Her marriage was fixed. It was an arranged match, and the boy was from a well-to-do family. She ought to have been happy, but she was miserable and mortified. Nobody tried to acknowledge her persona, her virtues, her wonderful nature. Instead, she was picked on for being overweight.

She smiled through her ordeal, desperately trying to shed weight. Then she got married, had children, and put on weight again. And the stress continued.

I am talking about my college friend. The body-shaming she was subjected to angered me then, and today, as I recall the terrible time she endured, I can still feel the anger simmering.

Why are we so fixated on the shape, size, and form of our bodies? Why is it the dream of most girls to look good rather than be good? Are we collectively responsible for this problem?

The era of appearance-obsession dawned long ago, and its unforgiving spirit has been further stoked by the Age of the Celebrity and the tyranny of social media. Anything that is outside the delusion of photoshopped beauty is up for body shaming. Impossible physical perfection has become the goal. Young girls today airbrush their pictures before putting them on social media. Girls as young as nine years are on diets and in a state of constant conflict with the way they look. More and more young women are opting for cosmetic surgery to look like X or Y celebrities.

Anorexia and Bulimia are on the rise.

This obsession with physical perfection must stop. And we can make this happen. Who is ‘we’? I am talking about every mother and father on this planet. Please teach your daughters (and sons) that the true self is tied to values, abilities, and the power of belief. Not to the shape of the body. Teach them that the true mark of a human being is to do with compassion, empathy, warmth and generosity of mind and heart. Tell them to be confident of who they are because they are unique.

These are simple lessons. They are also transformational. I am doing it with my children, and it is not difficult.

The result of empowering young girls to aim higher than just aspiring for physical attractiveness lasts a lifetime. So does the trauma of being body shamed.

What is it that you want to choose?

The post Shame on those who body-shame you! appeared first on Orgabliss.

We’ve broken it down into four main categories based on how periods affect our mental health after taking all of the preceding into consideration:

Pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS:

Although the exact causes and triggers of PMS are still unknown, it is possible that many
women’s familiar feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and moodiness are caused by
constant fluctuations in estrogen levels during this time.
Be kind to yourself and remind yourself, as well as those around you, that these symptoms are
perfectly normal if you feel a little irritable in the days leading up to your period.

Physiological Signs:

However, mood swings are not the only symptom of PMS. These hormonal changes are
accompanied by numerous physical symptoms that can have a significant impact on a woman’s
mental health.
Women may experience a variety of changes in the weeks and days leading up to their period,
including changes in their sex drive and difficulties sleeping, as well as greasy hair and skin
(which can cause acne). A woman’s mental health, particularly her self-esteem, can be directly
affected by any one of these symptoms.
Even during menstruation, symptoms like nausea, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (period pain)
can be stressful for a woman because they can significantly disrupt her day and routine,
especially if they are severe.

Insatiable cravings:

Many women can agree that period cravings are both a blessing and a curse when it comes to
physical symptoms. We hear it all the time that our bodies are like temples, but what about how
our diet affects our minds?

Inadequate awareness:

Even though women’s health has come a long way over the years, menstrual taboos are still
strong enough to keep many women from talking about their symptoms, especially at work.
Even though sanitary bins are required by law, some workplaces do not provide sufficient waste
disposal for women to change their menstrual products at work. Lack of facilities is a serious
issue that can derail a woman’s regular routine and cause her a great deal of stress, as some
women even fear leaving the house during their period due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
It is comforting to know that you are not alone, as we all experience similar feelings from time to
time. However, we must maintain our resolve and always support one another

The post Is your mental health affected by your period? appeared first on Orgabliss.

The truth is women have for so long been bombarded with messages on bra glamour that allowing for some logic on bra comfort seems a waste of time. Just look at the glossy, airbrushed photographs of models wearing sexy whispers of lace and satin that turn mammary glands into objects of intense desire. What hope do mundane concepts like bra fit and health have of finding space in that glorified world?

