Is grabbing a cup of coffee part of your morning routine?
A warm cup of coffee is all that you might need for an instant pump of morning energy or to keep you up late at night. Some might feel the need to continuously sip coffee as they work, study, or anything for that matter. Coffee might just be the perfect beverage for you.
However, do you also consume coffee during your periods? Does drinking caffeine affect your periods?
Let’s find out!
People have different sensitivities to caffeine; some are more tolerant than others. We must note that caffeine is not just limited to coffee; rather various foods, drinks, or chocolates as well.
While caffeine can be an easy go-to when you are tired, too much of it can be detrimental especially while you are on your periods. If you are someone who cannot get through the day without caffeine, it is recommended to reduce it during your periods.
Is caffeine good for periods?
The concise answer to consuming caffeine during periods would be NO.
Caffeine during periods, inhibits a hormone that can make the blood vessels in your uterus smaller; thereby impeding the blood flow and worsening cramps. Caffeine consumption can also cause inflammation and bloating, thus exaggerating cramps.
Here are a few ways in which caffeine effects your periods:
Effects Your Sleep
Low energy and weariness are common periods symptoms. While this can be difficult to cope with naturally, you might need caffeine to function. However, sound sleep is necessary to keep you healthy while on your periods, caffeine consumption can disrupt your sleep, furthering uneasiness during your periods.
Causes Dehydration
Coffee is diuretic in nature, which means it increases urination, increased urination while you are menstruating causes a loss of vital fluids which dehydrates you. Dehydration worsens cramps, therefore it is advised to drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
Worsens Cramps
Albeit, some menstruators claim that caffeine eases out cramps; for most, it worsens them and makes them uncomfortable. Caffeine boosts estrogen which is known to worsen cramps. Caffeine consumption is also linked with prolonged and heavier periods.
Interferes With Digestion
Periods and bowel movements aren’t possibly the best duo, you might be aware that your digestive system is not at its best during your periods. If you add excessive caffeine to it, it might not be the best idea. Things might get a tad bit more difficult as caffeine stimulates faster digestion, which might upset things further.
Hormonal Imbalances
Caffeine may also interfere with hormonal balance in some people. While on periods hormonal fluctuations are already at their peak. Caffeine consumption in such a condition might seem a bit off-putting.
If you cannot do away with caffeine completely, here’s what you could try
- Let go of sugary coffee and switch to tea as a cup of tea contains comparatively lesser caffeine than coffee.
- Try soothing teas like yerba mate, green tea, chamomile tea, or ginseng extract with no add-ons.
- Try drinking fruit or vegetable smoothies, full of fiber and proteins.
- Increase your water intake, to recover from dehydration and limit caffeine intake as much as possible.
Conclusion
While several factors like age, liver, tolerance and more affect how you metabolize coffee, caffeine and menstruation combo might not be the best for all. When it comes to drinking coffee during your periods, it is recommended to limit your consumption. By adopting alternative drinks and limiting caffeine, you could move towards a healthier period routine.
Knowing the consequences of caffeine on your cramps, it is best to track how your body reacts and make informed choices.
The key to making decisions for our bodies is to remember that all bodies are unique and react differently. It is crucial to pay attention to your body and recognize its needs accordingly. To know more visit the Pee Safe website.
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✍️ This article was curated by Manisha Shah
