How could diet affect menstrual cramps?

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    Louie Neri, Meredith Yetter

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    Morgan Pfiffner, Graham Walker
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Dieting to lose weight, skipping meals, and a low intake of antioxidants have been associated with a greater risk of menstrual cramps.[1] Higher intakes of fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and dairy products have been associated with reduced risk.[1] It should be noted, though, that studies vary in the way they assess dietary habits and in their methods for measuring menstrual pain, so more evidence is needed to support specific diets and foods for dysmenorrhea.

    References

    1. ^Zahra Bajalan, Zainab Alimoradi, Farnoosh MoafiNutrition as a Potential Factor of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review of Observational StudiesGynecol Obstet Invest.(2019)