That Time of the Month

Yes, it's that time of the month. I normally wouldn't be so public about such a private matter, but it may be of interest to you gentle readers to know that a common food may increase unwanted symptoms of "that time." 

Certain dairy products may cause inflammation in the body, worsening or outright causing menstrual symptoms. According to Dr. Lara Briden, a naturopath and self-proclaimed expert on "that time," there is a protein in dairy from Holstein cows called A1 casein, which is inflammatory.

This protein, in some people (thankfully not all!), "cleaves in the digestive tract to form a potent opiate-type molecule (called casomorphin or BCM7) that stimulates histamine and inflammatory cytokines." I don't particularly know what cytokines are, but whatever they are, they cause inflammation.

It is important to note that milk from Jersey cows does not contain A1 casein, but also most milk in the U.S. comes from Holstein cows. Dr. Briden notes that certain dairy products like heavy cream and butter do not contain this protein. Thank goodness; I could not live without butter!

I wish I'd read this article before I poured the milk in my tea, but c'est la vie. As an interesting side note, Google recognizes my French words, but not casomorphin. In any event, my cycle came early this month and so I was quite unprepared. Thankfully I hadn't left the house by the time I realized my time had come. And now I don't plan to leave the house.

This is a time to take it easy and take care of one's self. All women should be allowed one or two days a month off from work for this time, especially as the first day or two leaves one in considerable physical pain. I am lucky in that I do not work, but when I did, it was difficult to concentrate during this time. I am blessed that I can stay home and take care.