Menstruation is a physiological process that women go through every month. This menstrual process consists of the expulsion of eggs that have not been fertilized through the vagina. However, although menstruation is a natural occurrence in women's lives, this does not mean that it is not a discomfort and, in most cases, painful.
In addition to pain in the lower belly, it is very common to have other symptoms during the menstrual period such as abdominal swelling, chest tenderness and general weight gain. But, “why do I gain weight every time my period comes?” some girls may wonder. In the following article we reveal the main reasons why we weigh more with the rule. Read!
Why we gain weight with the ruler
Menstruation or menstruation is a part of a monthly cycle in which each woman can gain from 1 to 5 kilos of weight. One of the reasons why this weight gain occurs periodically is that some women feel the need to eat more, so they satisfy their craving for certain foods (usually chocolates and sweets or carbohydrates of other types) every time they experience that feeling. Therefore, this extra feeding is what causes, in some cases, the scale to increase its numbers. However, in other cases, where the woman does not consume more food than normal and gains weight as if she were eating it, why does she weigh more during her menstrual period?
The main reason why we weigh more with the period in the event that we are not increasing food intake is that we are experiencing one of the most common symptoms of the menstrual period: fluid retention. This disorder, also known as dropsy, originates when our body fails to eliminate the necessary fluid, either by urine or by the sweat glands, and therefore accumulates in the tissues of some areas of our silhouette. However, we are not really gaining weight, because as soon as our hormone levels return to balance, we will begin to expel the retained fluids in a normal way and, therefore, our body will regain normal weight.
This accumulation of fluids in some areas of our body, usually in the abdomen, hips and thighs, has other symptoms that increase the feeling that we have taken a few extra kilos. Some of these symptoms are as follows:
- Swelling in the abdomen.
- Abdominal pain: they can also be due to menstruation. These cramps can cause inflammation in the belly and therefore, we may think that we are accumulating more fats in this area.
- Swelling in other areas: Water retention can also occur in the hips and thighs.
- Fatigue and heaviness (especially in the leg area).
Infusions to reduce fluid retention
As we have indicated, fluid retention occurs because we are not eliminating enough water, either by urine or by the sweat glands. Therefore, the best way to combat this disorder is to use home remedies, such as infusions, to increase urine naturally. Next, we give you the best infusions to reduce the accumulation of liquids:
Green tea
It is a medicinal plant that due to its richness in flavonoids, has excellent diuretic properties that favors the elimination of liquids through the urine. To prepare it put a bag of green tea in a glass of boiled water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then remove the sachet and take the infusion twice a day (during breakfast and after the main meal). For it to take effect, it is necessary that you consume it at least three times a week
Parsley infusion
This food seasoning is also a powerful diuretic with which we can effectively reduce fluid retention. To prepare the infusion, add 1 tablespoon of parsley in a cup of boiled water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then strain the drink and drink it twice a day.
Horsetail infusion
It is a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids and saponids, which gives it incredible diuretic properties, being able to increase up to 30% more urine. Add in a cup of well-boiled water a tablespoon of this plant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then strain the drink and drink a couple of glasses a day to notice its diuretic effects.
Find out with in this other article What are the best infusions for fluid retention.
Other tips to prevent weight gain during menstruation
In addition to the consumption of diuretic infusions, it is also advisable to follow the following recommendations to avoid weighing more with the rule:
- Increase fluid intake: Try to drink at least a liter and a half of water a day. Although it sounds contradictory, a higher intake of water and other drinks as long as they are not sugary, better if they are infusions of those mentioned above, can help you reduce weight gain.
- Reduces salt intake: sodium is a food condiment that we should avoid if we intend not to gain weight, as it increases fluid retention within the body.
- Eat more foods with potassium: The lack of this nutrient can also increase the accumulation of water in our body. Consume foods such as vegetables and fruits as they are products rich in potassium:
- Perform cardiovascular exercises: walking every day or sports such as swimming are very effective exercises to avoid gaining weight during your period.