But they must. The fact is, if you are the bra-wearing type, you need to understand a fundamental reality: wearing an ill-fitting bra is not a good idea. What does that mean? It means a bra that does not provide your breasts firm support. Do your breasts need support? It depends on who you ask. Historically, in many cultures, women have resorted to many ways to keep breasts in place. In other cultures, they are unrestricted by cloth or contraption. Medically, many doctors say it’s okay to let your breasts be as nature intended them. Physiologically, breasts, heavy breasts especially, are better off with bra support, say some experts.

Many women will counter the pro-bra lobby to tell you that bras are on the verge of irrelevancy. The pandemic has rewritten freedom rules as we spend more time at home, remote working, unwinding, letting go of old norms. Ditching bras for comfort and ease is among the expressions of that liberation. Many women are finding joy in the unrestricted movement of their bodies, dispensing with the unclasping, and clasping, of hooklets as a daily chore, and so be it. It’s their choice. But what if you want to continue wearing a bra? That’s a choice too.

Wear it for all the right reasons

The symbolism of the bra has always been complex. This undergarment’s origins and evolution are firmly strapped to women’s rights and the ownership of one’s body. More than a century since it appeared, the bra, patented in 1914 by an American socialite Mary Phelps Jacobs, continues to be attacked for its ability to objectify women. But that’s another story.

Right here and now, let’s get back to the matter of bra comfort and fit as essential factors.

1. Comfort is everything: Yes, you read that right. If you want to wear a bra, make sure it fits well. It must not be tight; the straps must not push into your skin. Instead, they must offer support to your shoulders. The cups must cover your breasts gently without squishing them or cutting into them.

2. Wear it and forget it: If you are wearing a bra and chafing and squirming all the time, your skin under the bra itches or hurts, or your back feels like it is being pulled upwards by bra straps, it means it is not a good fit. Ill-fitting bras can lead to neck pain and restrict the chest muscles. If the shoulder straps are tight, your shoulders will get affected. Remember, a good bra must feel like a second skin. 

3. Let it breathe: Sequins, sparkles, and netting? Bras with spangled features make for interesting photographs, but breathable, soft fabric that saves your pores from struggling for air. Spangles and flimsy whims are not on the same page when it comes to comfort and positive support.

4. Ease the load: Do bras help ease the weight of heavy breasts? Most experts will tell you they do. Women with heavy breasts often experience back pain and other discomforts. A well-fitting bra can help ease this problem by supporting the breasts. Talking of heavy breasts, do breasts sag if a bra does not prop them? Some doctors say breast muscle will learn to strengthen if you stop offering it support. But the consensus is a properly fitting bra helps significantly in this matter.

5. Workout wear: While exercising, running, or doing intense sports, a sports bra is just what you need. Breasts are moving parts of the body and will benefit from being given support during a workout to keep the muscles and tissues from excessive strain.

6. Pick the right cup: Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. There is a reason why bras come in different cup sizes and breast sizes too. Know your cup and breast size when you buy a bra. If you need help, consult the store manager. It’s essential to wear the correct cup size so your breasts feel comfortable in it. Wearing the wrong cup size can alter your breast’s natural shape and size and place a strain on the breast tissue.

7. Breast cancer and bras: There is no evidence to suggest that wearing bras causes breast cancer. 

8. Night-time rules: This is one area where the no-bra rule works fine. Tight nightwear, including bras, pyjamas, or shorts, are best left in the closet. Keep your sleep time relaxed by wearing loose, soft, comfortable, breathable clothing. 

So, there you are. When choosing a bra, pick it for the right reasons. Put comfort and health before style. Your body will thank you for it.

The post 8 fitting responses from your bra appeared first on Orgabliss.

Why? Due to the sense of shame associated with it. Often, women prefer to put up with the discomfort and pain instead of speaking up and seeking treatment. They feel embarrassed to accept that they’re suffering from an infection whose root cause is poor genital hygiene.

While there is a smidgen of truth to that belief, the fact is, an array of reasons causes UTIs.

What are UTIs, and how do we get them?

A UTI is an infection of the urinary system caused by bacteria that enter the bladder through the urinary tract. While bacteria are the most common trigger, there are variants of UTIs caused by fungi and viruses. A UTI can infect any part of your urinary system — from kidneys and ureters to bladder and urethra.

