Can certain foods delay your periods naturally? Let’s find out

Ever had Google tell you that eating certain foods can delay your period? Well, there’s a bunch of articles floating around on the topic but when it comes to your menstrual cycle, it is best to be informed by facts instead of clickbait content available.

But, really, think about it. It is your body and you barely have any control over your period. So, can any type of food truly do this job?

Hence, we asked an expert if there is any food available that can delay the menstrual cycle. According to Priya Palan, dietician at Zen Multispecialty Hospital, Mumbai, there is no scientific evidence available which says that food can delay one’s periods. 

If food can’t delay periods then why do we come across such claims?
Well, there is no particular theory for it but foods react differently to every individual. There could be some foods that might have delayed someone’s period but it doesn’t mean the same will happen to you.

“Food doesn’t work like a magic pill when it comes to your menstrual cycle. These articles mostly claim that eating a certain food will delay your periods naturally. To be honest, this is not the case. Food doesn’t work like that. It is a prolonged process. Eating foods which are natural coolants like cucumber or watermelon, over a period of time, might lead to delayed periods. However, it hardly makes a difference because the delay is not under your control”, she explained.

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She continued, “Also, you need to consume a good quantity of these foods and that too daily. For a few women, sabja seeds might work but it is not a sure shot hack.”

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Is it safe to delay periods?
Not at all. Periods are a natural phenomenon and playing around it or disturbing it is not a good idea. Even if you are popping period delaying pills, please remember it comes with its own set of side-effects. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, and vomiting are some of the common side-effects of medicines that delay your menstrual cycle.

“I have seen women taking these pills very casually. My advice would be that even if there is some emergency, consult with your doctor before consuming them”, says Ms. Palan. 

The next time you come across an article that claims to change your menstrual cycle, check its credibility because the concept of doing so naturally with certain foods falls flat according to science.