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Reading Time: 4 minutesIt’s hard to predict exactly how you’ll feel during your menstruation. While few women notice any symptoms, others struggle to get out of bed, the cramps, the headaches, the pain, and what not While it is tempting to pick up a can of soda or deep dive into a chocolate cake to comfort your raging hormones but believe us, it won’t do any good to your physical health. In fact, you are actually doing a damage to your internal as well as external health. Here you can find few foods that you should eat during your periods to avoid those cramps and maintain a good physical and mental health. Yes, chocolates are included in the list! Here are some Food Examples To Eat during Periods: Fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits and vegetables can help regulate digestion and provide essential nutrients. Bananas, leafy greens, oranges, and berries are particularly good choices. Whole grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy. Healthy fats: Here are few source healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These can help reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. Lean proteins: Opt for lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. Protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer. Iron-rich foods: Many women experience a decrease in iron levels during menstruation, so it’s essential to consume iron-rich foods like lean red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium can help alleviate menstrual cramps and mood swings. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, bananas, and leafy greens. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with bloating. You can have green herbal tea or coconut water. Here are some Food Examples to avoid During Periods: Sugary foods: Foods high in refined sugars can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, exacerbating fatigue and mood swings. Processed foods: Highly processed foods like fast food, chips, and sugary snacks can increase inflammation and contribute to bloating and discomfort. Caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbate mood swings, and contribute to dehydration. Salty foods: Excessive salt intake can lead to water retention and bloating, so it’s best to moderate your consumption of salty snacks and processed foods. Exercises Just because you have periods then stop you from having benefits of Physical and mental Exercise benefits. In fact, following a regular exercise routine can help relieve some of the symptoms of pregnancy. Instead of ceasing all activity during your period, use this week as an opportunity to try some new workouts. You can try few good exercises pose such as cobra, Cow, Cat, Fish Yoga. This may help you cope with heavy cramping, and are best for your heavier menstrual days. Stretching is best when your body is warm (such as after a bath or shower). Each stretch should be held for 30 to 60 seconds. Please do not push to the point of pain or discomfort. Cobra Pose: Lie face down with your legs straight, feet together, and hands under your shoulders. Use your hands to push yourself up and lift your head and shoulders. Take a deep breath. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds as long as you feel comfortable. Then return to the original position and take a deep breath. When you exhale, your stomach contracts and softens. If you’re having trouble breathing deep in your belly, you may have yawned and need some rest. Breathe normally and repeat 2 to 3 times Cat/Cow Pose: Get on your hands and knees. Make sure your hands are directly under your shoulders and your knees are directly under your hips. Take a deep breath, keep your belly close to the floor and at the same time slowly pull your head and hips into “This Cow Pose” (Figure 2) and breathe normally 23 times. When you’re ready to change position, take a deep breath and as you exhale, arch your back toward the sky, your head and hips slowly moving toward the floor. This is the Cat Pose. Move slowly through the two positions, holding each position for 2 to 3 breaths. Fish Pose: Place the pillow on the floor. Lean your back and head on the pillow and place your legs on the floor in front of you your arms at your sides, palms facing each other. Stay in this position and breathe slowly for as long as you feel comfortable. If straightening your legs causes discomfort, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. On days when you are short on time, try semi-exercise aerobic exercises such as walking or running. This type of exercise can reduce pain from abdominal pain (weight gain) and cramps. Aerobic exercise helps increase blood flow and release “feel-good hormones” called endorphins. These may work together to relieve headaches and improve mood Cobra Pose Cow Pose Cat Pose Fish Pose It’s essential to listen to your body and choose exercises that feel comfortable and enjoyable for you during your period. If you experience severe menstrual symptoms or discomfort, it’s okay to take a break from intense workouts and focus on lighter activities until you feel better. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about exercising during your period.

