-
- "What does your diet have to do with your period?"
Many people think of pain, blood, hours of cramping, medicine, tea, and good chocolate when they talk about “menstruation.” Well, unfortunately for many women this is a reality. I understand and we must recognize that this standard does not mean being the same for everyone, but we cannot pretend that it does not happen. But that's the question... Why do many of us feel so much pain?
Before I tell you what I discovered in the last few months, I need to tell you a little about my story, and that way you will know why today I ended up discovering some things that, unfortunately, no one had told me until then. I have thalassemia, commonly known as “Mediterranean anemia,” and because of this I already have an iron deficiency in my body.
When we menstruate, we obviously lose blood. Such a simple detail was in front of me this whole time, but I didn't see it. However, no doctor informed me or told my mother that exactly because I had thalassemia I should take care of myself a little more than normal when my period arrived, which ended up becoming hell in my life.
Important Points I Ended Up Discovering and My Biggest Mistakes:
1. Vitamin B12 and Iron.
The lack of vitamin B12 and iron is negative for the body, especially when the woman is anemic, or for another reason has a deficiency of this vitamin and micronutrients. Vitamin B12 can help iron, and vice versa, for a “stronger” body. A lack of iron can make a person feel weaker, more debilitated, and have little energy, and that was exactly what happened when my period arrived.
My first day of menstruation every 28 days.
Diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, and a high chance of fainting. I just had no life on my first day of my menstrual cycle. Every month, it was like this. It was impractical for me to leave, because besides not having the strength to get up, I couldn't leave the bathroom, to the point that I once sat on the toilet for almost two hours, holding my hands on the door handle because I was so tired. weakness, pain, and stomachache that I had. It was horrible. Then, I lay down on the bed, my mother gave me medicine and tea. After that, I ran to the bathroom, vomited, and as the hours passed, my colic and malaise improved. Obviously, I didn't know the impact a “micronutrient” could make on my life. The lack of it, and of a more diversified diet, left me very depressed. Not all women have thalassemia, but that doesn't mean they should forget to consume vitamin B12 and especially iron.
2. Excessive Stress.
People are tired of knowing that excess stress affects their health. But at the same time, they don't do much to change, do they?!
Victória's quote: “Everything is fine :)”
No, it wasn't okay. I was afraid of “bothering.” I didn't say the things that bothered me and made me sad, I just kept quiet. I paid a very high price for that. Unfortunately, our society finds “beautiful,” “nice,” “nice,” “calm,” women who do everything for the greater good and for the good of everyone. People confuse “accepting everything” with “being complete.”
It doesn’t mean that because you don’t accept some situations, you aren’t “full.” We do have to express ourselves, talk about our feelings, and always be honest! This thing of pretending that everything is “fine” when it isn’t is the worst thing you can do to your body and your health. Because from the moment you lie or omit something from someone, the first person you affect is yourself.
3. Constant Physical Activity.
We need to break the taboo that we have to wear socks when we are menstruating and that we cannot do physical activity. According to the book “Mi Ciclo Menstrual,” by Marian Del Álamo and Miriam Vitoria Losantos, a psychologist, and another nutritionist, this is another legend that has been placed in our heads. Of course, when we are menstruating we don't need to run a marathon and gain excess weight. However, the fact that you can practice physical activity for 30 minutes every day can even help you regulate your menstrual cramps. (Remembering that we always recommend practicing physical activity alongside a professional in the field.)
4. Fast Food and Its Excesses.
A diet rich in vegetables, grains, fruits and vegetables is very important for a lighter and healthier life. I always say that it's natural for us to want to eat fast food, processed foods. After all, in our DNA and eating habits we learn that it is something practical and tasty (due to some chemical substances that can alter the smell.) However, consuming them every week is a problem.
Imagine your body full of substances that don't offer any nutrients... could it be that if you had more nutrients and vitamins in your body and functioning correctly, would you have this much pain?
What Did I Do to Change.
I started eating more meat, and iron around the time of my period. (But besides meat, there are other ways to get vitamin B12, so don't worry. Check out our article “Does Only Meat Have Vitamin B12? - All About Vitamin B12, And The B Complex.” to learn more about how to supplement. No stop consuming this special vitamin and iron.)
