I am slowly getting used to being in New York and all the concrete again. I am writing this from my little backyard, which I officially opened this weekend! I cleaned it up, re-organized the shed, brought plants back in, and reset up the furniture. This little 15 x 20 space really saves me from feeling claustrophobic!
I was thinking about the topic of menstruation because one off my regular clients had a doozy of a period this past week. So much so that she had to stay at home and miss work, and was in extreme pain. She would call from the floor of her apt. moaning. How awful that any woman has to go through that! Not to mention if it happens once a month! Despite the media and having a whole range of pain reducing drugs like Midol and Tylenol easily available at our fingertips, let me assure you that debilitating periods are not normal, and not the way nature intended for our menstruation cycles to be!
When we menstruate, it is actually a monthly cleanse in which the accumulated toxicity of a month’s worth of substances is expelled out of the female body. The unfertilized egg has absorbed and then passes out some of the toxicity that the woman has been exposed to that month. Right before that release it is the worst and that is why so many of us feel PMS, as that is the time of the most potent build up of toxicity in our bodies.
When our bodies are really toxic then there is more toxicity that is released in menstruation each month. This higher than natural release of poison can make for very long, painful, crampy periods where the blood has a definite and unpleasant odor.
As our diet becomes cleaner and our bodies become cleaner, our periods become much less painful and much shorter, which is the way nature intended them to be. Nature did not design a process that would hinder women for a week a month or cause the kind of pain that women in today’s toxic world deal with. Do you think the cavemen had Midol? :)
I’ve noticed a major reduction in my period span from over a week to 2 to 3 days now. It is over almost immediately, and I don’t get cramps or have any pain anymore. Of course this took time. Even when I became a raw foodist years ago (now I’m about 90-100% raw, depending on the season) I didn’t have an immediate change in my periods. It did happen however, and I do feel much better now. This also goes to show how much work and time cleansing does take. I too had a lot of toxicity in my body that I had not yet fully cleansed out. Let’s not forget we’ve been eating a certain way for decades. There is no room for ego or thinking we are “cleaner” or better than others. When we make changes in our diet or do a few cleanses it does NOT mean we have cleansed out everything. It takes a lot of time and work, probably a few years. And we have to keep on cleaning up! Pesky toxins are accumulating.
While we’re discussing things that are not natural to menstruation cycles, like extreme pain, let’s also discuss the way our society “deals” with our period. We try to “plug” up the inconvenience with tampons! Of course tampons are very convenient and allow us to go to the beach and the pool when we have our period. But we must be aware that tampons also create a reverse pressure and fight the natural flow of energy, old blood and tissue out of the body. That is why yoga teaches us that when we are on the moon cycle we really shouldn’t be doing many inversion poses- they work against the natural flow. And so it is with tampons. The reverse pressure they create may be associated with issues like ovarian cysts, and some may even believe uterine fibroids.
To make matters worse, many commercial tampons are bleached white with dioxin, which is one of the most powerful toxins known to man. Even in small amounts it can shock our system and we certainly do not want to be voluntarily putting something with dioxin into our bodies on a regular basis! The average woman could use up to 11,000 tampons in her lifetime. That is a lot of dioxin exposure. Published scientific reports have shown that evidence is growing that even low levels of dioxins may be linked to cancer, endrometriosis and immune system suppression.
“Some highly exposed members of the population may be at risk for a number of adverse effects including developmental toxicity … higher probability of experiencing endometriosis in women, reduced ability to withstand immunological challenge, and others.” Environmental Protection Agency
We are all really sisters in this worldwide community, and it is important that all of us are at least made aware of this craziness. Please be conscious of how much/often you are using tampons. I recommend switching to this great, dioxin-free and organic tampon brand: Natracare. And always remember to use organic makeup brands instead of generic ones!