Contrary to popular belief, men contract UTIs too. However, women are more likely to get UTIs because of the female anatomy’s design – bacteria can quickly spread from the vagina and rectum to the urethra, as they’re all located close to each other. This is the primary reason healthcare providers, doctors, and even your mum, keep repeating ‘always wipe from front to back’ after using the loo. Ninety per cent of UTIs are said to be caused by the bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is found in abundance in our gut and find their way down to the rectum when you pass stool.

Wiping in the wrong direction isn’t the only cause of UTIs, though. Suppose you use sanitary napkins and tampons for long hours without changing them at regular intervals? In that case, the accumulated blood can also lead to the growth of bacteria and result in UTIs. Bacteria love damp environments.

Sometimes, UTIs are caused by kidney stones, diabetes, pregnancy, birth control such as diaphragms and spermicide, or even a weakened immune system. If your luck of the draw is abysmal, then you could also be genetically predisposed to contracting UTIs.

Symptoms to watch out for

Not one symptom fits all UTIs. Some are tricky to identify. Itching, burning, and pain are the most known symptoms, but you could go around for days experiencing none of these but still have a UTI.

One of the most common symptoms is the frequent need to pee without releasing much urine.

Other symptoms include smelly urine, constant fatigue, fever and chills, urine that’s cloudy or bloody in colour, and lower back pain.

What should you do?

Once one, or a few, of these symptoms, pop up on your radar, visit your gynecologist without delay, as untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infection. Making a pit stop at the nearest supermarket for a bottle of cranberry juice also counts as a delay.

While cranberry juice is leaps more delicious as a treatment option, it has inconclusive results, experts warn. Antibiotics are your best port of call to eliminate the infection for good.

Don’t self-treat or opt for over-the-counter medications either because UTIs come in two variants: cystitis and urethritis. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, and urethritis is an infection of the urethra. Your doctor best knows what medications can target your specific condition.

Myth or fact?

Is cranberry juice a panacea for UTIs? There’s a grain of truth there, according to some experts. Other common beliefs in nodding distance of fact include the age-old advice to urinate after sex.

Much like wiping your genital area from back to front, sex too can transfer bacteria from other parts of your pelvic region to the urethra. Urinating after sex ensures any errant bacteria that’s wound up in your urethra is expelled and isn’t trapped there to cause further damage.

This doesn’t mean UTIs are the same as sexually transmitted infections. You cannot pass on your UTI to another person. That said, sex can worsen or lead to a UTI.

A UTI is also not a yeast infection, although symptoms sometimes overlap. Yeast infections are fungal and caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. They are often accompanied by a smelly curd-like discharge and swelling of the vulva – that’s how you differentiate it from a UTI.

Staying hydrated is another preventative tip passed down generations of women. This advice now has the stamp of medical approval thanks to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

It’s logic: Drinking water makes you frequently urinate, which helps flush out infection-causing bacteria from your bladder before they can set up shop in your body and make you sick.

The more you increase your fluid intake, the better it is for your urinary system. Does gulping down tasteless water constantly sound unpalatable? There’s good news – medical research suggests that acidic fluids do a better job of flushing out bacteria, which means you’re welcome to reach for a bottle of cranberry juice or any other juice to hydrate yourself and prevent UTIs!

The post Everything you need to know about UTI appeared first on Orgabliss.

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The above scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon even today. Worldwide, every year, millions of girls enter menarche or the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Many of them confront this new reality with shock, anxiety, and fear because they are not prepared for it. In other words, nobody told them about it.

Which brings us to the question: who should guide and educate pre-puberty girls on menstruation facts?

Hearing it from the mother

As suggested by several studies, the answer is clear: the mother has the most vital role in educating her daughter/s about this biological reality. Irrespective of culture, religion, and even socioeconomic status, all experts agree that the best introduction to a girl’s monthly periods must come from her mother. However, this is easier said than done because many factors play a role in the mother’s ability to undertake her responsibility with awareness. These include educational background, ethnicity, social pressures, and psychological make-up.

According to studies, a sense of shame about periods prevents many mothers from educating their daughters about it. Some studies show that girls get information on this gynaecological reality only after the periods have started. In effect, the mother’s reluctance signals to the daughter that periods are a matter of embarrassment. And this can potentially lead to a cause-and-effect down the generations.

