The Menstrual Hygiene Day is being observed globally today, on May 28.

Highlighting the importance of menstrual hygiene, this year’s theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 is 'making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.’

Addressing menstrual hygiene and promoting the importance of using clean and safe menstrual products, including menstrual pads, cups, organic cotton tampons and reusable cloth pads, it is also important to follow some guidelines for a healthy period:

Caffeine consumption:

Caffeine-based liquids are proven to constrict blood vessels. However, this worsens the symptoms of periods and can cause discomfort.

Reducing the caffeine intake to 1 cup a day during cycle can ease period cramps.

Heating pads

Heating pads or heating bottles can be comforting. But overusing those on the lower abdomen can poorly affect the connective tissues inside the body.

These tissues can soften due to the heat and post-heating, might harden, and make the cramps worse.

Staying up late

Staying up late at night during periods can worsen health. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can help overcome the feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

Junk food consumption

Well-planned diet works magically during periods as the body requires right amount of proteins, fats and carbs.

Junk foods are very high in sugar and salt which might cause even more discomfort and worsen period cramps. Junk foods can also make bloat.

Unprotected sex

Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse during periods can lead into contradicting STDs.