A Healthy Period Q&A with Nicole Jardim
Did you miss our Facebook Q&A with Nicole Jardim of The Healthy Elements? Not to worry! We've collected some of the top questions and Nicole's answers here. Thanks to everyone who participated -- it was a super fun and informative hour!
What's the best way to prevent pre-menstrual bloating and sore breasts?
There are many ways to reverse these issues. You want to start incorporating vegetables that reduce water retention during the second half of your cycle. There are things like fennel (that's a great one).
These issues might be caused by something called Estrogen Dominance, where estrogen becomes too high in your body in relation to progesterone. Symptoms include your symptoms as well as emotional symptoms that we experience before our period.
My best foods for reducing estrogen in our bodies are cruciferous leafy green vegetables, kale in particular. You can also try collard greens and mustard greens. You should eat them once a day. Cruciferous veggies have a compound in them called DIM that helps metabolize estrogen so any excess can be removed.
How can my diet or other lifestyle factors help with chronic yeast infections? I've started eating yogurt often.
I highly recommend other foods that have a high probiotic count besides dairy. Dairy has been known to cause blockages in the reproductive organs for some women because it can be very mucus forming. I strongly recommend sauerkraut, it is full of probiotic good bacteria that will help rebalance your gut bacteria and ultimately your vaginal bacteria.
I struggled with chronic yeast issues for a long time and I found cutting out bread and incorporating foods that were fermented (like sauerkraut) were the best things. Also, I definitely recommend a probiotic tablet like Renew Life Ultimate Flora Vaginal Support. It gets rid of chronic yeast issues very well!
Do you actually lose enough blood each month to make you anemic, if you have a tendency for that? Why do I sometimes feel dizzy around that time and not at other times?
I have felt that dizzy feeling on the first day of my period. Honestly, it's your body telling you to slow down. Women are very cyclical by nature and at this time of the month, traditionally all women took a day or two of rest. Unfortunately we can't do that all the time but if there is a way for you to start slowing down the couple of days before your period that would be a great start.
At the same time you could also be anemic, many women are. However, you don't want to be. I would suggest checking to see if you are anemic through blood work and then getting enough iron into your diet through food. Also make sure you get enough vitamin C because it helps iron get absorbed by the body. I find a ton of things can be restored once you address the underlying nutritional deficiencies.
I'm planning on switching from taking birth control pills to the standard days method, do you have any recommendations when it comes to making the switch? Ever since I started the pill I've had problems with yeast infections and want to switch to a natural method.
I use and highly recommend the Fertility Awareness Method. It was created by a woman named Tori Wechsler. This of course takes time before you should use as birth control but it can be highly effective for birth control and for baby making Tori wrote a book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility and you should definitely get it. This method involves taking your basal body temperature each morning. It can be a little confusing at first but once you get it, you'll know your body and your cycle so well!
What resources (online or easily accessible) do you recommend for people to educate themselves about 'natural' healthy cycles and how their menstrual system works? Thanks!