Menstruation experienced by women every month can indeed cause various symptoms that make the body feel uncomfortable. In addition to the pain that occurs before and during the menstrual period, there is also a bloated stomach condition that makes you often pass gas. Is this actually normal? Don't worry, bloated stomach and frequent passing of gas during menstruation are indeed normal symptoms experienced by women. This is caused by changes in the hormone progesterone which can affect the digestive tract and trigger intestinal contractions. Not only causing bloated stomach, in some cases it can also cause diarrhea.

Some of you may actually avoid drinking water when experiencing bloating. Eits, it turns out that this is not the right way, you know. Increasing the intake of water is actually necessary, especially before the menstrual period arrives. A well-hydrated body can help release gas buildup in the stomach and expel it by passing gas. In addition, drinking water can also help eliminate excess salt through urine, which can trigger bloating.

If you want to minimize bloating during menstruation, food intake is the main thing to consider. As much as possible, reduce intake of salty food. The sodium content in salt can increase the amount of water stored in the body, triggering fluid retention and causing bloating during menstruation. The American Heart Association has recommended limiting salt intake to 1,500mg per day. One way to prevent excessive salt intake is by preparing your own meals using fresh ingredients. Also, avoid consuming processed foods as they often contain high levels of salt.

Processed carbohydrates such as those derived from flour and refined sugar can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. This can also lead to an increase in insulin in the blood, which eventually causes the kidneys to retain sodium. This condition can also trigger bloating due to the high sodium content in the body causing fluid retention. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose the food consumed during menstruation. Avoid excessive intake of processed carbohydrates, including those derived from sugar.

According to research published in the Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, women who frequently consume caffeinated beverages have a higher risk of experiencing menstrual disorders. Caffeine is one of the causes of bloating, which often leads to discomfort and other menstrual disturbances. Therefore, it is recommended to replace caffeine with healthier drinks. For example, drinking water or infused water can help hydrate the body, or consuming favorite fruit juices can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for the body.

For those who are menstruating, it is recommended to be even more selective in choosing daily food. For example, choose foods that contain vitamin B6 because this nutrient can help alleviate PMS symptoms such as bloating. Choose foods rich in vitamin B6 such as fish, chicken, potatoes, and fruits. You can also meet this nutrient intake by consuming supplements and multivitamins. With well-maintained nutritional needs, the risk of menstrual disorders such as bloating can be minimized.