GLUTEN. It’s public enemy #1 as of late, especially in California. Ryan Reynolds famously tweeted that people in California are so terrified of gluten that you can rob a liquor store with a bagel. HA! Whether you have a gluten intolerance, or are just trying to reduce inflammation, the removal of gluten from your diet can be very beneficial…especially if you are a menstruating woman. Today, I’m going to tell you the benefits of a gluten free period.
Do you suffer from cramps and other uncomfortable symptoms during your period? If you do, you might want to consider switching to a gluten free diet during your time of the month. It’s important to note that you don’t have to fully go gluten free to benefit. You can just reduce your gluten intake or go gluten free for the week of your period; you don’t have to be gluten free all day everyday. In my experience, as someone with no gluten sensitivity, I greatly benefited from going gluten free just during the week of my period.
Very Well published a great article explaining the link between women with celiac disease and endometriosis. If you suffer every month, make sure you consult your doctor because you might have endometriosis, PCOS, or fibroids; all of which are very painful. You shouldn’t have to suffer and I’m glad that these issues are making their way into mainstream media to spread awareness.
Benefits of a Gluten Free Period
1. Less cramps
Less cramps is one of the main benefits of a gluten free period, and the one that’s most important to me. Going gluten free can make your painful cramps disappear. At least, that’s what happened to me. In an effort to be healthier and reduce my body’s inflammation, I tried going (mostly) gluten free. It just so happened to be the week of my cycle when I started this experiment. I felt much different–and in the best way possible.
Genetically, the women in my family have horrible period cramps. Sometimes mine are so bad that I throw up (and that’s even with meds). So, when my period came and I had no cramps, I worried that this was an anomaly and that next month I would surely pay extra for it. Then I realized what a gluten free diet does: it reduces inflammation. The Advil I have to continuously pop during my cycle also reduces inflammation. Is it possible that by changing my diet, I am able to reduce inflammation and therefore cramps naturally? Yes, and that’s exactly what happened. I felt amazing.
And it’s not just me. Many naturopathic physicians have started suggesting a gluten free diet to women who suffer from painful periods. Unfortunately, most of the success stories are anecdotal and aren’t backed by much research (yet). But I know what happened to me, and a quick google search will show you how a gluten free diet has benefited many other women. As with anything, check with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes (duh).
2. Less hormone-related issues
Flo Living says uneven mood, chronic fatigue, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acne, and irregular cycles are all hormone related. For me, I get extremely tired, which really interferes with my everyday life. There are many benefits of a gluten free period and it helped me have more even energy levels and my insides felt cleaner and less angry.
It’s really unfortunate that we as women have to deal with this monthly madness, but that’s why is it so important to really get to know your body, track your cycle, so you can find a lifestyle that lets you LIVE during that week. Imagine having a month where you are not as affected by your monthly cycle. You can give that to yourself if you try to get a better understanding of your health needs.
I recently was introduced to the idea of cycle syncing. It’s where you structure your lifestyle (eating, sleeping, exercise, work) to suit your body’s needs in each stage of your cycle. This ensures you are always in alignment with your body, are not needlessly stressing your body, and are at an optimal level of wellness. You have to realize, this world is set up to suit the needs of a man’s health, not a woman’s (hello maternity leave failure). So, carve out some space for yourself. Women’s health is so fascinating, and the ultimate goal is to live a healthier life that is suited to your own needs. That’s the dream.
So…should you try it?
Honestly, I am not advocating you adopt a 100% gluten free diet all the time. According to Mind Body Green, eating gluten free when you don’t have to is not necessarily healthier and can lead to vitamin deficiencies. So, if you are not gluten sensitive, I don’t think it’s beneficial to follow a strict gluten free diet every single day. I am merely suggesting that for one week a month, it could really help you out if you have any of the issues stated above. Everything in moderation!
Personally, the benefits of a gluten free period have changed my life. I cannot tell you how painful my periods are and how much that monthly “present” affects my life in a negative way. I have a gyno appointment at the end of the month and I’m terrified I’ll be diagnosed with fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis. Ugh. But, at least I have found something that helps me for a week so I’m not miserable. And maybe this will help you too. Girl power!
-Kristen
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