Periods or menstruation can be very tough for a woman. Periods refer to monthly shedding of lining of the uterus along with vaginal bleeding. Not only the women in her periods get physical issues like sweating, acne, bleeding, migraines, joint pain etc but hormonal changes also.
Hormonal changes or fluctuating levels of prostaglandins and progesterone would cause bowel problems in women during her periods. Truth is that hormonal changes could affect digestion and bowel movement patterns. This could result in diarrhoea, bloating constipation and abdominal cramping etc in women during her periods.
It is worthy to note that prostaglandins could stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines and this could lead to loose stools. Digestion would get slowed down when progesterone levels drop. These could make the woman feel uncomfortable.
There are certain ways that would help a woman manage her bowel based issue during periods. These are
By staying hydrated:
It is essential that a woman in her periods must drink water and stay hydrated. This would lower constipation issues in her. Bloating would get reduced as excess sodium would get flushed out. Bowel movements would be smooth.
By intake of high fibre foods:
Bowel movements in women in her periods would get regulated if she eats high fibre foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables etc. It must be noted that soluble fibre would ease off diarrhoea by absorbing excess water and insoluble fibre combats constipation.
By limiting caffeine and sugary drinks:
Bowels would get stimulated by consuming excess caffeine and diarrhoea would get worsened. Bloating and gas would be caused by sugary drinks intake.
By avoiding dairy especially when sensitive:
Bitter fact is that some women would become lactose intolerant during their periods. Point is that when dairy causes bloating feelings then the women must avoid dairy to ease bowel discomfort.
By adding probiotics to diet:
Healthy gut bacteria would get supported by foods like yoghurt, kefir etc. This would reduce irregular bowel habits and balance digestion etc.
By staying active:
Digestion would get stimulated and bloating and constipation would be avoided if a woman stays physically active in her periods. It is good to do gentle exercises like walking, yoga etc.
By intake of small frequent meals:
Eating lighter meals frequently (during periods) would be superb than eating heavy meals once. By this, bloating or sudden bowel urgency could be avoided.
By avoiding spicy foods:
By eating spicy foods during periods, the digestion would get speeded up and this would increase the chances of diarrhoea and stomach cramps etc.
By means of heating pad:
Intestinal muscles would get relaxed by using a heating pad. This would ease the bowel movements and abdominal pain would get reduced.
