Eating 'this food' during menstruation causes blood sugar to spike significantly

When my period is approaching, my appetite increases and I crave snacks that I don't usually eat.

Such changes in eating habits should not be ignored as a natural result of the menstrual period.

What could be the reason?

 

 

Various hormones stimulate appetite

 

The reason why appetite and eating habits change before and after menstruation is due to hormonal fluctuations.

From ovulation to before menstruation, estrogen decreases and progesterone increases.

Progesterone increases appetite and makes it easier for fat to accumulate in the body.

 

Therefore, at this time, people tend to consume more food than usual and seek out spicy, salty, and sweet-tasting,刺激ful foods.

In fact, a research team at Gachon University surveyed 400 female college students in Korea.

During menstruation, the most craved foods were sweet foods such as chocolate, accounting for 74.1%.

Serotonin secretion in the brain also decreases before and during menstruation.

Serotonin is a substance called the happiness hormone, and when its levels decrease, it can lead to depression or

It is easy to feel negative emotions such as anxiety, and appetite increases.

Therefore, at this time, they seek out sweet foods or high-carbohydrate foods that temporarily promote serotonin secretion.

 

 

◇ Causes blood sugar spikes

 

Based on the overall hormonal changes above,

Cravings for foods high in sugar or carbohydrates starting just before menstruation and during menstruation

It is difficult to control excessive appetite. However, at this time, instead of suppressing the appetite,

Eating excessively can easily cause a blood sugar spike. Blood sugar spikes occur after food intake.

It refers to the phenomenon of a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

 

As progesterone decreases and the stress hormone cortisol secretion increases

Even when eating the same food, blood sugar control may not be as good as at other times.

 

Frequent blood sugar spikes cause the body to gradually become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar.

The risk of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, increases.

 

In fact, brain responses to insulin decrease before and during menstruation.

A research team from the University of Tübingen in Germany analyzed the brains of 15 women using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

As a result, the brain's response to insulin decreased from ovulation until the end of menstruation.

High blood sugar levels can lead to fat accumulation, increasing the risk of weight gain.

 

 

Regulate your appetite and consume healthy snacks

 

When it is difficult to control appetite due to menstrual effects, try drinking herbal tea or peppermint tea.

It helps improve blood circulation and suppresses appetite.

When craving sweet foods, they taste sweet and contain various vitamins, dietary fibers,

It is good to eat fruits that contain nutrients such as proteins.

 

In addition, snacks such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable sticks also help maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer period and help regulate blood sugar levels.

 

 

[Source: Health Chosun]