We get to that time of the month and there is only one thing on our mind, chocolate. But thanks to new research we’re going to have to come up with another excuse to divulge in this treat.
Health on Female First
According to a study conducted by The University of Pennsylvania, it’s a myth that chocolate cravings are related to the menstrual cycle.
The study found that chocolate cravings in women who had reached menopause were almost as common as they were in menstruating women; in fact, they were even more common in men.
Researchers surveyed women, of which about a third were menstruating. Of those who were past menopause, 77% reported craving chocolate, compared with 90% of women who were menstruating. About half of the premenopausal women told researchers that they thought their chocolate cravings were tied to the onset of their period, but fewer than 10% of postmenopausal women said they thought their cravings had ever been linked to menstruation.
A carbohydrate craving is a demand from our brains to eat something sweet (chocolate) or starchy because it wants to make more serotonin. Of the approximately 40 million brain cells, most are influenced either directly or indirectly by serotonin. This includes brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviour. Therefore it could well be general symptoms such as lack of sleep and high temperature that leads to these cravings that can occur at any time whether a women is menstruating or not.
With the symptoms of menstruation including pain, nausea, sweating and fatigue, it’s easy to see why a carbohydrate craving is apparent, however this doesn’t mean it’s a direct relation to menstruation rather than a general dip in your mood.
To lift your mood during menstruation, it’s important to relieve any symptoms of pain or discomfort to avoid feeling down.
- Pain and high temperature are often a problem for women during their period, so choose a painkiller that targets both. Nuromol offers a combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in a single dose to help bring your fever down and address the pain
- Exercise can help alleviate cramps by raising the level of beta-endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain associated with pain relief. Studies have shown that beta endorphins have a positive effect on mood and behaviour
- Reduce your salt intake to prevent water retention that causes bloating
- Rest, sleep and relaxation exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort. A relaxing massage or bath with oil made with chamomile, lavender, marjoram, ginger and/or clary sage. They are aromatic and can aid in relaxation
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