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Understanding Chocolate Period Cravings: Let's Talk Magnesium and Period Pains.
- Teresita
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
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Menstruation can be a complex mix of emotions, cravings, and discomfort for many women. If you have ever craved a piece of rich chocolate or felt sharp abdominal cramps during your period, you are certainly not alone. These cravings and pains are often related. Surprisingly, they both may point to the need for magnesium which we will discuss further in this article.
Understanding Period Pains and Period Cravings.
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, occur due to the contractions of the uterus. These contractions are initiated by chemicals called prostaglandins released just before your period begins. Studies show that higher levels of prostaglandins can lead to more intense cramps. In fact, research indicates that up to 90% of women experience menstrual cramps in their lifetime, with 10-15% suffering from severe pain that disrupts daily activities.
The Role of Magnesium
Magnesium is a valuable mineral known for its benefits, including muscle relaxation. Studies reveal that magnesium can reduce menstrual pain by relaxing the uterine muscles. One study found that women who increased their magnesium intake saw a 50% reduction in the severity of their period pains. This mineral works by limiting the release of prostaglandins, providing relief from those painful cramps.
Wondering how to increase your magnesium levels? Explore the foods in your kitchen! Here are some excellent sources of magnesium:
Leafy Greens: Spinach, and kale are great choices.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds offer a satisfying crunch while boosting your magnesium intake.
Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are tasty options.
Dark Chocolate: Yes, indulge in that chocolate! A small serving (about 1 ounce) of dark chocolate contains roughly 64 mg of magnesium.
Next time you find yourself reaching for that chocolate bar during your period, it might be your body's way of crying out for magnesium!
The Chocolate Craving Connection
Why do we crave chocolate specifically? Beyond its rich taste, dark chocolate is a fantastic source of magnesium. A typical serving of dark chocolate can contain anywhere from 15% to 25% of your daily magnesium needs. When you reach for chocolate during your period, it may be an instinctive effort to ease those pesky cramps. Chocolate serves as a delightful treat that nourishes your body at the same time.
Other Cravings During Menstruation
Chocolate is not the only food that many crave during their period. Many women find that cravings for salty snacks, sweet treats, and comfort foods intensify. This behavior is often tied to hormone fluctuations that impact appetite. A study published found that approximately 50% of women reported more intense cravings during this time. Comfort foods can provide both physical nourishment and emotional support as women navigate the ups and downs of their cycle.
Why It's Important to Listen to Your Body
Understanding the link between magnesium, period pains, and food cravings can help you manage your menstrual cycle more effectively. Paying attention to these cues from your body is important. Embracing those cravings with mindful indulgence can also enhance your overall experience during your period. The next time you find yourself wanting chocolate, remember it could be about more than just satisfying a sweet tooth; it might be about giving your body the magnesium it needs.
Foods that might help with cramps:
Bananas and Lemons.
Bananas are generally easy to find and known to be helpful for period cramps. They are rich in fiber and will help you have easy bowel movements. As a result, you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall. Bananas also contain a lot of magnesium, which is known to reduce the severity of period cramps. Lemons are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from your food into your bloodstream and tissues. Because you may be losing more red blood cells than your body can keep up with during your period, it may be helpful to have some extra vitamin C to boost iron absorption. Lemons also contain a lot of fiber, which makes them a good food for preventing muscle spasms.
Broccoli and Kale.
Broccoli is one of the top foods that help with menstrual cramps. The fiber and iron in broccoli help fight period cramps. These nutrients might help with all menstrual pain, particularly in your lower abdomen. Among the other healthy foods that relieve cramps, kale is also a great option. Kale is a good food for period cramps for the same reason as broccoli and other greens: it is rich in calcium and magnesium. Having a calcium deficiency can increase muscle spasms and contractions.
Hot Tea Drinks.
Chamomile tea is a great beverage for menstrual cramps. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which further reduce cramping pains. Chamomile tea may also help with your mood, as it has a soothing impact on the nervous system. Raspberry leaf tea is not only tasty, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that might help reduce period cramps.
Magnesium can help elevate our mood by producing increased levels of serotonin; our mood-boosting hormone. The lead-up to our period can feel a little less fraught with the help of a much-needed serotonin boost. If you’re looking to lessen your PMS symptoms, you may benefit from contacting a nutritionist who can help make a plan to lessen mood swings and PMS issues to make your menstrual cycle an easier experience. As always, please make sure you consult with your GP before taking supplements. Magnesium is not suitable for those with chronic kidney disease. It is usually safe to use, but in extreme cases, magnesium supplements can cause diarrhoea and interact with medication. It’s worth pointing out that magnesium can negatively impact people who are on heart medications or taking antibiotics.
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