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn today’s fast-changing society, women are always adapting to new trends, technologies, and lifestyle changes. Many traditional behaviors and customs that were formerly significant turning points in a woman’s life are becoming less significant in spite of this fast modernization. One specific ritual that is diminishing is the observance of a girl’s first menstrual period, especially within South Indian culture. This ritual, previously considered a crucial step into womanhood, carries significant cultural importance but is slowly becoming less common. Continuing our modernization efforts requires us to contemplate these rituals and grasp their fundamental significance. These rituals were created not only as cultural symbols but also as opportunities for young girls to feel empowered, commemorating their journey from girlhood to womanhood. Can we find a way to respect our traditions while also accepting the advancements modern science provides? The South Indian Puberty Ritual – A Vanishing Celebration In many South Indian communities, when a girl has her first period, it’s celebrated with a grand ceremony, often referred to as “Ritu Shuddhi” or “Lagna Dhare”. This event marks her transition into womanhood, acknowledging her ability to bear children in the future. The ceremony typically includes: However, in modern times, these rituals are slowly being forgotten, particularly in urban settings. Families either simplify the ceremonies or forego them altogether due to changing social dynamics and evolving lifestyles. “During my first period, about 10 years ago, the ritual was performed for me, but I was embarrassed by it. Growing up in Mumbai, very few people knew about this tradition, and at that age, my friends used to make fun of it. I remember feeling awkward and ashamed as I went through the rituals, thinking it was unnecessary in our modern world. As I look back on it, I understand the significance it holds. The ceremony wasn’t solely focused on my first period; it encompassed the honoring of womanhood, the encouragement from my family, and the recognition of the physical and emotional transformations I was experiencing. What once felt like a strange custom, I now see as an opportunity for girls to be guided through a significant life transition?” As more families move away from traditional rituals, there’s a sense of loss regarding the communal support these ceremonies offered. But it’s essential to recognize that while rituals evolve or fade, the underlying principles—celebration, education, and empowerment—are still important. Modern women can still acknowledge these transitions, albeit in different forms, tailored to their comfort and lifestyles. Growing with Modern Trends While Staying Rooted Embracing the past doesn’t mean resisting progress. Following age-old rituals doesn’t imply that one is against modern solutions. Today, we have numerous innovations that help us manage menstruation more effectively, and one of the best examples is the menstrual cup. Working with Ami Polymer Pvt Ltd, brand Imasafe, I’ve had the opportunity to deeply understand and analyse the menstrual cup’s benefits. By offering a long-term, reusable substitute for conventional pads and tampons, menstrual cups not only address a number of period-related problems but also support environmental sustainability. They exemplify our ability to adapt to the changing times while considering our environmental footprint. In addition to addressing several contemporary concerns, such as comfort, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and hygiene, the menstrual cup also resolves one of the biggest problems of our time: waste management. Modern women can adopt an environmentally responsible option that is consistent with contemporary beliefs and acknowledge the significance of menstruation health and awareness by switching to menstrual cups. In conclusion, while we may no longer celebrate first periods with the same grandeur as before, the values that these rituals emphasized—acknowledgment, care, and empowerment—remain timeless. By blending modern solutions like menstrual cups with a respect for our cultural roots, we can continue to evolve while honouring the journey from girlhood to womanhood. Modern women can take the lead by fusing the greatest aspects of both cultures, staying true to their traditions while embracing innovative ideas. “Honor the past, but embrace the future.”

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhat is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells grow in the cervix, the lower part of a woman’s uterus. It is one of the more prevalent cancers among women, but if detected early, it can be prevented or effectively treated. What Causes Cervical cancer? Symptoms of Cervical Cancer Preventing Cervical Cancer Conclusion Cervical cancer can be avoided by being vaccinated, undergoing regular screenings, and making healthy lifestyle decisions. Early detection and proactive healthcare are vital for women’s health. Collaborative actions to spread awareness and implement preventive measures play a crucial role in effectively fighting against this disease.

