Are soft drinks effective as remedy for menstrual problems?

The monthly menstruation that transform a woman from blooming to gloomy can make anyone scratch their heads from curiosity.

And since periods can cause dysmenorrhea to mood swings, some women lean on to some alternative remedies they believe solve these menstrual symptoms.

The question is, are these “solutions” effective? A recent Pinoy MD episode has the answers.

Photo by Wade Austin Ellis from Unsplash

A 29-year-old woman named Novilyn Abapo would describe her menstrual pains as parusa or punishment.

This is because she is suffering from a slow and long menstruation period that lasts more or less 10 days, which is longer than the normal three to eight-day period.

As a solution to this, Novilyn believes that drinking soft drinks has helped her boost and speed up the flow of her menstruation.

In fact, she can consume a whole 1.5 liters alone whenever it's her time of the month!

“Three years ko na siyang ginagawa,” she said.

“Before, ang ginagamit ko is two to three pads. So, ang nagagamit ko na ay four pads up.”

Aside from this, drinking soft drinks has aided to minimize her menstrual cramps and even gives her extra energy.

However, the unwanted side effect is weight gain.

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“May mga times na sinasabi ko na sana nag-stick na lang ako doon sa medicine or hindi ko na lang din siya tinake.

“But since yun nga yung time na nakaka-relieve din sa pain na nafe-feel ko every time may period ako, tine-take ko na lang din siya ng tine-take,” she said.

Now, are soft drinks really effective in speeding menstrual flow and minimizing menstrual cramps?

The answer is no.

According to Pinoy MD's resident doctor, Dr. Raul “Q” Quillamor, the explanation for this is the lack of studies.

“Wala namang studies on soft drinks, kung ano ang epekto niya sa menstruation at saka sa menstrual cramps.

"So, hindi totoo na kapag uminom ka ng soft drinks ay mababawasan yung pain o madagdagan yung pain,” he clarified.

Nevertheless, there are other ways to ease these menstrual problems.

Dr. Q advises doing light exercises, drink lots of water, eat nutritious food, and apply a warm compress on the lower abdomen if ever experiencing menstrual pain.

Learn more about Novilyn Abapo's experience of in this episode of Pinoy MD:

For more lifestyle content, you may head to the GMA Lifestyle page.