Take care of yourself! Lots of love, Kimberly
PS! The highlight of my weekend is that I adopted another baby turtle from Chinatown yesterday. I couldn’t help myself! He was SO cute, and currently has a length of about 1 ¼ inches long. :) Tiny!!! I purposely rescue them from there instead of getting them at Petco. It goes like this: I wander around Chinatown until I get to the section where there isn’t a lot of people speaking English. Then I ask a random store, “Turtles?” And kind of show them with my hands. After a few stores they go, “Okay!” and take me to the back, randomly where there will be a pampers container or a bucket with like 50 of them swimming around in a tiny space, as well as some in the front for show in a small container off to the side somewhere. I shudder to think of what happens to the others. :( I asked the Chinese man at the store what I should call him, and he said something that sounded like “Foac” with a hard “O”, which is the Mandarin word for luck. So I started calling him “Foccy,” also with a hard “O.” I looked it up and I think it is really spelled “Fu.” Oh well! I don’t care because I just love my new baby turtle!!!
Thank you for a very interesting blog! You have probably heard of Mooncups, but I can really really vote for them. They are great! And toxinfree :) And also reusable for many years!
Namaste,
Ingvild (Bergen, Norway)
Mooncups aren’t sold in the US, but Divacups are. Have a look here for a wealth of information on menstrual cups: https://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/
Users sometimes report that their periods shorten and cramps subside when they switch to menstrual cups. I have found this to be true, without any changes to my diet.
I switched to DivaCups about 1 1/2 years ago because I found that after 1/2 hour of using a tampon I would get headaches. When I switches the headaches subsided and I no longer get cramps. I really don’t notice my periods anymore. You can keep one in for up to 12 hours, basically one change in the AM & PM. Which basically leave you hassle free all day. If I am going out in the evening, I will just change it early and not have to worry about it. I must admit that there is a bit of a frustrating learning curve, but once you get it life is good. :)
Wow! Thanks for sharing Craline. Isn’t it amazing how eliminating chemicals in all these forms can really make us feel so much better??
Hi Kimberly,
I love your blog. I have a question- I am trying to study for the bar and I am thinking of going on a raw foods diet. I am particularly interested in going pn this diet because I have heard that when a person eats raw foods, they feel healthier, think clearer and generally feel brighter/have a better mood. I could use that at this time! So I am thinking of going 80% raw. I could really use your advice. I do want to be healthier in general, but I guess I want to know how soon a person “feels” more energetic after starting a raw foods diet? Thanks.
I for one think that’s a great idea. I’m a lawyer and so I know what that studying is all about. You’ll have a lot less stress so that you can focus. Besides that, since there’s more prep work than, say, taco bell (what I ate studying for the bar), you’ll have a little break that will be soothing. When you take the bar (in July?) remember to bring a little cooler with your yummy raw snacks–everyone will be jealous, and you won’t be like me–stuck with a short lunch break, no place nearby to eat, and starving for the afternoon sessions!
Hi Raw Foods Girl,
Listen to Morgan! She knows what she is talking about.
Eating raw food definitely has a positive effect on stress and the mind. Of course, if someone tries to be 100% raw right off the bat it can be equally stressful to keep trying to “do it right.” How fast someone feels better has to do with what their diet was like before, their genetic inheritance, and how well they are eating within the raw food diet. Remember, just because someone eats all raw food in no way means they are automatically healthy and balanced!
If you are interested in a consultation, which can be very helpful when you are switching over, you can email info@kimberlysnyder.net.
Thanks for stopping by! All my best, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly, I was wondering if pre-minced garlic that comes in a jar is really unhealthy. I’m guessing that it is, but I’m not sure. Sometimes I use it when I cook and I also put it in salads. The brand that I use has phosphoric acid in it. What do you think?
Horrible! We do not want phosphoric acid to be an ingredient! Why not just mince the garlic yourself? I actually think it is a fun part of cooking! :)
Thanks for answering my question! I’ll be throwing out my current jar!
Aloha Kimberly,
Thanks so much for all your wonderful information & advice… you are so helpful with so many important topics! I have a quick question about the blog you just posted… I own a boutique in Hawaii and have been searching high & low for a cute sunglass company to carry in the store. (Totally unrelated to all the great info in your blog!) If you have a chance, could you possibly tell me the brand?
