Everyday Systems

Normally this time of month, I am in a lot of discomfort. I bloat, I cramp. My back hurts.

This month, not as much. I am usually stuck sitting down with a heating pad for the first three days of my period. This month, it's been much, much better -- the first time I could say that in a decade.

So I hypothesize that it might have something to do with no snacking all day long, no giving in to temptation all day long, and since I'm limited to 3 meals a day, I make them count, thus having better nutrition!

Not sure if this has come up here before, but I thought I'd record another No S Benefit.

What a nice side effect!

Congratulations! Could it be lack of or minimal processed foods?

I understand that overeating is in itself, inflammatory - which is why people feel so icky all over when they eat too much. So it makes sense.

It definitely makes sense. I'm guessing that since you're not eating as many carbs, that probably helps, also (since eating too many carbs can be very bloating).

I definitely notice a difference in my cycle when I follow No S properly. Far less discomfort (bloating and pain) and it is far more regular.

clarinetgal wrote:It definitely makes sense. I'm guessing that since you're not eating as many carbs, that probably helps, also (since eating too many carbs can be very bloating).

I find that to be true -- especially with whole grains. Refined grains not nearly so much.

The processed foods are high in sodium, which could cause the bloating, too. Something like 80% of our sodium intake comes from processed foods.

Yep. the whole week was much better. I retained fluid still, but only a little and the scale didn't budge, whereas it normally goes up a couple pounds. And I felt better. I wasn't trapped at home on the couch for the first few days.