“Ye dard hai ki khatam hone ka naam hi nahi leta” is exactly what happens when you get your monthly visits from Ms. Period. Cramps and back pain ke alawa there’s one more thing that troubles most of us during these days. Constipation or diarrhoea.
And in no way it’s pleasant. However, it’s pretty normal and can happen to you no matter the number of times you’ve had your period. Chinta ki koi baat nahi, you don’t need to rush to the doctor just yet.
Ye sab hormones ka khel hai, the same hormones that are responsible for uterine contractions and bloodline shedding are also a play in the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers don’t really know the root cause for them yet, but it has been linked with hormonal action. Most experts believe it’s linked to an increase in prostaglandins, which are hormones generated just before you start your menstruation cycle. Prostaglandins help your uterus shed its lining by causing contractions. They can also produce bowel contractions, which can result in a variety of GI symptoms, leading to diarrhoea or constipation.
This is necessary to avoid dehydration. Drinking water throughout the day is a must. You should drink an extra cup of water after each attack of diarrhoea to maintain the water balance. To help rest your bowels, consume a water diet. Drink tea, fresh juices and soups.
Instead of having three large meals, divide your food consumption into smaller portions throughout the day. This will help easier and faster digestion of food. Also, eat food that is easy on your gut. It’s already working overtime, so give it a rest.
Pectin is a water-soluble fibre that is known to help reduce diarrhoea. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons contain loads of pectin. Bananas and yoghurt are also very good sources of this, so make sure you’re including them into your diet.
When their levels go down drastically, it’s important you fill your body with foods that contain them in abundance.
Diarrhoea can cause a sudden depletion of electrolytes from your body. Your body has electrolytes such as calcium, potassium and sodium. When their levels go down drastically, it’s important you fill your body with foods that contain them in abundance. Some such food items are sports drinks, fruit juices, or coconut water. Good food sources of potassium also include bananas, and potatoes
To ensure your fluid balance does not get disrupted, make sure your diet includes food like crackers, pretzels, and soups (all yumm), to help to replace lost sodium.
As mentioned above, your electrolyte levels go down very fast during diarrhoea and sodium is one of them. To ensure your fluid balance does not get disrupted, make sure your diet includes food like crackers, pretzels, and soups (all yummy), to help to replace lost sodium. This, in turn, will help your body retain more water.