Did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel during different phases of your menstrual cycle? More people, including us at Functional Medicine Los Angeles, are discovering the reason your hunger and cravings change throughout your menstrual cycle. It is because of how your hormone levels change.
As a dependable functional medicine Burbank, here’s a guide to help you eat in a way that supports your body throughout your cycle:
Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the start of the cycle when you’re on your period. Your body is shedding the uterine lining, which can make you feel tired. It’s a good time to eat iron-rich foods to help replace the iron lost in menstrual blood. Foods like spinach, lentils, and lean meats can be beneficial. Our functional medicine Los Angeles suggests that you may also want to increase your intake of Vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption, so include fruits like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase comes after menstruation. This is when your body starts preparing for ovulation. Energy levels tend to increase during this phase, and it’s a great time to enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating enough protein, such as lean meats, eggs, and legumes, can also support the development of the follicle.
Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase is when you’re most fertile. During this phase, you might notice that you feel more energetic and sociable. This is the perfect time for high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies, which can help to maintain balanced estrogen levels. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, are also beneficial.
Luteal Phase
The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle, leading up to your next period. You might feel more tired and experience cravings during this phase. This is due to the rise and fall of progesterone. Foods rich in B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, such as whole grains, lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can help with these symptoms. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated and cut back on salt to help prevent bloating.
Listen to Your Body
It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different, so these guidelines may not work for everyone. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your diet to meet your needs. Don’t worry too much about sticking to a specific plan. Instead, use these tips as a starting point and listen to what your body is telling you.
Eating according to your menstrual cycle means consuming iron-rich foods during the menstrual phase, enjoying a varied diet during the follicular phase, focusing on high-fiber foods and antioxidants during the ovulatory phase, and choosing foods rich in B-vitamins, calcium, and magnesium during the luteal phase. Functional medicine Studio City is here to remind you that the key is to listen to your body and adjust your diet to support your well-being.