Best Wishes~
Michelle
What an adorable little turtle! He’s so lucky to have you as his caretaker. :-)
Good info about the cycle. Interesting how our cycles can mirror and give us hints about what else is going on in our bodies.
You are so right. I have noticed since adopting a raw food lifestle, I no longer dred this monthly cleansing time. The flow is light, pain-free and odor less. However I do tend to crave starchy foods, give in to cooked versions and feel horrible. Plus this diversion causes some discomfort in the menstrual process. Any suggestions on how to deal with these starchy cravings in a raw form that continues to promote that wonderful feeling?
what do you think of the Diva cup??
Hello and thank you so much for your wonderful blog!! :)
I have been thinking a lot about birth control pills and all the hormones they give us for not to get pregnant and to ease the menstrual pain and PMS.
Nature did not want us to take additional hormones so what would be the best way of birht control then…?
Thank you!
I know several people who use Natural Family Planning (NFP) to control whether they have children. This involves awareness of your fertility cycle. During periods of fertility, if you don’t want to conceive, you might abstain from sex or use condoms. Check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
Menstrual cups are great! I use a mooncup and a meluna cup. I really don’t understand why they are not advertised and promoted more, they really changed my life and made everything about my period better and more convenient!
This post is so helpful for me! I also suffer from horrible menstraul cramps just like that women does. Its so disrupting to my life and my periods r so long! Sometimes even two weeks..I’m slowly but surely moving into a mostly raw and natrual organic life style. Its a big transition for me and so far I am starting off slow with green smoothies in the morning and raw nuts or celury and almond butter for snack and also trying to add atleast one fruit or vegetable to every meal. I’m even throwing out all my toxic products I never really cared for all that synthetic stuff ne way but thought I had no other outlet until now. I’m very excited there is a strong community for these types of lifestyles I love soaking in all ur knowledge ur a great insperation to me. I’m very excited for ur yoga dvd too! Thank u so much :) peace & love
Hi Kimberly!
Great post, it makes me so happy that you’re helping to get the word out on the dangers of conventional tampons. I’ve recently convinced a few women in my life to switch to Natracare and other healthier alternatives :)
I have two questions, if you don’t mind. First, what do you think of the 80/10/10 idea, or have you heard of it? (Its creator is Dr. Doug Graham.) Second, what are some good ways to combat salt and fat cravings?
I eat about 95% non dehydrated raw vegan, but I haven’t gotten the results I’ve wanted, so I’m trying out the 80/10/10 theories. (Basically, eating only fresh, sweet, juicy fruits and some tender fresh greens… and the tiniest bit of seeds, avocado, etc. 1-2 times a week.)
Any thoughts would be really, really appreciated.
xox
HI Marcheline!
First off, I think Dr. Graham’s ideas are good in THEORY- but not for the world we live in today. We live in a fast world with pollution, medication, antibiotics, pesticides, additive, preservatives, radiation, computers, etc. We need more fat to keep our nerves protected, and we need more greens to build our bodies. Fruits are very high vibration and light. The 80% rule would work if we were all living on an island in the Pacific, but probably not for everyone. We need to be grounded more- and for some that diet might be unbalancing in today’s world.
xx Kimberly
Hi,
I am also a huge fan of the Divacup. These things are wonderful, good for the environment too! I actually saw them the other day at Whole Foods. Before using the Divacup I used tampons and was always very dry down there and intercourse was painful. Now after using the cup for about 7 months I no longer experience this dryness and intercourse is much better, this change came after the second month probably of using. Love love love these things.
Amanda
Hi,
Thanks for a great post! I think it’s so neat how you inspire people to be more conscientious in their eating.
One thing I’m just confused about is when you said that our periods are about releasing toxins since I always thought that periods were just the release of the uterine lining that has built up in preparation for carrying a child, (and when one doesn’t become pregnant, that lining is expelled). I’m just confused as to how periods are about releasing toxins because if that were true, then if we do get pregnant, is the baby effectively growing in toxicity?
I love your post and how raw food helps period pain, I’m just confused about the toxicity part!