The only way to prevent this from happening is if mothers shed their inhibitions and take charge of their daughters’ physical and psychological well-being.

Be warm, frank and comforting

Every mother must ensure that her daughter has a smooth transition to puberty. This outcome requires her to talk to her daughter frankly and reassuringly about the role of menstruation in a woman’s life. The mother must explain what it signifies and why it is a biological fact and function rather than a stigma or curse.

This motherly introduction is a critical input in a young girl’s life; a mother’s easy and friendly attitude and the bond of love she shares with her daughter are dramatic tools for transforming a young girl into a confident, self-assured young adult.

On the other hand, if a mother has been stigmatised as a young girl, her resentment about periods is likely to be transmitted to her daughter. The mother’s differing socialisation patterns and cultural experiences due to the generation gap may be at odds with the need of the times.

But thankfully, this is not the complete picture. Many mothers, across cultures, also step out of their framework of biases instilled in them to empower their daughters.

For instance, a mother who is also a sportswoman desists from high-intensity aerobics during periods, opting for gentle stretches and yoga to message her daughter that having periods is all about adjusting the body’s rhythms; it does not call for a cessation of activities. A homemaker reiterates the normalcy of periods to her daughter as she tackles her routine with the same openness as before.

Both mothers are playing role models to their daughters to accept and integrate periods in their lives with dignity, calm, and pragmatism.

In the absence of guidance and support from the mother, primarily, adolescent girls can view puberty and the onset of periods negatively, leading to many consequences physically, emotionally, and socially. It prevents young girls from developing hygienic practices that can adversely impact their health.

Personal and social responsibility

This educative contribution by a mother is not just a personal action but also a significant component of social change. As more mothers fulfil this responsibility, they help eliminate the age-old burden of stigma. There is already a marked change in many societies as education, urbanisation, and cultural shifts encourage women to step off this shadow. But it is not enough. Every girl or woman on the planet must be freed from this burden of shame.

The root solution, therefore, is to broaden the discussion on the education of mothers. After all, it starts with their participation in their daughters’ lives.

Adult women must be encouraged to let go of their inculcated biases arising from the past. Studies have suggested that community outreach programmes, peer group support and guidance from health professionals go a long way in helping mothers move towards a better understanding of their role not just in their daughters’ lives but also in their own empowerment. The fact is, even for an adult woman, it is a liberating experience to shed the stigma of periods and lead a fear-free, decisive life.

The freedom of accepting periods as a blessing for a larger purpose is every woman’s birthright.

Let us all work to make this an incontestable reality.

The post Why mothers must be role models for their daughters’ understanding of periods appeared first on Orgabliss.

They are glossy images, convey empowering messages, and have become an essential part of the narrative about women’s bodies, biological processes, and place in the natural order of things.

I am referring to advertisements on sanitary pads in the public domain. We welcomed this shift long ago as they seek to banish the harmful taboos and stigmas around a perfectly natural phenomenon in a woman’s life.

The advertisements helped change the perception of menstruation and sanitary pads from shame into a symbol of feminine power and identity.

However, we also need to focus on the larger picture of women’s health and the role of menstrual hygiene that gets overlooked in the hype.

In many cultures worldwide, the taboo and social stigma about the monthly periods means women resort to homemade contraptions to work as a sanitary pad that includes old cloth, shredded female garments, and cotton strips.

Why is menstrual hygiene important?

Menstrual material management is at the heart of women’s health. Although periods are a biological necessity that occurs month after month until a woman reaches menopause, ignorance of handling menstrual periods is not uncommon in all ages, irrespective of the woman’s economic status or educational background.

Many women are still not aware of the problems that can arise from poor hygiene while using the wrong sanitary pads. In many instances, it can lead to severe Reproductive Tract and Urinary Tract Infections (RTI and UTI).

Women have suffered silently for long

When a woman menstruates, her reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries and vagina) are vulnerable. Any infection from a dirty piece of cloth can travel inside her body and result in nagging ailments that can impact her general and reproductive health. For example, many women in rural India suffer UTI and RTI silently. The stigma surrounding menstruation overrides their need to signal for help. This silent suffering impacts not only a woman’s productivity and happiness but also her motherhood.

