Chinese Food On Period Days: Comfort or Discomfort? We Asked An Expert

Cravings are a familiar part of period days, with many reaching for comforting, flavorful foods. There’s plenty of advice about what to eat and what to avoid, from chocolate to spicy snacks. Some swear by traditional remedies, while others focus on a balanced diet for relief from cramps, bloating, and mood swings. But what about Chinese food during your period? Is it a comfort or could it cause trouble? 

To break down the facts and myths, we spoke to Dr Pooja C Thukral, Associate Director, Dept. of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, to get her take on whether Chinese food really belongs during period days.

Is Chinese Food Safe During Periods?

Dr Thukral explains that Chinese food is fine as long as it isn’t oily or packed with spices. Your focus should be on easily digestible meals. Avoid excess sugar and salt because these lead to bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Many popular Chinese dishes, especially take-out options, tend to have high salt and oil content. Eating salty food can make water retention worse, ramping up uncomfortable symptoms.

“If it has a nominal intake of salt and isn’t drenched in oils, it can be fine,” she adds. So yes. You can have Chinese food, but under the right conditions.

ALSO READ: Should You Avoid Spicy Foods During Your Period? Here’s What You Need To Know

Are There Any Benefits to Eating Warm Chinese Food on Periods?

Dr Thukral explains, “There’s no science specifically backing Chinese food for periods. The comfort comes from warmth and healthy ingredients, not the cuisine itself.” However, the following can help. 

• Warm soups and stews can soothe muscle cramps.
• Vegetable-based dishes offer nutrients, fiber, and hydration.
• Less spicy, less oily options feel lighter and easier on digestion.

What to Avoid: Common Pitfalls

• Avoid excess salt, oil, sugar, fried and highly processed foods.
• Skip spicy sauces, deep-fried rolls, or dishes heavy on salty condiments.
• Maida-based items can be harder to digest and don’t support period wellbeing.

What Should a Period Diet Look Like?

Dr Thukral recommends the following.

• Whole grain meals, not processed carbs.
• Plenty of vegetables and fruits.
• Nuts and seeds for magnesium (helping with cramps).
• Foods rich in omega-3s like flaxseeds and chia.
• Comfort foods that are warm and gentle on the gut.

“If you’re craving something comforting, make sure it’s also nourishing. Soups are ideal, and adding veggies to noodles or rice can make a difference,” she says.

A study explains that warm, nourishing foods like soups and congees can relieve menstrual discomfort and improve mood. Cold, fried, and highly processed foods increased bloating and cramps. The study also highlighted the benefit of magnesium-rich foods for cramp relief, supporting Dr Thukral’s advice on nuts and seeds.

ALSO READ: Chhath Fasting on Periods: Is It Safe for Women? Here’s What You Need to Know

Conclusion

Chinese food during your period can be a comfort or a discomfort, depending on what you choose. Dr Pooja C Thukral says stick with warm, vegetable-rich, less spicy, and less oily items. Avoid excess salt, sugar, and maida-based foods. Ultimately, listen to your body and aim for a nourishing, soothing diet and comfort is about how food makes you feel, not just flavor.