7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Period

There are so many misconceptions going around about women's menstruation and menstrual cycles that have us in a serious funk.

There’s no reason to get shy or grossed out.

We gotta go there — because chances are you watched the same awkward video I did in middle school health class that taught me … well. not a whole lot.

Ready for a little bit of truth?

Here are 7 bits of information every woman should know:

1. When women experience negative and uncomfortable symptoms with her monthly cycle it's actually a sign that she's out of balance because of diet and lifestyle choices! Mood swings, anxiety, constipation, cramps, anger, sweet cravings, increased appetite, headaches, acne, weight gain, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating and achy joints are not the norm (even though they seem like it in our culture today!). When a woman is in balance, there's no need for lying on the coach, groaning and popping Motrin.
2. The moon, the tides of the ocean and women all cycle together each month. Just as the phases of the moon cause the ebb and flow of the ocean, the hormones in a women’s body ebb and flow, too.
3. Ovulation naturally occurs on the full moon and menses on the new moon.
4.  Women are actually supposed to take it easy during their menses. It’s a time for rest, recharging one’s batteries and light duty. Ideally women would be able to scale back their work load and quiet down their social schedules.
5. The time during a woman's menstruation is her most powerful time of the month. She gets all kinds of ideas and intuitive hit. She's more sensitive to the world around her.
6. The bleeding that occurs during menstruation is a natural detox. Toxins that are stored in the blood and liver have a chance to be flushed out. This process is attributed to the fact that many women live longer than men.
7. Digestion slows during a woman's period. The loss of blood welcomes sweet, sour and salty foods - especially the ones that are iron and mineral-rich. Examples of these foods are sea vegetables, potatos, carrots, beets, lemons, limes and nuts. Shy away from bitter, pungent and astringent foods.

Some of this is completely new information, right? Maybe you're noticing that things in your beautiful body are a little out of whack? No worries.

Here are a couple of actionable steps to shift your diet and lifestyle now:

• Check out the moon this month. Notice what phase it's in. Notice how your cycle is lining up the the natural rhythms of ebb and flow.

• Ditch the alcohol and caffeine. 

• Go to bed when to sun goes down (or by 10 p.m.) 

• Wake up when the sun comes up (or around 6 a.m.)

• Eat dinner by 7 p.m. so you have 3 hours to digest your food before bedtime.

• Relax and try not to engage with really stressful situations. 

• Drink green smoothies and up your chlorophyll intake. 

Peace + power cycles.