When I shared my story with nutritionist Simone Carrera, she taught me that vitamin C helps a lot with iron. In other words: A week before my period comes, nowadays I focus my menu on lots of vegetables, (greenish foods such as kale, arugula, broccoli, are normally rich in iron), beets, chickpeas, beans, lentils , meat, orange juice, and citrus fruits, so my body is more prepared.
Although I don't consume fast food in general, I have always liked some processed foods, especially when we talk about sweets. Nowadays, I understand that when I really want to eat sweets but it doesn't make much sense to have that desire, I drink a lot of water, and I ask myself what I consumed during the day. The lack of nutrients helps us search for “ready-made” foods to satisfy our hunger. Therefore, the connection between constant physical activity and a more natural diet is the best medicine anyone can take.
More and more, and I am very proud to say this, I am becoming more “acidic,” haha. I don't say that in a bad way. I do not seek to humiliate, insult, or disrespect people. But, always trying to be as polite as possible, I say what I think, what I miss, what makes me happy and sad. We can't chew and swallow everything we saw. This reflects in the way we eat, stop eating, and consequently how we treat ourselves. The quantity and quality of what you consume reflects the way you feel.
Talk to you.
- I am fine?
- I'm happy?
- Does my course/work fulfill me as a professional?
- Have I overcome this someone/this situation?
- How can I feel lighter about myself?
- What do I miss most?
- What would make me most happy right now? Why can't I do this? What stops me from doing this?
So, affirmations and phrases that you can say to yourself:
- You are incredible
- You are loved
- Thank you for saving me
- You are smart
- You are wonderful
- You are creative
- You are a warrior
- You are Unstoppable (unstoppable.)
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Talk to your body.
- What do you miss?
- Do you love yourself?
- Did someone reject you?
- Did someone hurt you?
- Am I hurting you? Why am I doing this to you?
Therefore, affirmations and phrases that you can say to your body:
- You are welcome
- You are loved
- You are unique
- I love you
- You're perfect for me
- Thank you for showing me how far I've come
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Don't stop being the incredible woman you are, to enter such a small world of others. Eat healthy foods, practice physical activity, fight for your rights, and dress like the Unstoppable woman you are. Don't give up, keep flying.
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
(Danielle and Victoria founders of the brand.
- mother and daughter.)
This text is just to give you another perspective on menstruation. Always consult your doctors and other healthcare professionals. They will know how to help you. Each person has their own history, health, and body.
Written by Victória Parada Daros
Health Coach.
Enter our “Catalog” to buy your vitamins, and follow our Instagram @lifestyle_unstoppable for more healthy everyday tips.
- "What Does Your Diet Have To Do With Your Period?"
A lot of people think of pain, blood, hours of cramps, medicine, tea, and good chocolate when they talk about “menstruation.” Well, unfortunately for many women this is a reality. I understand and we must recognize that this pattern does not mean it's the same for all, but we cannot intend that it does not happen. But that's the question… Why do so many of us feel so much pain?
Before I tell you what I discovered in these last few months, I need to tell you a little about my story, so you will know why today I ended up discovering some things that unfortunately, no one had told me until then. I have thalassemia, commonly known as “Mediterranean anemia,” and because of that I already have an iron deficiency in my body.
When we menstruate, we obviously lose blood. Such a simple detail was in front of me all this time, but I didn't see it. But no doctor informed me or told my mother that precisely because I have thalassemia I should take care of myself a little more than usual when my period arrived, which ended up becoming hell in my life.
Important Points I Ended Up Discovering and My Biggest Mistakes:
1. Vitamin B12 and Iron.
The lack of vitamin B12 and iron is negative for the body, especially when the woman is anemic, or for another reason has a deficiency of this vitamin and micronutrients. Vitamin B12 can support iron, and vice versa for a “stronger” body. The lack of iron can make a person feel weaker, weakened, have little energy, and that was exactly what happened when my period arrived.
My first day of period every 28 days.
Diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, and a high chance of fainting. I just had no life on my first day of my menstrual cycle. Every month, it was like that. It was impractical for me to go out, because besides not having the strength to get up, I couldn't get out of the bathroom, to the point that once I got to spend almost two hours sitting on the toilet, and holding my hands on the door handle of so much weakness, pain, and stomachache I had. It was horrible. Soon, I would lie down on the bed, my mother would give me medicine and tea. After that, I'd run to the bathroom, vomit, and as the hours passed, my cramping and discomfort would get better. Obviously, I didn't know the impact a “micronutrient” could make on my life. The lack of it, and of a more diversified diet, left me very depressed. Not all women have thalassemia, but that's not why they should forget to consume vitamin B12 and especially iron.
2. Excessive Stress.
People are already tired of knowing that excess of stress affects health. But at the same time, they don't do much to change, do they?!
Victoria's Quote: “It's okay :) ”
No, it wasn't okay. I was afraid of “bothering.” I didn't say the things that bothered me and that made me sad, I just kept myself quiet. I paid a very high price for it. Unfortunately, our society thinks it's pretty “nice,” “quiet,” women who do everything for the greatest good and the goodness of all. People confuse “accepting everything” with “being full.”
It doesn't mean that because you don't accept some situations, you're not "full." We do have to express ourselves, do talk about our feelings, and be honest always! This thing of pretending you're "all right" when you're not is the worst thing you can do to your body and your health. Because from the moment you lie or omit something to someone, the first person you affect is yourself.
3. Constant Physical Activity.
We need to break the taboo that we have to wear socks when we are menstruating and that we cannot exercise. According to the book “Mi Ciclo Menstrual,” by Marian Del Álamo and Miriam Vitoria Losantos, a psychologist, and another is nutritionist, this is yet another legend that has been put in our heads. Of course, when we are menstruating, we don't need to run a marathon and lift more weight. However, the fact that you can practice physical activity for 30 minutes every day can even help you regulate your menstrual cramps. (Remembering that we always recommend practicing physical activity alongside a professional from the area.)
4. Fast Food and Its Excesses.
A diet rich in vegetables, whole-grains, and fruits, is very important for a lighter and healthier life. I always say it's natural to want to eat fast food, processed foods. After all, in our DNA and in our eating habits we learn that it is something practical and delicious (due to some chemicals that can change the smell.) But consuming them every week is a problem.
Imagine your body full of substances that don't offer any nutrients... could it be that if you had more nutrients and vitamins in your body and them working properly, you would have so much pain in your menstrual cycle?
What I Did to Change.
I started consuming more meat, and iron around my period. (But besides meat, there are other ways to get vitamin B12, so don't worry. Head over to our article “Does Only Meat Have Vitamin B12? - All About Vitamin B12, And The Complex B.” to learn more about how to supplement it. Don't stop consuming this special vitamin and iron.)
When I shared my story with nutritionist Simone Carrera, she taught me that vitamin C helps iron a lot. That is: A week before my period eats, nowadays I focus my menu on a lot of vegetables, (greenish foods like cabbage, arugula, broccoli, are usually rich in iron), beets, chickpeas, beans, lentils, meat, orange juice , and citrus fruits, for my body to be more prepared.
Although I don't eat fast food in general, I've always liked some processed foods, especially when it comes to sweets. Nowadays, I understand that when I really feel like eating sweets but it doesn't make much sense to have that desire, I drink a lot of water, and I ask myself what I consumed during the day. The lack of nutrients helps in the search for “processed” foods to satisfy our hunger. Therefore, the connection between constant physical activity and a more natural diet is the best medicine anyone can take.
More and more, and it is with great pride that I say this, I become more “acid,” lol. I don't say that in a bad way. I do not seek to humiliate, curse, or disrespect people. But, always trying to be as polite as possible, I say what I think, what I miss, what makes me happy and sad. We can't chew and swallow everything we see. This reflects in the way we eat, stop eating, and consequently how we treat ourselves. The quantity and quality of what you consume is reflected in the way you feel.
Talk to yourself.
- Am I ok?
- Am I happy?
- Does my course/job fulfill me as a professional?
- Have I gotten over this someone/this situation?
