Milk is one of the most consumed and beloved beverages around the world. It is known for its creamy taste and rich nutritional benefits.
It is packed with nutrients and is often hailed as a health booster. But, when it comes to menstruation, many wonder whether to drink milk during their period or if will it cause any major side effects, or worsening the periods.
This blog explores milk during periods, its nutritional benefits, and associated risks. This will help you in identifying, whether to drink milk during periods or not.
Can We Drink Milk During Periods?
Drinking milk during periods is usually considered to be safe and beneficial for some women. It is a good source of calcium, which helps relax the uterine muscles, eases contractions and relieves menstrual cramps.
Additionally, during periods, the estrogen levels increase and lead to excessive consumption of calcium, thus drinking milk can balance the calcium levels in your body.
Can Milk Stop Menstrual Flow?
No, there is no scientific evidence that drinking milk can affect the menstrual flow. Studies suggest that drinking milk has no direct or indirect influence on menstrual flow, duration or ovulation. It helps strengthen the bones and menstrual spasms.
Is Milk Good for Period Cramps?
As we already discussed, milk is a good source of calcium, that helps in the effective function and relaxation of muscles. It plays a major role in reducing muscle cramps associated with menstruation.
However, for some people, the fat content in the milk might contribute to inflammation and potentially worsen the cramps, causing discomfort.
If milk causes discomfort, alternative calcium sources can be preferred. It is important to note that no guarantee that drinking milk will reduce your period cramps.
Can We Drink Hot Milk During Periods?
Yes, you can drink hot milk during periods, but most of them prefer to drink it warm, as it is more soothing and comfortable. Drinking warm milk can alleviate period cramps and discomfort, and helps in muscle relaxation. But for most people, hot milk is completely fine and soothing to consume during periods.
Nutrition Benefits of Milk During Periods
Calcium
The calcium content in milk helps in the effective function of muscles and helps reduce muscle spasms and cramps during periods. It also supports bone health and the overall hormonal fluctuations during the period.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often associated with calcium, which promotes the proper absorption of calcium in the body. It regulates mood swings and manages emotional breakdowns during the period.
Magnesium
The magnesium content present in milk helps in muscle relaxation and prevents muscle cramping. It also supports energy production, which helps in overcoming fatigue during periods.
Protein
Milk is a high-quality protein source, that is essential in maintaining energy levels, repairing muscles, and overall health. It keeps your stomach full, which is helpful when experiencing fatigue or hunger during periods.
Vitamin B12 and Rioflavin
Milk contains Vitamin B12 and riboflavin that support energy production and overall metabolic health during periods. This helps in controlling fatigue and boosts the energy during menstrual phase.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous is a mineral found in milk that helps in bone health and maintaining energy levels. It supports physical well-being during periods, keeping you active, and reducing fatigue.
Possible Side Effects of Milk During Periods
Bloating and Gas
For people with lactose intolerance, drinking milk or dairy products can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps. This worsens the period’s pain with excess discomfort. They can opt for alternate sources of calcium from non-lactose milk or plant-based milk.
Increases Cramps
Some people are prone to inflammation due to the fat content present in the milk. People with this condition may worsen their period cramps, and cause general discomfort. They can consume low-fat or non-fat milk as an option.
Digestive Issues
Milk or other dairy products can sometimes cause acid reflux or indigestion issues. For people who are already experiencing hormonal changes or bloating during periods, consuming milk can worsen acid reflux or digestion, which causes additional discomfort.
Hormonal Sensitivity
Milk sometimes contains traces of hormones, when it is not completely organic or free from hormones. Sometimes it may affect your hormonal balance, leading to hormonal imbalances affecting your moods.
Skin Problems
For people with pre-existing acne flare-ups, consuming milk during periods can exaggerate skin issues, in addition to hormonal changes that trigger breakouts during menstruation.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking milk during periods both has beneficial and potentially problematic effects, depending on how your body reacts. Milk is an essential source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which can help you support muscle function, reduce cramps, support bone strength and provide energy during periods.
For some people, milk can worsen period cramps, bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion. If your body can resist lactose, milk can effectively support your periods. If milk can cause you trouble, going for alternatives such as lactose-free milk or plant-based milk and dairy products can be considered.
FAQs
Yes, combining milk with other foods can enhance the effectiveness of menstrual relief. Some of the effective combination of milk includes turmeric milk, dark chocolate, ginger tea, nut-based smoothies, and more
Based on studied, women who consumes soy-based milk during periods reported to have higher levels of menstrual pain, compared to cow milk. This indicates that soy might not be the right alternative for cow milk, especially during periods.
Yes, there are several long-term benefits of avoiding milk and dairy products with respect to the menstrual health. It incudes managing the hormonal balance, reducing inflammation, improved digestive health, and lighter periods.
