There are just times when your menstrual cycle falls on the days when it feels the most inconvenient. But luckily, there is some food to get periods early. And while there is some debate on their effectiveness, it’s certainly worth a shot when you need that time of the month to come a little earlier.

Is It Possible For Food to Induce Periods?

Many have been curious about inducing periods, from scientists to nutrition experts to regular people just getting through shark week. In spite of that interest, there is little scientific research on whether food can or cannot induce periods.

Thus, many people tend to look at period triggers as a menstrual myth. However, there is much anecdotal evidence and cultural practices that seem to point to the possibility of inducing your period. This depends on your body, though, so it’s best to take the information with a grain of salt.

Why Try to Bring About Your Period?

For some, it can seem like an odd job to induce your period when it usually entails mood swings and cramps. If anything, people may prefer to delay their menstrual cycle or omit it altogether. But in reality, it can be good to get your period early.

Here are some reasons that may resonate with you:

• To regulate your period: Some people experience amenorrhea, a condition where you consistently miss your menstrual cycle throughout the year. Other chronic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis also hinder your reproductive health. Trying period-inducing activities and food may help with those circumstances.

• To schedule your period pains: Attending an important event that you would prefer Aunt Flo to miss? Hoping to go swimming without the worries of the Red Sea seeping through? Inducing your period may help you get that time of the month over with and go pad-free during that critical week of your life.

• To free up time to exercise: It’s recommended to exercise during your period week to improve your mood. However, if you prefer to rest when it’s your time of the month, turn to period-inducing food. Plus, you get to gain three to five pounds during your period. You can work and burn through them when you finally get around to working out after.

Food to Get Your Periods Early

As a prelude, it’s crucial to have a balanced diet. Not getting enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients can delay your period. In the event of missing your menstruation, consult a doctor or dietician regarding the matter.

There are certain food ingredients that people have preached as a period-inducing snack or drink.

1. Papaya

Papaya is a rich source of Vitamin C, the most important carotenoid, with a reputation for inducing your period. While there is no direct evidence, papaya can supposedly help with regulating menstrual flow. Research also points to the fruit’s anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

2. Citrus

Citrus fruits deserve a mention when it comes to vitamin C. Try to incorporate a few slices of lemon, oranges, and limes into your dishes and drinks. You can also enjoy them as they are or with some salt. Doing so may lead to Aunt Flo coming a few days earlier than usual.

3. Raspberry

Certain berries like raspberry can help with treating PMS cramps and nausea. Some also use it as a uterine tonic to alleviate the pain experienced when in labor. Since it has quite an impact on your reproductive health, this ingredient is suggested to help with triggering your period.

4. Parsley

Parsley is an infamous garnish, but there’s more to this plant than meets the eye. When steeped in a cup of hot water, you can brew a natural remedy tea packed with antioxidants. Parsley tea can serve as an emmenagogue for better menstrual flow and hormonal balance.

5. Ginger

Drinking ginger tea is known in alternative medicine for removing throat swells. There is also a possibility that it can help with internal inflammation. Direct consumption of this root can help regulate your uterine muscles and trigger menstruation.

6. Beetroot

A glass of beetroot juice is linked to easing up dysmenorrhea symptoms like painful uterus contractions. They are also high in iron and magnesium, which are essential for improving blood flow in the body.

7. Pineapple

Pineapple is often associated with sexual health, specifically to detoxify one’s fluids and boost libido. It’s believed to improve blood flow in the body. This all-around fruit also fills up one-third of your recommended vitamin C intake, making it a reasonable contender regarding period-inducing food options.

8. Sesame Seeds

A study finds sesame effective in inducing menstrual bleeding in spite of oligomenorrhea. This is a condition where you only have four to nine periods per year. Plus, if you do get your period, a blend of turmeric, boswellia and sesame can provide pain relief.

9. Spices

Speaking of turmeric, food with a little more heat may be linked to getting your period early. If you have the opportunity, try to use more spices. Paprika seasoning for your meals and dashes of cinnamon on your beverages should work. You can also try incorporating cayenne together with ginger and lemon for the ultimate wellness shot. 

10. Sugarcane

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar advises drinking sugarcane juice a week before menstruation. This is especially the case when they experience spotting. In the same post, she also details that it’s a fertility booster that can help with sperm quality and lactation.

11. Mango 

Mango may seem less popular than citrus fruits and pineapple, but it also provides quite a bit of Vitamin C. Their sweetness also melds well together with chili powder and lime juice. Potentially get your period early and enjoy a sweet and spicy snack in the process.

Reset Your Menstruation

Rescheduling your period to even a day or week earlier may work, but there is no absolute guarantee. Try one of the food options above and let us know whether it works for you!