During menstruation, women's bodies have reduced immunity, and carelessness can lead to illness. Yet many women still make harmful choices during their periods. Three actions are particularly damaging—have you ever done any of these?
1. Drinking Alcohol
Before and during menstruation, hormonal changes reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for breaking down substances in the body. This lowers the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, preventing it from being quickly expelled from the bloodstream. Instead, it transforms into harmful "acidic substances."To eliminate these acidic substances, the liver must continuously produce enzymes. This places an increased burden on the liver, raising the risk of liver dysfunction.
Reports indicate that women are 50% more likely than men to suffer liver damage or alcohol poisoning from drinking during their menstrual period. This is because women have lower levels of these enzymes during menstruation. Excessive drinking during this time prolongs intoxication and intensifies the effects and symptoms of drunkenness.This explains why drinking during menstruation can lead to addiction and alcohol poisoning more easily. Therefore, abstaining from spirits is advisable when menstruation is approaching or underway. While moderate wine consumption is permissible, it should never be excessive. II. Tea Consumption Tea isn't suitable for consumption at all times, particularly for women, as it may worsen health over time. During menstruation, menstrual blood depletes significant amounts of iron from the body.Therefore, women should increase intake of iron-rich foods like spinach, grapes, and apples. If you habitually drink tea after meals, the tannic acid in tea (up to 50% of its content) can inhibit intestinal mucosa absorption of iron, significantly reducing iron uptake. This makes it easier for iron from food or iron supplements to form precipitates in the intestines.
III. Sexual Activity
During menstruation, various bodily systems undergo changes. The most prominent shifts include: reduced excitability of the cerebral cortex, leading to lower overall resistance; shedding of the uterine lining with bleeding; opening of the cervical os; and alkaline menstrual blood neutralizing the acidic vaginal environment, thereby lowering vaginal acidity and weakening its natural barrier function.
Engaging in sexual activity during menstruation may lead to the following adverse consequences:
1. Increased blood flow to the female reproductive organs due to arousal can cause heavier menstrual flow and prolong the period.
2. Menstrual secretions entering the male urethra may potentially cause urethritis.
3. If intercourse occurs during menstruation, sperm may encounter damaged endometrial tissue and leaked blood cells within the uterus, or even enter the bloodstream. This can trigger the production of anti-sperm antibodies, potentially leading to immune-mediated infertility.
Therefore, for the sake of both partners' physical health and reproductive well-being, sexual intercourse during menstruation is inadvisable under any circumstances.
During menstruation, dietary adjustments can help alleviate discomfort:
1. During the initial phase of menstruation, women often experience lower back pain and loss of appetite. Consuming appetizing, easily digestible foods like dates, noodles, or barley congee can be beneficial.
2. Opt for nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods throughout menstruation to replenish nutrients. Increased water intake and vegetable consumption promote bowel regularity, reducing pelvic congestion.