Do You also Crave Specific Food During Your Periods?

It’s that time of the month again, and with it comes a set of food cravings, where chocolate becomes a knight in shining foil and chips pose as salty sirens. But amidst all these cravings, there is a hidden message that your body is trying to convey. The phenomenon of food cravings during menstruation has been widely depicted in memes and popular culture as irresistible and sometimes overwhelming.

These cravings, often for carbohydrates and sweets like ice cream, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza, are often blamed for disrupting diet routines. However, skeptics have argued that these cravings are merely a result of advertising and societal influences rather than hormonal changes (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Menstrual Cycle Is Modified by BMI, Fitness, and Physical Activity in NHANES

Go to source).

A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has provided fresh insights into this topic, suggesting a connection between insulin sensitivity in the brain and the menstrual cycle. The study involved 11 women and measured brain insulin sensitivity during two distinct menstrual cycle phases: the follicular phase (associated with egg preparation for ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation when the egg awaits fertilization). The results indicated higher insulin sensitivity during the follicular phase and reduced sensitivity and increased resistance during the luteal phase. These fluctuations could disrupt energy regulation and interfere with insulin's role in appetite control, glucose regulation, and metabolism.

The second part of the study used neuroimaging to examine brain activity across the menstrual cycle in a different group of 15 women. This revealed a similar pattern of insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus, considered the "control center" for food intake and metabolism.

Martin Heni, co-author of the study, emphasized that these metabolic changes are a natural part of the menstrual cycle and may explain the experiences reported by many women. Nils Kroemer, a neuroscientist not involved in the study, praised the research, noting that it sheds light on the crucial role of insulin action in the brain in orchestrating cycle-dependent adjustments in insulin sensitivity.

Common Food Cravings during Menstruation and their Underlying Meanings

Don’t worry, we also give you a healthy alternative so that your diet is not disrupted.

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Sugar cravings

Explanation: Hormonal changes during menstruation can lead to drops in blood sugar levels, triggering sugar cravings. Your body is signaling a need for insulin.

Healthy Alternative: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar levels without the excess sugar.

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Craving	Cause of Craving	Healthy Alternative
Sugar craving	Hormonal changes leading to drop in blood sugar levels	Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Chocolate Cravings	Deficiency in magnesium	Dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of magnesium.
Salt Cravings	Hormonal fluctuations	Hydrating detox water, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Chocolate Cravings

Explanation: These cravings often indicate a deficiency in magnesium. While chocolate can provide some magnesium, it's also high in fat. Consider incorporating green leafy vegetables, seeds, and whole grains for a healthier magnesium boost.

Opt for dark chocolate for added antioxidants and minerals if you choose chocolate

Healthy Alternative: Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of magnesium.

Craving Cause of Craving Healthy Alternative Sugar craving Hormonal changes leading to drop in blood sugar levels Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables Chocolate Cravings Deficiency in magnesium Dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of magnesium. Salt Cravings Hormonal fluctuations Hydrating detox water, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Salty Food Cravings

Explanation: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation may lead to cravings for salty foods. However, excessive salt intake can result in bloating and blood pressure issues. These cravings may signify dehydration and a lack of sodium.

Healthy Alternative: Prepare a hydrating detox water with a pinch of natural sea salt or consume foods rich in electrolytes like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

“Understanding your body's signals and choosing nutritious alternatives can help you manage cravings and support your well-being during your menstrual cycle.”

While research has explored the influence of hormones and neurotransmitters on period cravings, this recent study is among the first to investigate the role of insulin sensitivity in the brain.

More extensive research, particularly considering factors like obesity, birth control use, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, is needed.

Nevertheless, these findings offer a promising step toward better understanding the physiological mechanisms behind these cravings and improving well-being for individuals experiencing menstruation.

"Listen to your cravings, but opt for nourishing choices. Your body knows what it needs."

Reference:

1. Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Menstrual Cycle Is Modified by BMI, Fitness, and Physical Activity in NHANES - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8475204/)

Source-Medindia