- How can I feel lighter about myself?
- What do I miss the most?
- What else would make me happy right now? Why can't I do this? What prevents me from doing this?
So, affirmations and phrases you can say to yourself:
- You are awesome
- you are loved
- Thanks for saving me
- You are smart
- You are wonderful
- You are creative
- You are a warrior
- You are Unstoppable
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Talk to your body.
- What do you miss?
- Do you love yourself?
- Did someone reject you?
- Did someone hurt you?
- Am I hurting you? Why am I doing this to you?
So, affirmations and phrases you can say to your body:
- You are welcome
- You are loved
- You are unique
- I love you
- You're perfect for me
- Thanks for showing me how far I've eaten.
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Don't stop being the amazing woman you are, to get into such a small world of others. Eat healthy, exercise, fight for your rights, and dress like the Unstoppable woman you are. Don't give up, keep flying.
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
(Danielle and Victoria founders of the brand.
- mother and daughter.)
This text is just to give you another perspective on menstruation. Always consult your doctors and other healthcare professionals. They will know how to help you. Each person has their story, health, and body.
Written by Victoria Parada Daros
Health Coach.
Translated by Unstoppable Team.
(For questions or suggestions contact by email lifestyleunstoppable@gmail.com )
Check it out our “Catalog,” to buy your vitamins, and follow us on Instagram @lifestyle_unstoppable for more healthy daily tips.
- "What does it mean to see your diet with your rules?"
Many people think about pain, blood, hours of colic, medicine, even good chocolate when they talk about “menstruation.” Good luck, unfortunately for many women this is a reality. We understand and we must recognize that this patronage does not mean being equal for everyone, but we cannot expect it not to happen. But that's the question... Why do so many of us feel so much pain?
Before telling you what I discovered in these last few months, I need to tell you a little about my story, so that you can understand why today I end up discovering some things that unfortunately no one told me until then. I have thalasemia, commonly known as “Mediterranean anemia”, and because of this I have a blood deficiency in my body.
When we menstruate, we obviously lose blood. A detail so simple has been in front of me all this time, but I haven't seen it. But no doctor informed me and I told my mother that precisely because I had thalasemia I should take care of myself a little more than normal when I reached the rule, which ended up becoming hell in my life.
Important points that I ended up discovering and my biggest mistakes:
1. Vitamin B12 and Hierro.
The lack of vitamin B12 and micronutrients is negative for the body, especially when the woman is anemic, or for another reason there is a deficiency of this vitamin and micronutrients. Vitamin B12 can support the body and vice versa for a "stronger" body. The lack of strength can make a person feel weaker, debilitated, with little energy, and that's exactly what happened when I reached the rule.
My first day of menstruation every 28 days.
Diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure and high probability of fainting. I simply had no life on my first day of my menstrual cycle. Every month, it was like that. It was not very practical for me to get out, because besides not having the strength to get up, I couldn't get out of the bathroom, at which point I often found myself sitting for hours in an odorless place, and holding my hands on the handle of the door that was so weak. , pain and stomach pain that I had. It was horrible. Okay, I would lay down on the bed, my mother would give me medicine and that's it. After that, I ran to the bathroom, vomited and, with the passing of the hours, my calambres and illnesses got better. Obviously, I didn't know the impact that a “micronutrient” could have on my life. The lack of a more diverse diet leaves me very weak. Not all women have thalasemia, but not just because of this, they should forget about consuming vitamin B12 and especially all men.
2. Excessive stress.
We are tired of knowing that excess stress affects our health. But at the same time, there isn't much to change, right?
Victoria's quote: "It's good :)"
No, I'm not fine. I was afraid of "molesting." Don't say the things that bothered me and saddened me, simply call me. You paid a very high price for it. Unfortunately, our society thinks that it is beautiful, “good,” “tranquila” women, who do everything for the best mayor and the best of all. People confuse “accepting everything” with “being full.”
It doesn't mean that because you don't accept some situations, you're not "ready." We have to express ourselves, talk about our feelings, and always be sincere! It's about pretending you're "well" when you're not, that's the worst thing you can do to your body and your health. Because from the moment you omit something from someone, the first person you affect is yourself.
