Should your daughter's diet change once her period starts? Learn from your doctor the answer to this mother's question

Almost every mother wonders whether any changes should be made to her daughter's diet after her period begins. Let's ask a doctor for the answer.

With the onset of menstruation, many changes occur in a girl's body. Even girls themselves are unable to understand these emotional, hormonal and physical changes. In such a situation, the responsibility of handling them and preparing them for these changes falls on their mother's shoulders. At this time, many questions arise in the mother's mind, such as what diet should be given to the daughter after the onset of menstruation and does she need more iron, calcium or any special nutrients than before? Let us know the answers to these questions from an expert. Dr. Sonu Khokhar, MBBS, Health and Wellness Expert, is telling us about this.

Why is it important to change your diet after your periods start?

Girls bleed for 3-5 days every month during their periods. Over time, the body adapts to this, but initially, it can cause some iron loss. If your diet lacks sufficient iron, it can increase the risk of iron deficiency and anemia. Therefore, include iron-rich foods in your daughter's diet after her periods begin.

What things contain iron?

• Pulses, chickpeas and kidney beans
• green leafy vegetables

Nuts and Seeds

Eggs, raisins, jaggery and apricots

Not only iron, calcium and protein are also important.

Girls typically start menstruating between the ages of 10 and 13. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone development at this age.

• Include milk, curd, cheese, ragi, sesame and other calcium rich foods in your diet.
• If there is a deficiency of Vitamin D in the body, then Vitamin D supplements can also be given as per the doctor's advice.
• Slightly increase the amount of protein in your diet during this time to maintain strength. Include lentils, cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, soy, chickpeas, kidney beans, and other protein-rich foods in your daughter's diet.

What to feed during periods?

It is also important to understand that it is important to take a balanced diet not only during periods but throughout the month.

• During menstruation or PMS, girls may experience problems like stomach pain, fatigue, mood swings, decreased appetite, or increased appetite. When this happens for the first time, it can be difficult for any girl to understand. Therefore, you should take special care of this. During this time, a balanced home-cooked diet may be a better option than highly processed foods, excessive salt, and excessively sweet foods.
• It's also important to drink plenty of water. If your daughter feels weak but doesn't feel like eating due to gas and bloating, try offering light meals instead of heavy meals.

Should the diet be completely changed as soon as periods start?

Just because your daughter starts her periods doesn't mean you should suddenly change her diet or overfeed her. A balanced and nutritious diet is essential.

Pay attention to this expert advice

Doctor Sonu says that at this time, the problem can be reduced by including some special things in the daughter's diet.

• Give soaked raisins.
• Give water mixed with celery and jaggery.