Wonder why should you not drink tea during menstruation? Well, don’t, as this blog will solve your doubts, but before it does that, let’s first understand what menstruation is and what are some harms of drinking tea during periods.

The menstrual cycle is a regular aspect of the reproductive cycle for women. Every month, the uterine lining sheds to get the body ready for pregnancy; if this process is disrupted, a woman has her period. This may be normal, but other symptoms may also accompany it. Stomach pain, distension, and changes in hormone levels are a few among them. Now, let’s talk about some potential effects of tea during this phase.

Why Should You Not Drink Tea During Menstruation? 3 Reasons

One of the most popular beverages in the world today is tea. All thanks to its list of potential health benefits. Most people sip this beverage to relax, followed by an interest in re-energizing the body. However, these effects change during menstruation, and tea’s impact on the body will differ from the benefits many enjoy. As much as tea can be soothing, it also has properties that can be less than ideal for managing menstrual symptoms. The following are some effects it might put forward during your period.

1. Caffeine Effects

One main reason many women avoid tea while menstruating is its caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and is something that one must avoid. The only reason is because of its stimulating effects that gradually worsen as its intake increases. For example, a cup of black tea has approximately 47 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of green tea only has about 28 mg. So, what this amount does is that it makes women more tense and anxious during their periods. If consumed excessively, this can lead to further pain and may disrupt sleep and health.

why should you not drink tea during menstruation

Source: Freepik

2. Diuretic Effects

Tea also acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production in living beings. This causes people to visit the washroom frequently or lose essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium, from their bodies. At this stage, mineral balance is necessary to relieve body cramping and other discomforts.

3. Nutritional Considerations

The body’s physiology changes significantly during the menstrual cycle, so it needs a customized nutritional plan. However, tea consumption at such times can hinder iron absorption—the most crucial element the body loses during menstruation—possibly increasing fatigue and weakness. Moreover, during these times, it is vital to have plenty of iron-rich food sources like spinach, lentils, and red meat to recover lost nutrients and ensure overall good health.

What To Drink Instead Of Tea During Menstruation?

Herbal Teas

Unlike herbal teas, which may be better for you right now, other teas include caffeine. Without using caffeine, substitutes like peppermint and chamomile offer the same advantages. While Chamomile tea reduces tension, Peppermint tea additionally helps with headaches, period cramps, and gastrointestinal issues.

ginger and lemon tea

Source: Freepik

Ginger and Lemon Tea

Warm ginger lemon tea is the finest remedy for pain, bloating, and nausea. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory qualities reduce stomach discomfort and cramps during menstruation. Due to this reason, any discomfort that women face goes away, and they feel relieved. Meanwhile, lemon juice’s alkaline properties make it an excellent remedy for menstruation-related problems. It complements ginger perfectly, both taste-wise and nutritionally.

Final Words

Although tea is a very socially consumed beverage that seems comfortable, it has some side effects during menstruation. Its caffeine content increases cramps, anxiety, and irritability, and diuretic properties cause more dehydration, leading to increased bloating. The tea can further interfere with the iron intake.

Understanding how these factors can impact you can help you make wiser decisions about what you drink during your menstrual cycle. Avoiding caffeine and diuretic drinks, or at least cutting down on tea consumption, may help you better control the discomfort during menstruation. 

References

Cspuerh. Why You Should Not Drink Tea During Menstruation.

A.Vogel UK. 6 drinks to help period cramps.