The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have unveiled evidence that a vegetarian diet can help alleviate painful periods and PMS. The first phase of the trial involved 33 women who followed a vegetarian diet for 2 menstrual cycles. During the second phase, they went back to their customary non-vegetarian diet whilst taking a placebo pill. Body weight, pain duration and intensity reduced during the first phase of the trial and mean durations of premenstrual symptoms such as water retention, behavioural change and poor concentration reduced significantly compared to the second phase. Sex-hormone-binding globulin levels increased during the first phase.
Despite being a small trial, these are very interesting results, says Urbod Nutritionist Amanda Michie. There are several reasons why a vegetarian diet may help relieve painful periods and PMS. Oestrogen dominance can cause heavy menstruation, painful periods and pre menstrual tension. It is more commonly caused by excess availability and reduced clearance from the body rather than by an over production from the ovaries. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) helps to mop up excess oestrogen so helping to lower total circulating oestrogen. A vegetarian diet tends to be richer in lignans than a non vegetarian diet. Lignans are involved in production of SHBG. Furthermore, saturated fat found in meats increase a type of prostaglandin in the body that is involved in inflammation and pain, so by cutting out or reducing animal products in this way can have an indirect effect on the pain involved during menstruation. Vegetarian foods such as legumes, green leafy vegetables and soy products all have added benefits for women suffering from painful, debilitating periods.
Amanda Michie works at Urbod in the City and regularly sees clients with female health issues.
