Diet has a strong influence on a woman’s cycle. In our clinic, we have successfully used dietary and lifestyle strategies to help individuals with painful, heavy, periods and other types of menstrual and hormonal concerns. Now a new study of 311 women in Spain further supports the dietary connection. In this study, women who followed a Mediterranean diet with high vegetable, fruit, and olive oil, and low alcohol, reported better period outcomes: shorter menstrual cycles and less pain. Interestingly, regular consumption of legumes increased the probability of suffering menstrual pain. We can speculate a potential connection there with increased incidence of immunological responses to legumes in Mediterranean regions where they are consumed in higher amounts. We would be considering that as a potential source of inflammation that could promote hormonal dysregulation. – Romilly Hodges, Nutrition Programs Director
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