Embrace your period and your wellness journey with confidence and trust in the transformative power it holds.
Menstruation is a natural process that happens to half of the people in the world. If you have a uterus, you're well aware that it's often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms. Everything from irritability to bloating, and of course, cramping. If you're planning to embark on a detox while on your period, rest assured that it's perfectly safe and can even provide support for your menstrual and hormonal health. But if you're still feeling a little nervous, we're here to break down what a detox or cleanse could look like during your cycle.
Can Detoxing Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
Participating in a cleanse can influence various aspects of your body, including your menstrual cycle. While everyone's experience may differ, it's common for some to notice changes in their flow or the timing of their period during the cleanse.
Don't be alarmed if your flow becomes lighter or heavier, shorter or longer - it's all part of the cleansing process.
Additionally, if you've been struggling with irregular periods, you may find the cleanse helps to restore regularity. The reason is simple. When you introduce wholesome, nutrient-rich foods into your diet, it gives your body the building blocks that it needs to support itself during your cleanse.
How to ManagePMS Symptoms During a Detox
Up to 80% of people who have periods experience mild to moderate premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can include symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and cramping. The good news is that the cleanse and elimination diet can potentially alleviate these symptoms.
By avoiding certain trigger foods such as dairy and coffee, you may experience reduced PMS discomfort. Moreover, removing sugar, coffee, and dairy from your diet during the cleanse might uncover emotions that were previously suppressed, leading to a temporary increase in moodiness.
Remember, these adjustments are typically associated with the cleansing process rather than menstruation itself. We recommend journaling during your cleanse and in the reintroduction phase to help better identify and address these sensations.
Provide Your Body With Extra Support
Self-care is crucial, especially during your period. Our Wellness Programs include dietary recommendations that naturally support your body during this time. Incorporating healthy fats, like avocado, into your meals can help balance your mood and energy levels while keeping you satiated.
For added support, our magnesium powder, can alleviate muscle cramps, soothe emotions, and work to relieve period-related headaches.
Another great support for your system is our probiotic, Biome. If you're one of the millions of women on birth control, an unfortunate side-effect is that it can affect your gut's microbiome. If you find yourself nauseous, bloated, or having irregular bowel movements - even outside your usual PMS window - a probiotic could help you to feel better and have more regularity.
And if you're still concerned, it's always a safe bet to make an appointment with your doctor to go over your options.
Choose the Ideal Time to Begin Your Detox
If you experience severe PMS symptoms, you may prefer to avoid starting the cleanse during the week leading up to your period. During the first week of cleansing, your body adjusts to eliminating dietary triggers and sensitivities, which may coincide with detox symptoms.
By the second week, you'll likely experience increased energy and improved sleep quality. Plus, it's a temporary change to your lifestyle, which can always be a little stressful - even if the long-term benefits are worth it.
However, there's no strict rule about when to start your detox - listen to your body and honor yourself by choosing a time that feels right for you.
Balance Activity and Rest
Engaging in gentle physical activities is generally encouraged during the cleanse, including the duration of your period. Taking long walks, practicing yin yoga, or attending pilates classes can provide relief from cramping.
If those activities don't resonate with you, a warm bath can offer comfort in relieving your symptoms and putting you at ease.
Remember to adjust your caloric intake if you increase your physical activity to ensure your body receives sufficient fuel. During a cleanse, your body is working hard - during menstruation, it's doing double, so listening to its cues is essential.
And be sure to drink plenty of water! Drinking water may also be the key to having an easier period. Hydration may alleviate more painful cramps and backaches associated with your cycle. Staying hydrated in general may cause you to have a shorter, lighter cycle. Whereas if you're dehydrated, you could have a longer, more painful period. Getting into this habit daily will help your body significantly in the long run. You can also use an electrolyte hydration powder to improve the hydration process.
Beyond the Cleanse
While it's important to pay attention to how your body reacts with any cleanse, it's just as crucial to keep up good habits once your cleanse is finished. Make it a point to continue regular physical activity. Make sure to lean into self-care. Not only is this a good practice to have for your period, but on the days leading up to it when you're more likely to feel depleted. It's okay to cut yourself some slack and take a break!
Seek out herbal remedies that support a healthy cycle and balance your hormones. And remember to seek out iron-rich foods to make up for the blood that you lost during your cycle.
Embrace your period and your wellness journey with confidence and trust in the transformative power it holds. By exploring a cleanse program like the Clean 21 and implementing self-care practices, you can find relief from menstrual symptoms while promoting your overall well-being. Start your transformative journey today and unlock the harmonious relationship between cleansing, the body, and the mind.
If you find you need emotional support or other tips, consider scheduling a FREE consultation with one of our Wellness Coaches before, during, or after your cleanse, as needed.
And if you’re interested in more information, tips, and delicious elimination diet friendly recipes, check out our blog for more. We're here to ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and successful cleanse.
Sources:
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