Esha Deol on conservative upbringing and menstrual taboos at home
Esha Deol opens up about growing up with conservative menstrual taboos and the impact of school sex education on her understanding.
Our menstrual cycle is governed by two hormones — Estrogen and Progesterone. Under the effect of progesterone hormone, our body retains excess water, which happens every month just prior to periods. So, how can we avoid breast tenderness and belly bloating during these days?
Water retention is increased with sodium/salt consumption, less mobility/exercise, calcium and potassium deficiency and less water intake. In order to prevent bloating, we need to correct our dietary mineral intake and maintain our physical activity even during those days.
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1. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables which are rich in potassium, such as mangoes, banana, tomato and spinach. Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, such as apple, pear, oranges and berries, should also be part of your diet as they absorb extra fluid from your body.
2. Consume lots of probiotics like curd, buttermilk and fermented products to regulate your digestive system.
3. Eat calcium rich food, milk, milk products, paneer etc. Food rich in calcium and magnesium help reduce bloating.
4. Avoid aerated drinks, simple easily digestible carbohydrates, sodium rich products, artificial sweetener etc.
5. Drink lots of water, lemon, coriander, and fruits loaded with water, such as watermelon, and do regular exercise in the form of walking, jogging or yoga.
Dr Aruna Kalra is Director and Senior Gynaecologist Surgeon at CK Birla Hospital
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