The concept of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

No matter how developed a country, the topic of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) or menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) continues to be relevant.

Every woman on the planet deserves access to hygienic, safe menstrual products, but unfortunately, we are far from that ideal state.

I say this from personal experience. For many years, I suffered from several Urinary Tract Infections and dreaded the rashes that would routinely appear due to the sanitary pad’s constant friction. Eventually, unable to endure the continuous stress of UTI, I switched to 100 per cent organic and cotton sanitary pads, and overnight, my infection disappeared. During my periods, I felt light, comfortable, and healthy.

This experience led to the idea of Orgabliss. It’s a product after my heart I launched in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic, despite all odds. I wanted to help every woman stay protected from infections and in top hygiene during menstruation. I did not want anyone’s daughter, including mine, to experience menstruation hygiene issues or discomfort due to the kind of sanitary pads they used.

Why is a sanitary pad such a critical product?

Because it is used during one of the most sensitive periods in a woman’s life.

Menstruation is a period of a mind-body shift. In this phase, a woman needs to feel fully hygienic and free of discomfort and ill health.

The idea behind Orgabliss is not to just make a product. I want women to feel cared for, to feel special. I want to give them the joy of being in control.

My search for the most comfortable, safe, sanitary pad ensured that Orgabliss is 100 per cent cotton, wholly biodegradable and chlorine-free. Not content with this, I went a step ahead and added the negative ion technology to the pad’s inner lining.

The organic fabric chip inside the pad releases 6,120 ions per cubic centimetre. When this chip meets blood or water, it triggers oxygen production, destroys harmful bacteria, and allows your intimate parts to breathe normally. The negative ion technology eliminates fatigue and induces restful sleep. Women know that nighttime can be pretty distressing during periods, and wearing the right sanitary pad is crucial to experience comfort and hygiene.

Few people know that about four billion bacteria are released from the uterine walls when a woman menstruates. One of the primary causes of infection is this menstrual bacterium, which also causes odour and fatigue. When the pad is made with inappropriate or even harmful materials, the blood is not adequately absorbed into the pad and pushed back into the body. Remember, your body is expelling this blood. So, it needs to go out, not in. But due to the poor quality of sanitary pads, the reverse phenomenon is a common occurrence, and it can cause a host of health problems, many of them severe.

I will dwell at length on the many health problems in another blog.

Celebrate the essence of womanhood

I have experienced the freedom from worry and discomfort after ditching the wrong sanitary pads. I now want every woman on the planet to share this freedom. Just as having menstrual periods is every woman’s biological inevitability, choosing to be free of the pitfalls of menstruation hygiene is her birthright.

The post Top facts about menstrual hygiene every woman must know appeared first on Orgabliss.

Dubai: When an Indian expat in Dubai experienced thorny gynecological issues she attributed to her chemical-coated sanitary napkins, she did not suffer silently from embarrassment by calling it a ‘woman’s burden’ . Instead, she decided to talk about it and do something for herself and for other women as well – making 100% cotton, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, chemical-free sanitary napkins! And all of this amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meet Seema Gupta, 37, an entrepreneur who created Orgabliss, an organic and affordable sanitary napkin for UAE women.

Belonging to a business family from Ludhiana, Gupta, a mother of two pre-teens, explained to Gulf News: “I felt that the issue of women’s health was as important or vital as the health problems exposed by the pandemic and that it needed immediate attention. Men talk all the time about their personal care products, aftershaves, razor blades and what makes for a perfect shave. However, women are often too embarrassed to talk about sanitary napkins or their monthly period and the associated health issues they face each month. I had frequent urinary tract infections. Therefore, I started to research this.

I would like to tell women, let go of your inhibition and feel free to discuss your health in a mainstream conversation. Prioritize your health over other mundane problems and take charge of it. You must set an example for your future generations.

– SEEMA GUPTA

His research has brought to light some disturbing facts. Gupta said, “After talking to many gynecologists and health care experts, I have discovered that many sanitary napkins are made of toxic substances and dangerous chemical ingredients. This is the root cause of the growing ill health condition. Being a woman, I understood how bad it is, not only for our own beliefs but also for the environment. Therefore, I decided to bridge the gap.

