Low-Glycemic-Index Diet May Be an Answer to Your Menstrual Problems

Many years ago I had a diet high in glycemic-index, and I didn’t know it.

In college I lived on croissants, sweet baked goods and coffee. This combo comforted me through many stressful exams.

But I also paid a high price for it – severe menstrual cramps, frequent fatigue, and unpredictable PMS mood swings, just to name a few.

Now I know that a high-glycemic-index diet is a major contributor toward many female problems, such as PMS/PMDD, irregular periods, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, as well as breast, ovarian and uterine cancers.

Since I began a diet low in glycemic-index, I’ve noticed a significant reduction of menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms, and a substantial improvement in my energy level and moods.

What is Glycemic-Index?

Simply put, the glycemic-index is a measure of how much a food raises your blood sugar level.

When you eat foods high in glycemic-index, generally sugary and starchy foods, your body quickly metabolizes them into sugar, causing a spike in insulin levels that raises your blood sugar level.

But when you eat foods low in glycemic-index, your body breaks them down slowly, keeping your insulin and blood sugar levels relatively stable over a longer period of time. In other words, they stabilize your energy and your mood.

High-glycemic-index foods 

Research has indicated a correlation between high levels of estrogen and the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers.

High-glycemic-index Foods Raise Estrogen Levels

As mentioned, foods high in glycemic-index raise your blood sugar level, which in turn increases the level of metabolically active estrogens.

It’s no wonder that a high-glycemic-index diet is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance, a common pattern of hormonal imbalance among women.

Examples of High-glycemic-index Foods

Generally speaking, sugary and starchy foods are high in glycemic-index. They give you empty calories and not a lot of nutrients. Here are some examples:

• White potatoes
• White rice
• White breads, rolls, bagels, pastries and doughnuts
• Waffles
• Puffed wheat/rice, rice cakes
• Hard candy
• Regular (non-diet) soda
• Sports drinks
• Wine, beer, hard liquor

Low-glycemic-index Foods

On the other hand, low-glycemic-index foods are packed with nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibers.

Low-glycemic-index Foods Reduce Estrogen Dominance

Because of their high fiber content, foods low in glycemic-index change the metabolism of estrogen in the bowel so that less is available for absorption into the bloodstream and more is excreted.

It helps reduce estrogen dominance and a whole slew of problems that come with it – physical, emotional, and menstrual.

Examples of Low-glycemic-index Foods

Here are some examples (and you should choose organic whenever possible):

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Leafy greens
• Beans and peas
• Hummus
• Sweet potatoes
• Apples
• Oranges
• Berries
• Meat and fish
• Eggs
• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• Sourdough and pumpernickel bread
• Peanuts, other nuts and seeds
• Dark chocolate

To find out the glycemic-index for a specific food, visit Glycemicindex.com.

Personally I don’t believe in dieting, and I’m not into any particular diet. To me the low-glycemic-index diet is not so much a diet, per se, but a guideline for us to choose foods that nourish us.

I admit that it’s hard to let go of some of the high-glycemic-index foods because they taste richer and better. Perhaps we can start by learning how to prepare low-GI meals that are as tasty as they are healthy.

What do you think?

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