Reading Time: 2 minutesIn today’s world, we often take for granted the convenience and choices we have when it comes to menstrual products. But did you know that not too long ago, women had limited options, and the environmental impact of disposable products was largely ignored? Enter Leona Chalmer, a visionary woman who changed the game forever by launching the first-ever menstrual cup in 1937. The Menstrual Cup: A Revolutionary Invention In the 1930s, traditional menstrual products such as cloth pads and tampons were the norm. These options were not only uncomfortable but also had a significant environmental footprint. Leona Chalmer, however, had a different vision. She believed in creating a menstrual product that would liberate women from the constraints of the past. With unwavering determination, Leona embarked on a journey to develop the perfect menstrual cup. Countless prototypes, sleepless nights, and relentless dedication led her to create a product that would change the way women experienced their menstrual cycles. The Impact of the Menstrual Cup The menstrual cup, a flexible, reusable, and eco-conscious alternative, quickly gained popularity. Women embraced it for its comfort, cost-effectiveness, and positive impact on the environment. Leona’s invention became a symbol of empowerment, allowing women to take control of their bodies and embrace their natural cycles with pride. But Leona Chalmer’s contribution didn’t stop at the invention itself. She believed in educating and empowering women about their bodies and choices. She started campaigns to break the taboos surrounding menstruation and encouraged open conversations about women’s health. Leona Chalmer’s Enduring Legacy Today, Leona Chalmer’s legacy lives on as millions of women around the world continue to benefit from her pioneering invention. Her vision and dedication continue to inspire us all. The menstrual cup not only changed the way women experienced their periods but also marked a significant step towards gender equality. In conclusion, Leona Chalmer was not just an inventor; she was a trailblazer who saw the potential for change and took bold steps to make it a reality. Her invention, the menstrual cup, has not only provided a sustainable and comfortable alternative for women but has also contributed to a more open and informed dialogue about women’s health. It’s not just a menstrual cup; it’s a symbol of empowerment and progress.

Reading Time: 3 minutesOuch! UTIs can cause such discomfort that no one can forget. They’re common, annoying and they can be hard to kill. Many of us have been there. An estimated 1 in 3 adults experiences UTI annually, while the rest will experience UTI at least once in their lifetime. WHAT IS UTI? A Urinary Tract Infection (also called a “UTI”) can be any infection that occurs along the urinary tract. It happens when bacteria get into the urinary system and overgrow. It results in redness, pain, and swelling in the urinary tract. You can sense burning pain while peeing.  In order to avoid UTIs, one must take proper care of vaginal hygiene. Among all menstrual products, menstrual cups are considered the safest option. The risks of getting an infection are minimal and mostly they’re all preventable. SYMPTOMS OF UTI MENSTRUALl CUPS AND FEMALE ANATOMY Menstrual Cups are a growing in-demand choice for environmentally conscious period care. They seem to be very different from those who have only used traditional period products. The Vagina and Female Urinary system are very closely related but are entirely separate. A menstrual cup in the vagina cannot interfere with urination, but the front wall of the vagina is intimately associated with the bladder. Therefore, a poorly or wrong-sized placed menstrual cup can result in bladder pressure symptoms. Try reinserting the cup a little higher or try a smaller size if you experience this.Getting familiar with your anatomy and feeling comfortable inserting the cup is key. After inserting the cup if you aren’t confident that you have it fully sealed, try again. With practice, you will gain confidence and feel like an expert in no time. CAN A MENSTRUAL CUP CAUSE UTI? No, a menstrual cup does not cause UTI. If it happens, it’s probably because it hasn’t been inserted properly or the hands were unclean while inserting. It is essential that you sterilize the cup before and after use. If the menstrual cup is not sterilized it can cause UTI. So you must boil the cup for 3-5 minutes, before using it and repeat the same after your periods are over. You must take utmost care of your lower part as well as the cup, to avoid not only UTI but any other disease. You must avoid using a Menstrual Cup if you are allergic to Silicone/TPE. DOES IMASAFE RECOMMEND USING A MENSTRUAL CUP DURING UTI? UTIs are very common. But no, it is not advisable to use a Menstrual Cup during UTI. But once you have tackled the infection, you can use the Menstrual Cup with proper guidelines.If you have recurrent UTIs, we advise you to head straight to your doctor and consult him on using a menstrual cup.