Thanks!
namaste,
india
HI India,
Yes, Western doctors teach us that our periods are the release of the uterine lining and the she of the unfertilized egg. Holistic practitioners teach that in the release is also the body shedding out toxicity out of the body that month, like a purge. Releases from the body- sweating, bowel movements, etc. can carry toxicity out. This was one of the first things I learned about from my teachers when I started studying raw food nutrition- that my periods would change.
I did a Native American sweat lodge last summer and learned that traditionally women weren’t allowed to participate because they had a detox every month through their menstruation, and men did not get the same monthly purge.
The toxins purge out when we have a period— no that his not exactly true about the baby. BUT people should cleanse a LOT before they even THINK about getting pregnant!! I believe this to be a huge reason for the compromised health of children and health problems that might show up down the line- both parents were extremely internally toxic when they conceived the child. xx Kimberly
Thanks for your reply and shedding light on this!
xoxo,
india
Hi Kimb!
Thank you for your post!
Just a quick note to mention that contraceptive pills actually
make periods lighter and less painfull (some women, even stop having periods!!) while the IUD (if the copper one) makes periods heavier and a bit more painfull!
Never heard about those menstrual cups! Is that a good option?
Thank you!
Susana
Great post!! Thanks for the tips :) It’s so nice to have sister’s looking out for one another :D You go girl!
Jenny
Hi!
First of all I just want to say that your blog is great! It has inspired me to be more healthy and eating more raw.
I have a question for you that is a little bit off topic… What is your opinion on an IUD? I had an IUD inserted a while ago as I wanted a non-hormonal contraseption. The only side effects I been told are heavier periods and more cramps… But since the coil is made of copper and it releases copper all the time therefore I must be getting extra copper amount of copper in my body, right? What are the side effects of this? Are there any other side effects I need to know about?
I would really appreciate if you could give your opinion!
Hi Petra,
That is a whole other blog topic altogether! The short answer is that there are a lot of issues with IUD and I do not recommend them. I understand the want for a non-hormonal contraception, but IUD brings in a whole other range of health concerns. I have had several clients just remove them…Maybe I should do a blog on birth control methods!
xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly!
Thank you for replying so quickly! I have been suspected my IUD to cause me some disturbing side effects and I have been contemplating about removing it, but my doctors been telling me that an IUD does not cause any major side effect other than heavy bleeding and more painful periods… I read some of what too much copper can do in your body and I got a little bit nervous… I would really appreciate if you could write a blog on birth control methods!
Keep up the good work :)
Hi Kimberly,
I am very interested in hearing more about your thoughts on the Mirena IUD or other forms of hormonal birth control methods. I had the Mirena IUD inserted about 10 months ago and I’m now wondering if some problems I am experiencing are related to it? If you have created a blog regarding this topic already can you please tell me where it’s posted or send me a link.
Thank You =)
Hi Ray,
Doing a birth control blog is on my list! Stay tuned. xx
I have PCOS and the DR. put me on metformin and I was on that for 3 years and though it was supposed to make me have a period regularly I still would skip 3 months bleed for a month straight and what ever else it wanted to do. At that time I lived on processed foods, cheese, and what ever else sounded good. Jan. I started heading towards a clean diet. I went off metformin and I have had a regular period now every month. They are long .. I mean really long but I have so much to bleed out I guess. Thanks for your information on tampons. I only use them for swimming and I am going on vacation in June which is around my scheduled time so I will head out and get your recommended brand. Have a great day!
Wow that is wonderful!! Yes in time hopefully your periods will shorten. :)
Hi Kimberly!
I just have a quick question about the use of commercial tampons and fertility. Is it true that they can cause infertility after years of use? Thanks! Love your blog btw…very informative! I’ve learned so much since I started reading it recently.
Megan
Hey Kimberly
I am a newcomer to your blog and to taking better care of my health in general. Apon become lactose intolerant, (getting really bloated after eating dairy) I was inspired to just take better care of myself in general and cut out all dairy and milk. Its a just a small step..
Anyhow after taking birthcontrol pills for on and off for many years I would really like to explore if their is a semi-healthy method. In an earlier post you said that IUDs were not reccomended.
