can i eat papaya during periods - #22211
I am really confused about something and hope you all can help. I’ve been having the most painful periods lately, like seriously, they feel never-ending. Anyway, I was chatting with a friend and she mentioned that papaya might help with cramps or something? I've always heard that it’s good for digestion but can I eat papaya during periods? Like, is there any evidence that papaya does anything for menstrual pain? I don’t want to make my cramps worse or mess up my cycle, ya know? Last month I tried some ginger tea and it kinda helped but I’m not sure if it’s just placebo effect. And back to papaya, I love the taste but there’s this voice in my head saying what if it’s not okay to eat it right now? I mean, it’s such a weird feeling to question what foods are alright. Can I eat papaya during periods, or is that just bad advice? I don’t wanna mess up my already horrible experience. Some say fruits are good and all, but I really want clarity on the papaya front. Anyone with experience on this? Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Yes, you can eat papaya during your periods, and it might actually be beneficial for you. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can help in the breakdown of protein and also assist with digestion. Although there is limited direct evidence to specifically support the claim that papaya alleviates menstrual pain, incorporating fruits like papaya into your diet generally supports overall health, which may indirectly help you feel better during menstruation. Papaya is also rich in vitamins such as Vitamin C and E, which can contribute to reducing inflammation and may help alleviate cramps to some extent. Eating a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, can optimize nutrient intake and potentially ease menstrual symptoms. Ginger tea, as you mentioned, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be effective in providing some relief from menstrual pain as well. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise are few of the methods suggested to help with painful periods. However, if cramps continue to be severe, it might be worth seeking a healthcare professional’s opinion to rule out underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. This isn’t to say papaya will work miracles, but it’s definitely not harmful in reasonable amounts and can be part of a healthy diet during your period.
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