Reading Time: 2 minutesA menstrual cup is a small, foldable, reusable device made from silicone, rubber, or plastic that collects, rather than absorbs, the menstrual blood when inserted into the vagina. Since you can rinse it out and use it throughout your cycle and for years to come, a menstrual cup is an environmentally-friendly, healthy, and more comfortable alternative to pads and tampons. WHAT EXACTLY IS IMASAFE® REUSABLE MENSTRUAL CUP? Imasafe® Menstrual Cup is a 100% medical-grade liquid silicone menstrual cup, developed by Ami Polymer Pvt. Ltd. – a leading manufacturer and supplier of silicone-based products. The reason for using silicone is due to its softness and biocompatibility. Biocompatible means that it is safe to put into the human body. To demonstrate the company’s commitment to quality, Imasafe® Menstrual cup is manufactured in a Cleanroom ISO Class VII facility and confirms all international standards and certifications. You can wear Imasafe® menstrual cup for 8 consecutive hours before having to clean it or reinsert it. WHICH MENSTRUAL CUP SIZE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Imasafe® Menstrual Cup comes in 3 unique sizes: Small, which is recommended for first-time users with normal flow and who haven’t given birth. It can hold up to 15 ml of blood. Medium, which is recommended for women who have normal flow and haven’t given birth. It can hold up to 25ml of blood. Large, which is recommended for women who have a heavy flow and have given birth vaginally. It can hold up to 30 ml of blood. HOW TO USE IMASAFE® REUSABLE MENSTRUAL CUPS? To figure out which cup will be the best fit, consider the following: Inserting an Imasafe® Menstrual Cup The very first thing to remember while inserting a menstrual cup is to relax, as tension can tighten the pelvic floor muscles. Follow the steps to insert a cup: Step 1: Wash your hands properly and sterilize the cup in warm water. Step 2: Fold the cup by punching down the opening of the cup. Step 3: Sit in a relaxed squatting position. Step 4: Insert the folded menstrual cup and once the entire cup is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up with a pop sound. Removing an Imasafe® Menstrual Cup Imasafe® Menstrual cup can be worn for 8-10 hours depending on the flow you have. Flow the steps to remove the cup: Step 1: Wash your hands and gently pull on the stem till you reach the cup. Step 2: Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and pull down to remove it. Step 3: Empty the cup and wash it with warm water. Step 4: Repeat the process. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING IMASAFE® MENSTRUAL CUPS?

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe female body is beautifully complex. Inside this beautiful body, there is a thin tissue located at the opening of the vagina known as a hymen. Everybody is different and so is the tissue. Some bodies have extremely small tissues that it seems like they do not even have a hymen. These tissues can break or stretch even if some minor physical activities are performed like horse riding, swimming, stretching, and gyming, or even while performing yoga. And in some cases, the hymen remains unaffected even after having sexual intercourse. As mentioned above, this concept has a couple of flaws, and so does the idea of “breaking your hymen”. Time to clear up a couple of misconceptions about the hymen:  THE HYMEN DOES NOT SEAL THE VAGINA It’s important to highlight that it only partially covers the vagina because when the woman starts menstruating, the menstrual fluid passes through the vagina. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions that the hymen fully “seal” the opening of the vagina. But if that was the case, then “virgins” couldn’t menstruate, right?  EVERY WOMEN’S VAGINA AND HYMEN ARE DIFFERENT The hymen can look very different from person to person. The membrane can have many different shapes, some cover more of the opening of the vagina than others. Some are born with a small hymen (meaning it doesn’t cover as much of the vagina), and some are even born without a hymen also.  THE HYMEN DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BROKEN As mentioned above, the hymen is a membrane that partially covers the vagina. It does not have to be popped, ripped, or poked. It’s pretty elastic type and if your body feels ready to have sex, the penis should simply be able to slide past the hymen, stretching it, but not ripping it.  The same thing goes when you insert your period product. When you’re careful enough, you will simply be able to push it past your membrane. The most common understanding of “being a virgin” is an intact hymen. That’s why many menstrual cup first-time users are always afraid that introducing an internal period product can break their hymen, which is often understood as “losing virginity”. This myth persists even today, but research has found that the hymen is actually just made up of thin folds of tissue that typically wear away naturally as we go through adolescence. By the time you begin menstruating your hymen generally has holes already, and in many cases is almost gone (as shown in the image). This means that using a cup should have very little effect on your hymen, and in most cases, shouldn’t affect you