We must avoid alcohol and caffeine since these drinks can worsen any symptoms of PMS and drain your body of nutrients necessary for the first phase
Women live a menstrual cycle that is repeated monthly and consists of four marked phases. Some of these phases turn out to be harmless for us, although they are not for our bodies. It is important that we know how our body deals with the different hormonal changes it goes through, to know how to take care of ourselves properly in each phase.
Holistic nutritionist Kristin Dahl has developed an essential guide for us to know the natural movements of our cycle, in order to take care of it as it deserves.
PHASE 1: MENSTRUATION
The period appears as phase 1 of the menstrual cycle when you start bleeding. With an average duration of between three and four days, this phase is summarized as a process of elimination from the body. Kristin Dahl recommends eating nuts, seeds, seaweed, avocado, and dark chocolate to support the endocrine system in balancing hormones.
PHASE 2: FOLLICULAR
Phase 2 begins with the stoppage of bleeding, coinciding with the rise in estrogen and testosterone levels. For the follicular phase, the intake of foods such as lentils, salmon, eggs, seeds, and all those that contain good fats and proteins is recommended. In this way, you will nourish your body correctly and ensure the correct maturation of the egg and the reestablishment of the uterus.
PHASE 3: OVULATORY
This phase begins around day 14 of your cycle and lasts for 7 days. At the end of it, you may experience sudden changes in mood, accompanied by sadness or irritability. This occurs as a result of falling estrogen levels since progesterone has not been fully restored. Nutritionist Kristin Dahl recommends avoiding heavy meals that require a long digestive process. She suggests that we include quinoa, vegetables, rice, and fish in your diet.
We must avoid alcohol and caffeine since these drinks can worsen any symptoms of PMS and drain your body of nutrients necessary for the first phase
During phase 3 the egg is traveling down the fallopian tubes (optimal time for fertilization), and some swelling may appear in your abdomen. To alleviate this, the practice of yoga postures that relax this area is recommended.
PHASE 4: LUTEAL
This phase begins a week after ovulation and continues until the end of the cycle when your bleeding starts again. The walls of the uterus continue to narrow and blood begins to come to that area to bring warmth and nutrients. We can prepare our body by increasing the consumption of protein and good fats, as well as brown rice, avocado, ginger, and plenty of water. Also, we should avoid alcohol and caffeine, since these drinks can worsen any symptoms of PMS and drain your body of nutrients needed for the first phase.
During the four phases, it is important that we maintain correct intimate hygiene using specific gels for daily use such as Chilly’s. Dr. Belén Gómez, a gynecologist at the Infanta Leonor Hospital and a regular collaborator with Chilly, recalls that “vaginal discharge can change in each phase of the menstrual cycle. It also changes when you become sexually aroused, as well as during and after pregnancy. These are normal changes, typical of the specific situations that our body experiences. However, sudden changes in the smell, color, or consistency of your discharge are the ones that indicate that something else is going on inside you. Therefore, it is important that we know how to detect any significant change in our flow and thus be able to address any condition that comes our way”.
In addition, focusing on the menstruation phase, there are products such as Chilly Gel that provide a sensation of freshness and lasting protection, to wash your intimate area without damaging it, and respecting the natural physiological balance of the mucous membranes. It is enriched with natural menthol, which produces an effective refreshing action, enhanced with an anti-odor molecule, effective against odors.