Natural Family Planning seems great! However for people like me with a history of irregular periods is planning even possible?
I guess in the end you are really trying to force your body to do something that is unnatural..so maybe there is no good answer.
Anyhow, as you can tell a post on bcm would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks so much!!!
Hey Kimberly
Yes! A blog on Birth Control Methods would be so greatly appreciated!
I have been taking pills for 3 years and I am deciding no longer!
But for a person like me with pretty irregular periods when I am off the pill, can a natural method of family planning even really be predictable?
I was considering a IUD but earlier you said you dont reccomend it.
Maybe its a pointless battle because you are trying to make your body do something that is unnatural..
Any advice greatly appreciated!
I was wondering if I could recieve a few samples of the tampons you are talking about? I usually use a super.
thank you Laurie
Just to let you know that I got a hyperlink to your web page from Themelis Cuiper’s SocialGarden Business studies : seo & internetbusiness :> – you are doing a super job as he is pointing towards you.
Hi Kimberly!
I just bought your book and halfway done. Your GGS makes me feel energized every single day. Like a sunlight in your body!!! I am doing beauty detox secret 1,2,3,and 4. In your book, you didn’t mention about pms or menses. I hope the next book your working on talks about women and MS. FLOW !!! I have a couple of questions about periods.
1. What do you recommend a woman on her menstrual period to eat?
2. Is there certain foods to be avoided? I heard tomatoes and avocados makes cramps worst.
Thanks for any advice!
Hi Kim,
Love the blog and book! I was so releaved to see you have a post on almost every subject that comes to mind…. Except…! Please could post regarding birth control methods? You input on the subject would be greatly apprecated!
Thanks so much!
~ Namaste ~
Wow, thanks for clearing things up for me Kim. My period has always been irregular and usually very scant if any but I recently got my first period after starting your program for about 2 weeks and definitely is the worst one I’ve ever had! Painful, heavy, long..it took me by surprise..I just figured it would still be light but if I understand you correctly this is appropriate because my body is cleansing all of the build up toxins? How long til this subsides..?
I am sure that this information is very useful and will be of great help to me.
Hi Kim,
Just finished your Beauty Detox book and headed to the blog to read more. I have a question in regards to painful periods. What would you suggest to take for painful periods? I hurt alot and use teas to get some comfort. Thanks for any info :)
After research a couple of of the weblog posts on your web site now, and I truly like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will likely be checking back soon. Pls try my site as well and let me know what you think.
Great thanks so much!
should i get off of my generic birth control? i feel like it’s going to hinder my body someday and i haven’t had a period in 4 months!
Hi, kimberly I’m 16 and I’ve recently became vegetarian so I don’t eat meat or fish but I still eat dairy (I know you don’t approve it, but my parents would NEVER let me avoid eating dairy) and eggs. I am very careful in fact I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, grains and legumes everyday ans the amount of dairy and eggs I eat hasn’t increased. My parents weren’t really ok with my choice but they couldn’t help it so they’ve just accepted it, but now my mom is getting worried and so am I becouse I’ve missed my period twice. I am really afraid that if something is wrong with my blood test I’m going to do soon my mom is going to want me to eat meat again and I really really don’t want to becouse I am disgusted by meat now, I really couldn’t do it! Do you have any advice? Could this problem I have with my period have something to do with something else other than my alimentation? Sorry if Something is wrong with my writing but I’m italian!
I have recently started using the Lunette menstrual cup, and it has been working out great for me! Please check out the website for a long list of reasons cups are AWESOME!
I am so grateful for your blog article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Hi Kimberly! I know this is a little late in the game but I wanted to ask you if you had ever had any clients who have lost their periods? I have been eating a very clean vegan diet about 60% raw diet and haven’t had a period in a year. Is this normal and will I get it back? Thanks so much, Angelica
Hi Angelica – I personally have not had anyone lose their period, but it wouldn’t be uncommon. Our bodies are going through some pretty major shifts. However, a year is quite a long time to go without it so I would highly recommend you chat with your health care practitioner to ensure you are healthy and there are no other issues. My best to you and let us know how you’re doing! ;)