7 drinks you should always ask for during your period

Whatever your body goes through, proper hydration is guaranteed to give you an easier time dealing with physical discomfort. Water helps prevent bloating, reduces fatigue, and supports the circulation system for a faster, less painful bleed. Aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water on the days before and during your period. If the thought of plain water is revolting, try these ways of making water taste better for you.

Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher contains significant volumes of magnesium, iron, potassium, and antioxidants that help regulate blood flow, hormonal fluctuations, and pain management. However, supermarket hot chocolate products are not a good idea during this time. Instead, get melted dark chocolate or pure cocoa powder, and add a bit of vanilla, a tiny pinch of salt, honey, and milk to make your very own comfort hot chocolate.

Fresh lemon is great for soothing the stomach upset that often arrives with your period, and it pairs well with ginger both taste-wise and nutritionally for uterine support.

Combine fresh, grated ginger and a generous squeeze of lemon with hot water for the best results. Add a natural sweetener like honey if you prefer.

Also known as golden milk, this anti-inflammatory elixir is ‘comfort’ in a cup. Turmeric is packed with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work wonders for menstrual cramps. Although it is better fresh, powdered turmeric is far easier to find at the grocery store and will be plenty effective in a warm drink. Combine and heat ½ teaspoon of turmeric with a dash of cinnamon, a cup of milk (any variety will do), honey, and a crack of black pepper in a saucepan for a delicious, soothing drink.

High fruit consumption has been linked to reduced period pain. Both oranges and carrots are rich in vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in how the body absorbs iron. This makes them ideal fruits to consume while on your period, a time when you tend to lose a lot of iron through cervical bleeding.

Drinking carrot and orange juice will not only deliver a healthy dose of vitamin C but also come loaded with magnesium and potassium, which alleviate painful cramps and contractions. These two fruits pair well, but you can also drink plain orange or plain carrot for similar results.

This helps the uterine muscles relax, resulting in less cramping and tension. Chamomile tea also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, helping to further reduce any pain. The subtly sweet flavour of this tea makes it a very soothing drink, perfect for winding down with a movie at the end of the day.

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain iron and magnesium, while kiwi and bananas are loaded with antioxidants, zinc, and fibre. Simply blend frozen or fresh bananas with some leafy greens, kiwi, ice, lemon juice, honey, and the milk of your choice for a glass of creamy green goodness.

These three drinks are best avoided while menstruating because they may only intensify cramping, headaches, bloating, and hormonal flux.

Staying hydrated, healthy, and well-rested will make every part of your period a little bit better!