Gupta’s collection of evidence was first-hand. She took help from her sister-in-law in Ludhiana, India, who was ordering massive amounts of pure cotton sanitary napkins for personal use and for donation to female orphanages. “I switched to using these products and immediately felt great relief from my symptoms every month, with the incidence of UTIs drastically decreasing.”

Gupta started producing sanitary napkins and panty liners using special technology in India.

Break the taboo

It also got Gupta to think about the importance of organic sanitary napkins. However, the response from his friends was paltry to say the least. “When I told my friends about this plan, they just felt like I was stupid. Unfortunately, the mindset of most women today allows them to spend thousands on facials and designer bags, shoes, jewelry, or cosmetics, but don’t think much of a personal use item like a sanitary napkin like no one sees it. However, here is the point.

Gupta started producing sanitary napkins and panty liners using special technology in India. “My towels are 100% cotton. We use special Japanese SAP technology, which absorbs and locks in the liquid keeping the individual dry and odorless. We also use an organic tissue chip capable of releasing 6120 ions per cubic centimeter when this chip comes in contact with blood or water, it triggers the production of oxygen, keeping this private part breathable and destroying harmful bacteria. Not many people know that when a woman has her period, around four billion bacteria are released from the uterine walls. Our negative ion technology helps ward off infections, pain and cramps. It also helps promote proper rest and sleep at night.

Zero waste

“Plus, the biodegradable plastic and backsheet film leaves no carbon footprints, which helps keep Mother Earth safe for the long haul. It’s a win-win for everyone, ”says Gupta.

Stimulating message

Gupta, who got a really good response from UAE women, said, “I would like to tell women, let go of your inhibition and feel free to discuss your health in a mainstream conversation. Prioritize your health over other mundane problems and take charge of it. You must set an example for your future generations. “

The post Watch: Why This Indian Expat In Dubai Is Making Sanitary Pads Amid COVID-19 appeared first on Orgabliss.

Men find the suspicion around periods as a matter of ridicule as they have been conditioned to think of it much like a taboo just like how many women in pockets worldwide think about them. If only every gender and societal norms are in compliance with the inclusion of periods as a normal biological event, would there be lesser insecurities surrounding periods? In third world countries especially, when girls hit puberty, they are not even given the basic education about the changes that they will be encountering in their bodies. As a result of which, girls are unprepared when they have their periods for the first time. 

In the same breath, boys find it rather amusing when they spot a stain on their female colleague’s clothes. Because boys are not taught to empathise and deal with such a situation with sensitivity, often girls become a subject to mockery. Grass root education for men is the need in such circumstances. Boys from their early ages must be taught about their as well as the bodies of other genders. Periods need to be normalised and that can only happen when the basic concepts of biology are made clear without any embarrassment. 

You must have lived those years where you constantly kept checking the back of your skirt or trouser in school, college or work because you did not want to be a topic of gossip, especially among men. Hardly do we come across men who step forward and help a girl out in a situation where they might find themselves leaking their attire. A man should have the reflex to extend support by lending their jacket for example so that they can cover the spotting. Helping them with physical activities like household chores and also ensure that women have adequate nutrients while they are on those days. 

Orgabliss through their range of products attempts to empower women so that they don’t have to encounter such unpleasant moments in life ever again. The change is required but it is still a long way ahead before we can see the change actually happening. A study has revealed that nearly 72% of the men in the world have no clue about menstrual cycles before they are 25. Most importantly education regarding periods is absolutely necessary to keep away unwanted pregnancies and safe sex practices. 

Imagine how the world would be if everyone was educated about periods, would it not be an easier world for women to live in? No, by being considerate of the fact that women have periods no one is asking to be sympathetic towards women or give them a biased advantage. When men are educated about periods, women can live in a much accepting world. Gradual changes can be seen especially in the corporate sector where certain IT companies have introduced the concept of period leaves. 

A lot of girls especially in rural sectors of South Asian and Mediterranean countries, think of dropping out of schools because shame is ingrained in them as a result of “harmless” fun poked at them by boys. When the world treats periods like any other natural phenomenon, women would be more willing to go to schools and work. The ultimate aim is to empower women and give them the confidence so that they can carry on with their lives as they would normally. The aim is to not have to use the word “normally” at all, so much so should it be inculcated as normalcy in people’s lives. 

