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| - Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that jeera water and jaggery can induce periods within one day. Our fact check reveals it’s False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, drinking a mixture of jeera (cumin) powder and jaggery boiled in water can induce menstruation in a single day. As per the post, following this method can help bring on delayed periods immediately.
Fact Check
Does jeera water and jaggery affect menstrual cycles?
No, consuming jeera and jaggery will not induce periods in a day. Cumin and jaggery offer several health benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that they can influence hormonal mechanisms responsible for menstrual regulation in such a short time frame.
Cumin has been traditionally used for digestive issues, and this has been proven by modern research too. Cumin seeds are a good source of iron, with just one teaspoon providing about 17.5% of the daily iron requirement for adults. While iron helps combat deficiency, especially in women during menstruation, there is no evidence that cumin can induce periods. This claim remains unsupported by science.
On the other hand, jaggery is known for its iron content, which can help with improving haemoglobin levels. However, inducing menstruation requires complex hormonal actions which are regulated by the endocrine system. This process involves the balance of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which cumin and jaggery do not directly influence.
Dr Anita Gupta, Gynecologist, Associate Director at Fortis La Femme, New Delhi, advises, “The key to managing irregular menstrual cycles is to first identify and treat any underlying medical or gynaecological issues. In many cases, hormonal tablets prescribed by a gynaecologist can be quite effective in regulating menstrual cycles.”
Can dietary changes induce menstruation instantly?
Not really. Dietary changes can’t instantly trigger menstruation. While some foods or spices might improve blood circulation or warm the body, there’s no scientific proof that any food or drink can make your period start right away. Menstruation is a complex process involving hormonal changes over a typical 28-day cycle, so quick fixes like drinking jeera water with jaggery won’t speed things up.
Even if your period is delayed, eating specific foods won’t guarantee it will start. However, following a balanced diet can help ease PMS symptoms. We want to acknowledge that diet plays an important role in a healthy menstrual cycle. Focus on foods rich in omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D, and try to cut back on salt, animal fats, and caffeine. Eating more vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods like nuts and dairy can make you feel better. Reducing caffeine and saturated fats can also make a noticeable difference in how you feel. Some say coffee during periods can make cramps worse, but while excessive amounts may have that effect, a moderate amount, if it soothes you, is generally harmless.
We spoke with Soumam Dutta, PhD Scholar (Nutrition) at the Department of Endocrinology, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, for his insights on diet and menstrual health. He explains, “Dietary changes cannot induce menstruation instantly. Menstruation is a complex physiological process regulated by hormones like FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone. However, poor dietary and lifestyle habits can have significant negative effects on menstrual health. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is essential for optimal menstrual well-being.”
What factors really affect menstrual cycles?
A variety of factors such as stress, age, hormonal imbalances, excessive physical activity, and underlying health conditions like PCOS can influence menstrual cycles. Hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone, regulate the menstrual cycle and determine when a person gets their period. Disruptions in these hormones due to stress, weight fluctuations, or medical conditions can cause delayed periods.
Natural methods to regulate periods usually involve a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress levels. When periods are delayed or absent for an extended time, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional rather than relying on unverified home remedies. For instance, there’s a social media post which suggests rubbing the wrists together to regulate the menstrual cycle. But, there is absolutely no evidence to verify this.
Nutritionist Anurupa Bose highlights, “Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by factors such as age, hormonal imbalances like PCOD and thyroid dysfunction, lack of exercise, irregular sleep, and high stress levels. To manage hormonal balance and regulate menstrual cycles, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, avoiding sugary and processed foods, and regular exercise are essential. These adjustments can also help address issues like delayed menopause, ultimately impacting future fertility.”
Is it safe to use home remedies to induce periods?
It may not be, but it also depends on what you are trying. It’s important to be cautious when trying home remedies to influence your menstrual cycle. Jeera and jaggery are safe to consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, using them with the expectation of triggering menstruation can lead to disappointment and delay in seeking proper medical advice. If your periods are irregular or delayed frequently, it is important to address the root cause rather than trying quick home remedies to restore periods that lack scientific backing.
Delayed menstruation can sometimes indicate underlying issues like thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, or other hormonal imbalances that require medical treatment. Self-treating based on internet advice or social media claims can make the problem worse. Without understanding the root cause, the issue may be prolonged.
What should you do if your period is delayed?
If your period is frequently delayed, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. They can check for any underlying health issues. Doctors may run hormonal tests or perform an ultrasound to find the cause. Treatment options could include lifestyle changes or medication.
In conclusion, there is no scientific basis for the claim that drinking jeera water with jaggery can induce periods in one day. Menstrual health depends on a range of factors, and relying on such remedies can divert attention from the actual causes. Instead of trying unreliable home remedies, it’s essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional to address delayed or irregular periods.
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