Every woman’s period is different, but one thing is for sure: it’s not a fun time of the month. From cramps and headaches to bloating and acne, period symptoms can be a real pain.

And while some of those symptoms are unavoidable, there are some things you can do to help ease the discomfort. One of those things is paying attention to what you eat. Some foods can actually make your period symptoms worse. Here are 30 foods to avoid during your period:.

1. Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can worsen period symptoms because they contain arachidonic acid, which can increase inflammation in the body. In addition, dairy products can also contribute to bloating and acne during your period.

2. Red meat

Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can increase inflammation and worsen period cramps. If you’re a meat-eater, try to limit your intake during your period and opt for leaner meats like chicken or fish.

3. Fried foods

Fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and onion rings can be delicious, but they’re not great for your period. They’re high in fat and can increase inflammation, making your period symptoms worse.

4. Sugar

Sugar, especially refined sugar, can worsen cramps and mood swings during your period. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods like candy, chocolate, and soda.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can worsen period cramps and headaches, and can also contribute to mood swings and depression. If you’re going to drink during your period, stick to one or two drinks and make sure to stay hydrated.

6. Processed foods

Processed foods like chips, crackers, and snack cakes are high in salt and sugar, which can worsen bloating and mood swings during your period. Try to stick to whole, unprocessed foods during this time of the month.

7. Caffeine

Caffeine can worsen period cramps and headaches, and can also contribute to mood swings and anxiety. If you’re a coffee drinker, try to limit your intake or switch to decaf during your period.

8. Soy products

Soy products like tofu and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, which can throw off the balance of hormones in your body and worsen period symptoms. If you’re going to eat soy, opt for fermented soy products like tempeh.

9. High-fat foods

High-fat foods like pizza and burgers can worsen period cramps and contribute to bloating. If you’re going to eat these foods, try to choose lower-fat options.

10. Salt

Salt can worsen bloating and water retention during your period. Try to limit your intake of salty foods like chips, pretzels, and canned soups.

11. Beans

Beans are a healthy food, but they can contribute to bloating and gas during your period. If you’re going to eat beans, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of digestive issues.

12. Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are high in fiber and can contribute to bloating and gas during your period. If you’re going to eat these foods, try to cook them well and eat them in moderation.

13. Spicy foods

Spicy foods like hot sauce and curry can worsen period cramps and contribute to digestive issues. If you’re a fan of spicy foods, try to eat them in moderation during your period.

14. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can worsen period symptoms, including headaches and mood swings. Try to avoid these sweeteners during your period.

15. Energy drinks

Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, which can worsen period cramps and contribute to mood swings. If you need a pick-me-up during your period, try drinking green tea instead.

16. Fatty fish

Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you. However, they can also contribute to bloating and gas during your period. If you’re going to eat fish, try to choose a leaner option like cod or tilapia.

17. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can worsen period cramps and contribute to digestive issues. If you’re going to eat citrus fruits, try to eat them in moderation and avoid drinking their juice.

18. Ice cream

Ice cream is high in sugar and dairy, which can worsen period symptoms. If you’re craving something sweet, try eating a piece of fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate instead.

19. Bread

Bread is high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to bloating and water retention during your period. If you’re going to eat bread, try to choose a whole-grain option.

20. Pasta

Like bread, pasta is high in carbohydrates and can contribute to bloating and water retention during your period. If you’re going to eat pasta, try to choose a whole-grain option and watch your portion sizes.

21. Avocado

Avocado is a healthy food, but it’s also high in fat and can contribute to bloating during your period. If you’re going to eat avocado, try to eat it in moderation.

22. Onions

Onions can contribute to bloating and gas during your period. If you’re going to eat onions, try to cook them well and eat them in moderation.

23. Nuts

Nuts are a healthy snack, but they’re also high in fat and can contribute to bloating during your period. If you’re going to eat nuts, try to eat them in moderation or opt for a lower-fat option like almonds.

24. Tea

Like coffee, tea is high in caffeine and can worsen period symptoms. If you’re a tea drinker, try to limit your intake or switch to decaf during your period.

25. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a healthy food, but they can contribute to bloating and gas during your period. If you’re going to eat tomatoes, try to eat them in moderation.

26. Chocolate

Chocolate is a popular comfort food during your period, but it’s also high in sugar and can worsen period symptoms. If you’re going to eat chocolate, try to eat a small piece of dark chocolate instead.

27. Pineapple

Pineapple is high in bromelain, which can contribute to cramps and bleeding during your period. If you’re going to eat pineapple, try to eat it in moderation.

28. Peppermint

Peppermint can help relieve digestive issues, but it can also worsen period cramps. If you’re going to use peppermint, try to use it in moderation.

29. Sage

Sage can help relieve cramps, but it can also worsen bleeding during your period. If you’re going to use sage, try to use it in moderation.

30. Watermelon

Watermelon is high in water and can contribute to bloating during your period. If you’re going to eat watermelon, try to eat it in moderation.

Conclusion

While there’s no magic food that can cure all of your period symptoms, there are some foods that can make them worse. By avoiding these 30 foods during your period, you may be able to ease some of the discomfort and feel better.

As always, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your period symptoms or diet.