Do you also crave chocolate during periods? Know these 3 changes happening in the body

New Delhi: It is normal to crave chocolate, crunchy chips or sweets before or during periods. This is often considered to be mood swings. But actually there are deeper reasons behind this. The desire to eat before periods is related to hormonal changes.

changes in hormones

In the phase before periods, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones change rapidly. Due to these hormonal changes, there is a deficiency of serotonin in the brain, which controls our mood. Due to its deficiency, the brain starts demanding food rich in carbohydrates and sugar, due to which women feel relieved.

What are the different cravings?

desire to eat chocolate

Chocolate cravings are most common during periods. Chocolate contains magnesium. Which helps in relaxing the muscles and keeping the mood stable.

Craving salty and crispy chips

The desire to eat pickles or salty snacks is due to progesterone hormone. Which causes water accumulation in the body and bloating.

Desire for sweets, pasta or bread

Foods containing refined carbs and sugar increase sugar levels immediately. Due to which the laziness and fatigue of the body goes away for a moment.

Craving red meat or heavy meals

Women who have excessive bleeding during periods. They often crave burgers or red meat. Which is a sign of iron deficiency in the body.

What are the options to satisfy these desires?

Instead of sugar or flour, you can take oats, whole grains, sweet fruits or sweet potatoes. Instead of processed snacks, you can take roasted nuts, pumpkin or flax seeds, makhana. To supply iron, you can take spinach, beetroot, pulses, dates and pomegranate.

Get relief with these easy tips

Many times the body mistakes the signals of thirst as hunger. Therefore, keep drinking adequate amount of water. Taking less sleep activates hormones that increase appetite. Which forces you to eat junk food. Skipping or skipping meals makes blood sugar uncontrolled. Take nutritious food on time so that you do not feel hungry suddenly. Regular physical activity releases endorphin hormones in the body. Which improves mood naturally and prevents stress-induced cravings.