Watch Out, These Are 4 Types Of Food And Drinks That Can Make Haid Pain Worse
JAKARTA - Pain is a common thing for women during menstruation or menstruation. The severity can vary in each individual.
This can be influenced by hormonal factors, lifestyle, and diet which turn out to play a major role in determining the symptoms of pain felt during menstruation.
Quoting from the Cleveland Clinic, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, there are several types of food that can cause more severe pain during menstruation. Some of these foods are as follows.
1. Salty food
High sodium salt foods such as chips, fast food, or canned foods, can cause fluid retention in the body. When the body withstands fluids, the stomach and parts around the pelvis will feel more full and bloating.
These bloating flavors can suppress the uterine area and exacerbate the sensation of cramps that are happening. Consumption of excess salt can also disrupt the flow of blood, which makes blood flow to the abdomen and pelvis not optimal, so that muscles are more tense and make muscle cramps longer.
2. Processed carbohydrates
Processed carbohydrates such as flour bread, pasta, instant noodles, can cause sharp blood sugar fluctuations. When blood sugar is unstable, the body can become more sensitive to hormonal changes and pain.
The rapid jump in blood sugar can trigger fatigue and mood swings, so that menstrual symptoms feel uncomfortable. Not only affecting blood sugar, simple carbohydrates have the effect of increasing body inflammation.
3. Sweet food
Sweet foods such as cakes, candy, sweetened drinks, or processed chocolate can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar. When blood sugar rises, the body will produce more insulin to stabilize it.
This process can affect the balance of other hormones, including hormones related to menstruation. This causes mood swings and strengthens the symptoms of PMS, and menstrual pain.
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4. Caffeine and alcohol
Caffeins that are usually available in coffee, tea, or energy drinks cause narrowing of blood vessels. When the blood flow to the uterus decreases, the uterine muscles become more tense and menstrual pain gets worse.
Alcohol can interfere with the estrogen hormone and progesteron balance in the menstrual cycle. Hormonic imbalance can exacerbate menstrual pain, cause bloating, and trigger headaches and mood swings.