NOTHING like a cold drink on a hot day, especially during this current heatwave. Although this seems refreshing in this hot weather, consuming cold food or drinks during that time of the month may worsen period pain. So should you refrain yourself from drinking those thirst quenching iced beverages when you are on your period?
Is it true you will experience cramps if you take cold drinks?
Verdict:
PARTIALLY TRUE
During the monthly cycle, blood is expelled from our body when the uterus lining sheds. There is a chemical, called prostaglandin, tasked for breaking down the endometrium (uterine wall) by contracting the uterus muscle. And this can be a painful experience for some women.
The pain escalates when there is an overproduction of prostaglandins, in which the contractions are more intense. Several studies found that cold exposure in the body can lead to the release of more prostaglandins due to increased contractions.
If you suffer from menstrual cramps, but are fond of cold drinks, you may want to resist your urge, or better yet, give it a skip.
Warm water and of course, a heating pad may bring relief to menstrual cramps. However, supplements such as magnesium have been used as a muscle cramp reliever over the years; it eases the pain by helping the muscle to relax.
Menstrual cramps do not affect every woman, and the pain varies for those who experience it.
References:
1. https://www.pristyncare.com/blog/do-cold-foods-and-drinks-worsen-period-cramps-pc0101/
3. https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/using-foods-against-menstrual-pain
4. https://rootfunctionalmedicine.com/magnesium-for-period-cramps
5. https://doctorherdmanclinic.com/resources/articles/womens-health/menstrual-cramps-magnesium/
