No Boys Allowed!

[magenta321]

Ok, that was my attempt to warn males that I am about to talk about something that they usually get squeemish about. Still reading? Ok, read at your own risk because I am talking about menstruation. Damn, I knew that would get them.



Anyway, I am wondering if ya'll are having trouble basically only when it's that time of the month. I have been trying to get back on track since the holidays, until my period started this time around. It started with me feeling very anemic (well, that's what I call the feeling, but I know I have a higher than average iron count, at least I did two months ago when I was at the doctor's). I felt weak and drained. I ate a turkey sandwich with spinach on it (thank god my cafeteria at work has good choices) and felt better pretty quickly. But since then, I go through rapid highs and lows and find that every time I eat, I feel a little better. The problem is, I am eating a ton of food, just to help me get through the day.

Am I alone on this? Is there a certain nutrient women are missing other than iron at this time of the month? Am I just eating and eating because my body is trying to trick me into eating that nutrient? Is it just an excuse my body is makiing so I can eat like at the holidays?

[cyndilouwhoo]

What an interesting question! I thought I was the only one who felt that way.

I don't have an answer though. There must be something on the web that addresses the root cause of the "hungry horror" phenomenon during the menstrual cycle. Anybody have any insight?

Cyndi

Who ate Manhattan last week

[taurusmoon]

A monthly increase in appetite, particularly for sweets, is normal.

I've heard two theories on the phenomenon:


Low seratonin levels Hormonal imbalances, particularly estrogen/progesterone during the second half of the cycle can cause seratonin levels in the brain to plummet. This triggers cravings for carbohydrate rich foods that help to raise seratonin levels back to normal.

Tryptophan, found naturally in turkey, is also helpful for raising seratonin levels. Guess that explains why you reached for that sandwich, eh?


Low magnesium levels Magnesium levels can also fall out of whack wreaking havoc with the body's normal production of insulin. This causes a strong craving for sweets, especially chocolate, which is particularly rich in magnesium.


Isn't it fun being a woman?

Sara

[taurusmoon]

Originally posted by cyndilouwhoo
Cyndi

Who ate Manhattan last week

Maybe that's why traffic was so bad this morning.

Sara
Declaring the outer boroughs off limits

[magenta321]

Ooooh, you are good Sara. You know what I ate today?

Breakfast was a turkey sandwich. Why? I couldn't tell you, but that was what I wanted. Just rye bread and turkey.

Then, I needed sweet potato fries. I am guessing they are a carb, and are prolly high in natural sugar too (plus I ate all of the sugary snack stuff in the first three days, so I had to rely on natural sugar). Not sure if that was breakfast no. 2, or lunch no. 1.

When I wrote that post it was because I was about to eat for the third time today. A bowl of elbow macaroni with tomato sauce. I guess that is lunch no. 2.

So, carbs and turkey. Boy, did you nail me. When I don't feel "right" (ie, I feel lousy, but not horrible), I always give in to my cravings. I figure if my body is craving something, it means I need it. Sometimes I think I should ignore my cravings, that there seems to be no reason for them. But then Sara comes along and tells me why I am craving these things, and I don't feel so bad.

Margaret, who is following Cyndi's lead by eating Manhattan this week, but only because her body is telling her to.

[taurusmoon]

Now now, listening to your body is one thing.

Letting it get the best of you is another.

You might be raising your seratonin level by indulging in those carbs. But, you're also going to be exceeding your caloric requirements. Even though indulging your cravings might make you feel better in the short term, you might have to pay in the long term.

If you just can't help yourself, limit your binging to complex carbs (especially whole grains) rather than refined sugars. They're more effective in regulating seratonin levels while less dangerous to your insulin levels and your waistline.

Proceed with caution. Discretion is the better part of fitting into your clothes.


Sara