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| How our menstrual cycle controls our moods and energy levels |
I found an article in the Daily Mail on 23 October 2014 which talks about our strongest and weakest days of the month. A lot of us, ladies, are not following our cycles to get the most of ourselves, so I wanted to bring this to your attention.
Below you will find a summary of the article published in the Mail. I hope you find it useful.
If you have any important event in your life, such as going on a date with that gorgeous man you've been dreaming about for months, or you need to talk to your boss to ask for a pay rise, you better consult your menstrual diary. Women are more moody or less energetic during certain periods of the month, but do we know how to work around our hormone cycle to achieve personal success?
First of all, we should do (or not do) certain things during certain periods of the month, i.e., we should plan important events around the time when we are at our best. Secondly, nutrition can help us improve the situation.
Most women's menstrual cycle is around 28 days, so we will take this cycle as an example and start it with the first day of your period.
Day 1-5
The best time for paperwork. Female hormone oestrogen levels are very low, you may feel surprisingly calm as oestrogen relates to emotional and physical energy. Iron levels are low and women feel tired. Mark these days in your diary for downtime. It's not uncommon to feel flu like symptoms at this stage.
Food that will help: shellfish, chicken, brown rice, calves' liver, apricots and red meat. Bread, pastry and cakes will only make you feel more lethargic.
Day 6-13
Your oestrogen levels start climbing up. Oestrogen also promotes brainpower, memory, good skin, emotional and bone strength. Slowly you will start feeling more enthusiastic, energetic and happy. Perfect time to take on new challenges, especially towards the end of this period as oestrogen levels are nearing the peak. Perfect time to impress anyone - boss, boyfriend and so on.
Food: your body is still rebuilding itself since last period, therefore, protein is a good choice. Eat eggs, chicken, walnuts, pecans. Also, eating plants with oestrogen like properties will help, i.e., celery, chicory, asparagus, globe artichokes, cherries and pomegranates.
Day 14-16
Mid-cycle is great to get what you want with men as you will be looking and feeling at your best. Oestrogen is at it's peak and testosterone is climbing up. Testosterone is a male hormone, which will improve your libido, or sex drive. You will be at your most confident with clearer thinking and better coordination. Some women can get bullish during this phase.
Food to avoid: anything that encourages more testosterone, i.e., pineapple, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower. Green foods are good now such as spinach. Avoid coffee or overly sugary foods.
Day 17-28
Progesterone levels rise sharply. It causes body to slow down, makes you less alert or energetic. A drop in oestrogen makes you lethargic, but you will be most tolerant and patient. A good time to visit your in-laws or host a children's party.
At around day 25-26 PMS may creep in as there is an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone. If our bodies were working correctly oestrogen should be low and progesterone high, but sometimes due to our diets we get a surplus of oestrogen causing PMS. Excess oestrogen attracts fluid, causing it to accumulate in breasts, abdomen, causing bloating, and brain, leading to headaches and irritability.
Food to avoid: high sugar foods, processed food. Eat root vegetables such as carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, soups, casseroles. For bloating take probiotics to help re-balance the good bacteria in your gut. Avoid raw foods.
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