Another boon of having concrete education surrounding periods is that a lot of female mortality rates across the globe can be curbed as sanitation standards can be improved. Instead of using dirty clothes during periods which are extremely hazardous for menstrual health, women can adopt organic sanitation products like those from Orgabliss which not only will ensure hygiene but also improve menstrual health. The level of understanding and acceptance of new and reformed means of dealing with menstruation will be more welcomed and accepted. The education campaigns can start with clusters of first with young girls and then boys. These groups would then in turn teach their elders and that is the strategy that can be adopted. Various agencies internationally have dedicated projects to popularise such schemes. 

It is evident that we need some basic education around periods, the world would be a better place. The change has to begin with the boys. There must be a time when such demarcation of genders should not be a topic of discussion. Until then, small steps are what we need. A little fact correction and first-hand information are required in our society to remove periods from being classified as taboo. The better informed we are, the better society we can give the girls. Men need to be inculcated with the values of treating women as equals but also remember that their biology is different from theirs. Most importantly, make them understand how important it is for a woman to have a healthy period. The change can happen when men step forward to make these days a little easier for girls and women from what it already is. On that note, wishing for a world where men take responsibility and due diligence for women to have a happy period.

The post Educating Men about Periods appeared first on Orgabliss.

No matter how much commercials ask you to have a happy period, the happy period seems like a myth. Periods are anything but happily, don’t you feel? Apart from the hygiene aspects and the fear of spotting and leakage, the awful symptoms of weakness, bloating, heavy flow, dampness and cramps are the bigger problems. Periods can be very troublesome especially on those days when you can’t afford to take a break.

Even though hygiene is the primary concern, that can be taken care of by Orgabliss’ sanitary napkins. On those days, you particularly feel the need for staying afresh. For all those pre-menstrual discharge and spotting during periods, panty liners are the best rescuer.

See, hygiene is not the main concern, Orgabliss has got you covered for that.

But what you do need to tackle are the dreadful symptoms. The physical impact of periods. Many women do the wrong to consuming pain soothers and blood thinners. That is utterly inadvisable. You can intake some vitamin supplements but never any prescription drug.

Rather take the more natural way; watching your diet can be a great way to control any of such bothersome symptoms. If you have irregular periods or suffer from PCOS, your blood flow may be inconsistent. Some superfoods are just what you should be adding to your diet to have an easy period.

Items to Include in Your Diet for a Happy Period

• Water

Periods can cause dehydration which can lead to acidity and headaches. Water will help keep you hydrated. Water can relieve much of the bloating symptoms. Drinking lots of water will prevent any kind of water retention as well as avoid muscle cramps.

• Fruit

Fruits like watermelon and cucumber will help avoid any dehydration. They will also compensate for any sugar cravings that you have. While you are on your period you might crave some sweets. Intaking refines sugar will only spike up your glucose levels. Fruits will also help with the necessary vitamin C which will keep any uterus or vaginal infection at bay.

• Leafy green vegetables

When you have heavy flows especially on your second and third day, your iron levels drop significantly. Instead of consuming oral iron tablets, go for leafy green veggies. They will help you with all the Fe that Females require during those days. Drop-in iron levels can cause dizziness, body ache and fatigue. Consuming a significant proportion of these leafy vegetables can definitely help release any kind of period anomaly.

• Ginger

No, not raw ginger thankfully. You can have one-two servings of ginger tea a day. Ginger has excellent anti-inflammatory properties which will ease out any body pain. However, you must beware of your intake. Too much ginger especially more than four grams can lead to heartburn and stomach aches.

• Chicken

During periods, don’t you feel like savouring the tastes of a certain food? The cravings are a lot and they are mainly because of the hormone play in the body. Chicken is a great source of protein. It does not comprise unnecessary fat and fibre which can lead to bad cholesterol. Chicken keeps you full and sated. You will not crave for anything much as the chicken will keep your hunger pacified.

