Weight gain during period is a very common complaint of the menstruating women, but it is important to note that the weight gain during period is very minor and also temporary. To know more about weight gain during period, read further.
Has any of your friends ever asked you "do you gain weight during your period". If the answer to the question is "yes", do not worry. A number of women suffer from different complaints both before and during periods. The most common complaints are stomach cramps, weight gain during period, uneasiness, back and lower back pain, leg pain, etc. Weight gain during period is not a very serious issue, at the same time, it is not difficult to get rid of the weight gained.
Causes of Weight Gain During Period
We must find out what is it that causes weight gain during PMS. Once we know the causes, we may be able to take the appropriate steps to get rid of the problem.
Water Retention
Weight gain during period is often due to water retention. Water retention is also known as fluid retention. It is normally caused due to hormonal changes, which happen during this period. A number of woman may identify with water retention as bloating. It is often observed that before and during period, woman normally have problems with bowel movement. This also leads to water retention. You may want to read about symptoms and causes of water retention.
Bloating
Menstrual bloating is often due to gas accumulation in the intestine. It can be due to changes taking place in the body and also due to inactivity before and during the menstrual cycle. Bloating can also cause severe menstrual cramps.
Overeating and Food Cravings
Weight gain during menstrual cycle can also be due to overeating. Women tend to overeat during periods, due rise in the metabolism levels. Usually, women consume about 100 to 200 calories more than what they regularly consume. Most women notice, that they have food cravings before and during period. These cravings do not last for a long duration and go away on their own. Binge eating is due to food cravings.
Treating Weight Gain During Period
It is not very difficult to treat weight gain during period. A small change to the diet can help in alleviating water retention problem. You may want to reduce your sodium intake during this time, to fight this problem. Less sodium reduces chances of water retention. If bloating and water retention is pronounced, you may want to try a diuretic. It is not recommended, but if bloating is causing you a lot of discomfort, you may try a diuretic. Calcium plays an important role in preventing and curing water retention problem. Make sure your calcium intake is sufficient. Women, who follow vegan diet, should especially take care about their calcium intake as, studies have shown that they lack calcium often.
It is very often observed, that women avoid exercises prior to their menstrual cycle. At the same time, they are also very inactive during this period, which often times leads to weight gain.
Although, you might have food cravings, it is important, you make sure you are eating healthy and sumptuous meals. Avoid foods which are high in refined sugar. Your diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates, lean protein and fiber. Healthy small meals at regular intervals and in adequate quantities also help in managing food cravings during this time. Your meals should be the kinds which will get digested fast. Limit your caffeine intake and keep yourself well hydrated. You can have fruit and vegetable juices or coconut water to keep yourself well hydrated.
The average weight gain during period is any where between 1 to 4 pounds. However, in some woman, there will not be noticeable weight gain during period. The only important thing to remember about this weight gain during period is that you should not get disturbed. Understand that it is normal and will go away once you are done with your menstrual cycle.
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