Foods That Help Alleviate Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, refers to excessive uterine bleeding that causes long, heavy menstrual flow. In severe cases, menorrhagia interferes with your ability to function normally.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, refers to excessive uterine bleeding that causes long, heavy menstrual flow. In severe cases, menorrhagia interferes with your ability to function normally. While most women experience heavy menstrual flow on occasion, only a small percentage of women experience symptoms severe enough to need medical treatment, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to treating underlying conditions, which may include hormonal imbalanced, polyps and dysfunctional ovaries, altering your diet may help reduce your symptoms.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup recommends replacing high-glycemic carbohydrate sources, such as white bread, sweets and salty snack foods, with low-glycemic foods as a useful way to manage hormonal imbalances that may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. Whole grains also provide valuable amounts of iron, which can help remedy iron-deficient anemia associated with the condition. Examples of low-glycemic, nutritious whole grains include 100 percent whole grain breads and cold cereals, steel-cut oats, pearled barley, quinoa, long-grain brown rice, wild rice and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help your body protect itself from infections and disease. Many fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of vitamins C, A and E — antioxidants Northrup recommends for improved menorrhagia symptoms. For maximum benefits, incorporate a variety of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, cherries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and squash, which tend to contain richest amounts of these ingredients, into your meals and snacks regularly. Replacing processed snack foods with fruits and vegetables can also improve your blood sugar levels and hormonal balance.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, halibut, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, sardines and flounder, provide significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids — healthy fats linked with improved heart health and reduced inflammation. Omega-3 fats can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Since fish oil supplements may increase bleeding, consume fatty fish regularly instead. As protein-rich foods, fatty fish have a positive impact on your blood sugar and hormonal levels. Fatty fish are also rich sources of iron and other immune system-promoting nutrients, such as B-vitamins and zinc. Incorporate fatty fish into nutritious, balanced meals for best results.