• Fish

Fish is an abundance of protein, iron and omega-3s. Iron helps to keep the dropped iron levels at check during periods. Fish is a source of good protein. This means all your weakness and dizziness will be away. Omega-3s can help relieve you from muscle pain. All the more, mood swings and several mental issues like depression are controlled with the presence of Omega-3s. Looks like fish are an all-star in the dietary affair.

• Dark Chocolate

It is common for you to feel anxious or upset during your periods or even before that what we call PMS. Sugar cravings are the highest in such scenarios. Instead of your deeply savoured milk chocolates which can get you to put on a few inches, opt for dark chocolates. They are a better snacking option. Dark chocolates have magnesium and iron. Magnesium helps in keeping any kind of fatigue away while the benefits of the Fe for females is very well known to you by now.

• Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has great anti-inflammation properties which are particularly good for all PMS symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, cramps and diarrhoea.

• Lentils and beans

For vegans and vegetarians, lentils and beans are great sources of their protein intake. They will also compensate for the loss of any iron. Lentils and beans can be easily added to your regular diet and should be had even when not on your periods.

• Yoghurt

Do you feel that your vaginal area feels itchy or notice discharge before or after your period? Sometimes an irking pain in the lower abdomen section as well? That is because of yeast infection. The vaginal cavity becomes swampy and uterus lining thick, these provide a ground for yeast to infect the area. Yoghurt has probiotic properties. This means that it kills the bad bacteria while keeping the good bacteria. Any sort of infection before or after your periods can be very unpleasant. Yoghurt also has the power of magnesium.

• Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that does wonder for female reproductive well-being. Turmeric has curcumin which is its main ingredient. Curcumin is the agent which helps lessen all the symptoms related to PMS as well as periods. It is really the trick for a smooth period.

The various symptoms can take a toll on every woman. Even though it seems like that happy period is a myth, with Orgabliss’ hygiene products coupled with the diet must-haves listed, you can surely beat the blues of that time of the month.

While there are many superfoods that will help you bring relief from the terrible onset of periods, there are some food items that can further worsen them. It would be advisable to stay rather away from such items. Treat them as your touch me not plants!

Items that are a Complete No-No During Periods

• Alcohol

Apart from the age-old saying that alcohol is bad for health, alcohol is also really bad for periods. Choose to go virgin for alcoholic drinks. Alcohol increases the estrogen in the body which is responsible to maintain sugar levels and cholesterol. The right balance of estrogen helps in keeping a healthy flow and keeps periods regular.

Plus, alcohol increases water retention levels which can make you feel more bloated than you already do. Choose to opt for lassi or coconut water if you want anything refreshing instead of alcohol.

• Caffeinated drinks

Caffeinated drinks no matter how much they feel like stress busters are nothing but agents that worsen your PMS symptoms. Caffeine increases your blood pressure and heart rate which can cause anxiety. Anxiety leads to increased discomfort making you feel fatigued.

• Processed food

Frozen food, fast food and so on have a high content of sodium that work as preservatives in there. These foods lead to higher water retention tendency in the body. With water retention increasing, you will feel bloated. It is advisable to stop eating processed food a few days before you get your periods. The easier you retract, the better you will be feeling during your periods. Women tend to put on weight during and post their periods, it is because they consume a lot of this processed food while being on their periods.

• High fat food

Food which is very high on fat release a chemical called prostaglandin which is known to increase the level of period cramps and pain. During your periods, your skin is already very sensitive and saturated fat can make them drier and dull. You need to have healthy fat instead which will keep your hair and skin nourished. You must avoid burgers, pizzas and cream-based desserts. Even though they seem like your best friend during those days of the month, turns out they are not.

• Fried food

When your mood swings with all its might, fried food seems like your comfort food. But just like they are harmful to your health in general, during periods they are the ones that worsen your mood swings. All this while you thought that they make you feel better! Fried food has trans-fat which affects your mood and also leads to skin inflammation.

What you intake during your periods often determines how well they are going to be. Drinking a lot of water is something that you must always remember in your periods. No matter how bloated you feel, choose to eat right. Feeling bloated or low in mood does not pass as a green signal to binge on junk. Make concerted efforts to find what can replace what and follow that. You will be rather surprised to see how smooth and happy your periods will actually be. No one can expect to make all the changes suddenly but with every period, go one step ahead.

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