of a lot of fluid. These fluid cells take the form of blood, lymphatic fluid and many other types of natural liquid.
During menstruation, a lot of hormonal fluctuation takes place, particularly estrogen and progesterone. A week before your period, your progesterone levels fall and this causes your kidney to release fluid. One of the signs of water retention in your body is a change in the colour of urine. During periods, urine becomes darker in colour as less water is diluting all the waste chemicals within it. This water retention, in turn, causes your body to swell, bloat and puff up.
[Also Read: How to Stop Menstrual Pain]
[sc:mediad]
So, when do you bloat before your period? Bloating usually starts a week before your period. While there is not possibly a way one can curb this natural phenomenon, there are ways to get rid of bloating.
How To Get Rid Of Period Bloating
That time of the month not only makes you moody but can also make you go red with rage. And this is simply because you are struggling hard to fit into those skinny jeans or tube top! Well, even though you cannot prevent this entirely from happening, a few tips will help you manage bloating and ease your irritation. Here’s how to get rid of period bloat!
Get More Potassium
If you are feeling horrible and bloated, grab a banana immediately! Bananas are rich in potassium and that is exactly what you need to regulate the fluid in your body. Other foods rich in potassium include cantaloupe, spinach, tomatoes, mangoes, nuts, and asparagus. Asparagus is great because it also acts as a diuretic to flush excess liquid out of your system, which is exactly what you need.
Find Some Fibre
Fiber is great to get rid of bloating, but watch out on how much you eat. Too less can lead to constipation and boating, while too much can just worsen you bloating. So, always find your happy medium. High-fiber foods include beans, corn, avocado, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread, artichokes, peas, broccoli, and almonds, among other foods.
Massage Your Stomach
Bloating can also be due to excess gas. So simply massage your stomach to get rid of gas. Press your fingers near your ribs and slide them downwards slowly to get that air out of there.
Parsley
Chewing some parsley can do a lot of good during your period. Surprised? Yes, parsley acts as a diuretic and flushes out excess fluid in your body, thereby relieving you from bloating. Either start adding them regularly to your meals or simply chew some when you feel puffy or swollen.
Mint Or Ginger Tea
Needless to say ginger and mint are both great for your stomach. Not only do they help in digestion, but they also help you feel good and relaxed. Plus, sipping on some hot tea lets you increase your water intake and soothe your stomach.
Say No To Carbonated Drinks
As the name suggests, carbonated drinks are filled with gases which only worsen the bloat. So stay away from them during your periods.
Drink Water
Last, but definitely not the least, water is an elixir. Never say no to it! Drinking lots of water during your periods can be of great benefit. We are sure you are wondering if water will make your weight gain worse, but NO! Drinking water helps to flush out toxins from your body and also keep constipation at bay. Add a slice of lemon for that slight taste and easy digestion.
Well, now that you know what to do when bloating comes visiting your door step, gear up to tackle it with these simple remedies!
Images Source: pinterest.com