at all. Using a menstrual cup can interfere with the hymen, as can a tampon. The hymen can also “break” from doing yoga, dancing, riding a bike, etc. simply living a normal life. If your hymen was stretched or ripped (it only rips when not being gentle), because of anything else than having sex, it does not mean you have lost your virginity in the most common understanding of the concept of virginity.The type of menstrual product that a person uses shouldn’t be dependent on their status of virginity or their age, but rather on their needs. For example, if you have a heavy flow and a high cervix, that’s an important consideration in choosing your menstrual product. The Imasafe® Large cup can hold three times of what a super tampon or a pad can hold. So if you have a very heavy period, you should be able to use the product that is most convenient for you. Posted By Rutuja Sonawane & Chanchal Jangid

Reading Time: 3 minutesBreaking the silence on periods where your myths will be shattered, Every year India produces 9000 tonnes of sanitary waste…which is about 90% as heavy as the Eiffel Tower. THE TIME HAS COME TO ACCEPT AND ADAPT TO CHANGE As a menstrual cup user, you are not only choosing an environmentally friendly period care option. But also they are suitable for Mother Nature, menstrual cups also give you great freedom and flexibility, especially during your Sports and fitness activities. So let us continue with your environmentally friendly choices, and start accepting and adopting ways in which you can make a positive difference. I used a menstrual cup and found that my whole life turned out easy and comfortable! For years we have been told to use napkins – first, they were cotton cloth. Then the attractive napkins and that ‘hush. After using the menstrual cup, I mentally cleared everyone who said that sanitary napkin is a lousy thing to use during periods. Because it has never given me the comfort it boasts of, never ever made me freedom and flexibility. MENSTRUAL CUP I was apprehensive before using this silicone-based cone-shaped cup with a stem at the end, thinking how am I going to push it inside my vagina? But, guess what? It took me exactly 3 minutes to make the cup into a C shape and set it in. It’s really easy if you can locate the hole. After using it once or twice it didn’t take me more than a minute to use it. While changing a pad still takes me about 10 minutes (don’t get me into those details) even after years of using them.  It is easier to just pour the collected blood into the toilet pot, gently wash it with water and push it back in again and you’re good to go for no less than 12 hours, even the best sanitary pads never gave me that much comfort. However, for a heavier flow, you might want to change it accordingly but that happens with pads and tampons too, no? BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD Now why I took this step of going the unconventional way was the concern about my own health and the bigger picture – the environment. The toxic chemicals they use in manufacturing pads like dioxins, synthetic fiber, and petrochemical additives. The pad blocks the airflow, locks in heat and wetness, and produces yeast and bacteria in your vagina! This can cause ovarian cancer and heart disease. Coming on the environmental aspect, pads are the worst and most impactful as they have plastic used in making it and we all know that it takes a gazillion years to decompose plastic. However, tampons are slightly better since it’s mostly cotton. But the cotton fiber used in the production of tampons contributes 80% of their total impact. One tampon takes about six months to decompose and considering that a study revealed that a woman uses anywhere between 8,000 to 17,000 tampons in her lifetime depending on her cycle it will take a long time to decompose for everyone. Now coming to a menstrual cup, is sterilizable, so one just needs to keep it in boiling water for five minutes to free it of any bacteria. Then the company claims that one cup can be used for as long as 05 years which means no throwing of waste every month and no feeling guilty about destroying your own body and the environment. Every step counts. While first-world countries have been benefiting from Menstrual cups since 1987 when it came for the first time around there, India is still kind of getting the hang of it. Reasons can be a cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, fear of trying something revolutionary for periods, and so on and so forth. However, now that I have listed down so many advantages of it, all you Indian women and girls must give it a try. Thank me later! Lastly, the cup I used is made up of a Company Ami Polymer Pvt. Ltd. (APPL) – Imasafe® Reusable Menstrual cup. Imasafe® Reusable Menstrual cup saves you from period hassles, rashes, skin infection, leakages and allows physical activity, and can last for years together, decreasing waste creation. This translates into improved menstrual health and lowers waste creation. The Unique thing about the cup made by APPL is that it is produced in a clean room of a class 10000 Facility and manufactured with internationally certified compliance. Posted by Jigisha Gandhi The Director of Ami Polymer Pvt. Ltd. and founder of Imasafe menstrual cups.