3. Constant physical activity.
We need to break the taboo that we have to wear panties when we are menstruating and that we cannot exercise. According to the book “My Menstrual Cycle”, by Marian Del Álamo and Miriam Vitoria Losantos, psychologist and other nutritionist, this is another lesson that has stuck in our heads. Obviously, when we are menstruating we don't need to run a marathon and gain weight. However, the knowledge that you can practice physical activity for 30 minutes every day can even help you regulate your menstrual cramps. (Remembering that we always recommend practicing physical activity with a professional in the area.
4. Fast food and excess food.
A diet rich in vegetables, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables is very important to lead a lighter and healthier life. I always say that it's natural to want to eat fast food, processed foods. After all, in our DNA and in our eating habits we learn that it is something practical and delicious (due to some chemicals that can change the smell). But consuming them every week is a problem.
Imagine your body full of substances that don't provide any nutrients... Would it be that if you had more nutrients and vitamins in your body and functioned correctly, would you have so much pain?
What a time to change.
Stopped eating more meat and more around my period. (But besides meat, there are other ways to get vitamin B12, so don't worry. See our article "Does Solo Meat Have Vitamin B12? - All About Vitamin B12 and the B Complex" to get more information on how to complement it. Don't hesitate to consume this special and rich vitamin.)
When I shared my story with nutritionist Simone Carrera, I was taught that vitamin C helps a lot. This is to say: One week before the rule comes to an end, today I focus my menu on lots of vegetables, (green foods like cabbage, arugula, broccoli, which can be rich in water), garlic, garbanzos, The alubias, the lentils, the meat, the orange juice, and citrus, so that my body is better prepared.
Although I don't eat fast food in general, I have always enjoyed some processed foods, especially when it comes to sweets. Today I understand that when I have a lot of desire to eat sweets but I don't have much sense to have that desire, I drink a lot of water, and I wonder what I consumed during the day. The lack of nutrients helps in the search for "prepared" foods to satisfy our hunger. Therefore, the connection between constant physical activity and a more natural diet is the best medicine that any person can take.
More and more, and with much pride that I say it, I become more “acidic”, fast. I don't say it in a bad way. I do not seek to humiliate, curse or lack respect for people. But, always trying to be as polite as possible, I say what I think, what I extract, what makes me happy and sad. We cannot chew and swallow everything we have seen. This is reflected in the way we eat, let's stop eating and, consequently, how we treat ourselves. The quantity and quality of what you consume is reflected in how you feel.
Hable Contigo
- I'm good?
- Am I happy?
- Does my course/work fulfill me as a professional?
- Have I overcome this someone/this situation?
- How can I feel lighter about myself?
- What's the most important thing I extract?
- What would make me happiest at this moment? Why can't I do this? What stops me from doing this?
So, statements and phrases that you can tell yourself:
- You are incredible
- You are loved
- Thanks for saving me
- You are smart
- You were wonderful
- You are creative
- You are a warrior
- You are Unstoppable (unstoppable).
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Skill With Your Body
- What are you extrañas?
- Do you want yourself?
- Did someone reject you?
- Did anyone hurt you?
- Am I sorry for you? Why am I doing this?
So, statements and phrases that you can say to your body:
- You are welcome
- You are loved
- You are special
- I love you
- You are perfect for me
- Thank you for showing me what I've arrived at.
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
Don't want to be the incredible woman you are, to enter a world so small as others. Eat healthy, exercise, fight for your rights and see yourself as the unstoppable woman you are. Don't laugh, keep flying.
Image owned by Lifestyle Unstoppable.
(Danielle and Victoria founders of the brand.
- mother and daughter.)
This text is just to give you another perspective on menstruation. Always consult your doctors and other healthcare professionals. They will help you. Each person has their story, their health and their body.
Written by Victória Parada Daros
Health Coach.
Translated by Unstoppable Team.
(For questions or suggestions, contact by email: lifestyleunstoppable@gmail.com )
Join our “Catalog” to buy your vitamins, and follow our Instagram @lifestyle_unstoppable for more healthy tips for everyday life.
