Scientists are finding that eating these foods can make menstrual cramps worse

Recent studies show that diets high in meat, oil, sugar, salt and coffee contribute to menstrual cramps.

Few girls seek treatment, even though menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) is the most common reason teenage girls miss school. A review of relevant studies suggests that diet may be a key factor, particularly diets high in meat, oil, sugar, salt and coffee, all of which have been linked to inflammation. The findings were recently presented at the 2022 annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

Ninety percent of teenage girls report pain during menstruation. Most people manage their pain with over-the-counter medications, but with limited positive results. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in processed foods, oil and sugar have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in menstrual cramps.

This study sought to investigate the effect of diet on menstrual pain and to find out which foods contribute to it and which can alleviate it.

In general, these studies have shown that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, while foods high in omega-3 fatty acids reduce it. The muscles of the uterus contract due to prostaglandins, which are active in inflammatory reactions. When measuring a dietary index of inflammation, it was found that those who ate a vegan diet (which eliminated animal fat) had the lowest levels of inflammation.

“Researching the effects of diet on menstrual pain began as a search for ways to address the pain I personally experienced; I wanted to understand the science behind the association. Learning about the various foods that increase and decrease inflammation, which in turn increases or decreases menstrual pain, revealed that diet is one of the many factors that contribute to health that is often overlooked. I hope this research can help those who have periods to reduce the pain they experience and shed light on the importance of holistic treatment options,” said Sera Sanno, lead author of the poster presentation from Rutgers University.

“Because menstrual pain is a leading cause of school absence for adolescent girls, it is important to explore options that can minimize pain. Something like a dietary modification could be a relatively simple solution that could provide them with significant relief,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS Medical Director.

Meeting: 2022 North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting.