Cycle knowledge · 5 min read
Bloated Belly Before Your Period? Here's What You Can Do [4 Tips]
![Bloated belly before your period? Here's what you can do [4 tips]](https://selenacare.com/media/2b/bc/36/1674811797/ratgeber-blaehbauch-vor-periode-1200x900.jpg)
You probably know the feeling – shortly before your period starts, you suddenly feel heavy and/or bloated and somehow not quite at home in your body. Did you know that menstruating people can gain up to five kilos (!) before and during their period? That's water retention. Gas and lower abdominal pain are no rarity now either.
Just a few more days and your period will begin. Below, we'll explain the reasons for a bloated belly before your period and which home remedies can help you avoid it. One thing first: all of the following tips apply when your pre-period bloating is caused by hormonal fluctuations. If you have very severe period pain or PMS (more on this in our guide "What is PMS?"), you may also need medication. In that case, please consult your doctor.
Causes of bloating before your period
Reasons for a bloated belly before your period
The uterus is not far from the intestine. Their bacteria work closely together. In the second half of your cycle, more progesterone is produced. It has a relaxing effect on the muscles, which helps break down the uterine lining. But this sluggishness also affects your gut, and your digestion slows down. The result is often a bloated lower belly.
4 tips against bloating
What helps against a bloated belly before your period?
We have 4 tips that can help you avoid a bloated belly.
Tip no. 1: Avoid gas-producing foods, salty dishes, alcohol & sugar
As mentioned, your digestion is a little slow due to the increased production of progesterone. It's best to avoid gas-producing foods such as beans or (raw) onions during this time.
Salty foods cause your body to retain more water.
Alcohol and sugar intensify bloating, so cut these out during this time and you'll notice your bloated belly subsides considerably. And yes, we feel you – we know those sudden cravings that hit you during your period, and reaching for chocolate is the obvious move. Cravings usually come from an unmet magnesium level. The body often needs more of it in the second half of the cycle. The increased need shows up as tiredness and a stronger feeling of hunger.
Tip no. 2: Use these spices & herbs
Try using certain herbs or make yourself a tea. Classics such as chamomile, fennel and anise are just as recommendable as caraway, dill, coriander or ginger.
Tip no. 3: Make sure you get enough fibre
Fibre isn't just important shortly before your period – it should always be a sufficient part of your diet. But because of its digestive benefits, we don't want to leave it unmentioned here. You should consume 30 grams of fibre a day – important sources are psyllium husks, whole grain products and oats.
Tip no. 4: Drink enough
If you drink too little, your body retains more water before and during your period – sounds strange, but it's true. So make sure you drink enough, especially during this time. Warm water additionally stimulates digestion.
Bloating and your period
Bloated belly – when will your period start?
If there is no pregnancy, the uterine lining is shed in the second half of the cycle. But you don't have to rely on your bloated belly to know when your next period will start. Have a look at our guide article "Cycle calculator: how to calculate your cycle" to learn how to easily determine when your next period is due.
Sustainable period products from SELENACARE
We can't stop you from getting your period, but we do everything we can to make this time as comfortable as possible for you. On the one hand through education in our guide, on the other through our sustainable hygiene products.
If you feel bloated or have lower abdominal pain, you might find it uncomfortable to insert anything. Alongside our menstrual cups (which, by the way, are much more comfortable to wear than tampons), our range also includes washable pads and period underwear. With our sustainable period underwear you are always well prepared and can feel protected all around.
You can find out more about SELENACARE period underwear in our guide. Ordering is easy – just like our menstrual cups – in our online shop.
Save money with reusable products
Save waste & money with sustainable period products
The future is close to our hearts, which is why we want to help ensure that no menstruating person has to produce disposable waste for their period products. Our sustainable products can be used again and again over a long period of time. Even if the initial cost is higher than a pack of tampons or panty liners, the costs often pay for themselves within the first year. You can find out more in our guide article "Saving money with sustainable hygiene products".Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
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