We usually take some time off and pamper ourselves, visit the salon, get a back massage, indulge in sinful sweets, and also assume that these calories don’t count. But, guess what, we’ve been doing it wrong all along. We were surprised when we found out that there are certain things that should be avoided when on your period, and these are scientifically backed. (We are not talking about not entering religious places or the kitchen). Here’s a list of things that you should refrain from doing when you’re on your period-

1. Don’t Pig Out On Salty Snacks

We understand that period cravings know no limits. Even if you’re having the ultimate craving for French fries or a pack of chips, abort mission ladies! Salty food can actually make your period symptoms worse (1). During the shark week, there is a lot of water retention and noticeable bloating. Eating salty foods will only aggravate this bloating and worsen the period cramps. So, if you’ve ever ended up with terrible cramps after pigging out on a bowl of fries, this was the reason.

2. Don’t Eat Or Drink Dairy

Sometimes, a bowl of mac and cheese is all you want when Aunt Flo visits, but maybe you should put off that craving until she leaves town. Dairy is definitely not your friend when it is flooding down south. Eating or drinking dairy products will make you feel all the more gassy (2) . This has nothing to do with your tolerance to dairy products but has everything to do with your hormones. If you wish to avoid experiencing an irritable bowel and cramping, say no to dairy.

3. Don’t Have Unprotected Intercourse

If you’re someone who believes that a good romp in the sheets will help you glide through the leak week, then you should definitely ensure that you use protection. While most men and women think that period intercourse is a messy business, some couples are okay with it. However, care should be taken to use protection because blood is a great carrier for viruses and other bacteria to grow. So, when you’re busy having a good time, the blood might act against you by carrying dangerous virus in it (3). Furthermore, when on your period, the cervix is slightly dilated and thus it becomes easier for viruses and bacteria to be transmitted from the cervix to the vajayjay and further to the pelvis. Also, it’s essential to note that unprotected sex is never a good idea. Just because you’re menstruating, it doesn’t mean that you’re not at the risk of pregnancy. If you are someone who has irregular periods, your ovulation and bleeding could be happening at the same time.

4. Don’t Pull An All Nighter

We all love to sleep, don’t we? But, for some odd reason, when the period takes over, your brain just refuses to go on sleep mode. You feel like binge-watching shows all night or just spend the night flirting away with your crush. But, you shouldn’t. No, we aren’t taking the place of your mothers and asking you to go to bed early but pulling all-nighters and getting inadequate sleep can increase the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body. This increased level of stress can make your period a bad experience for you.

5. Don’t Indulge In Caffeine

There’s nothing like a cup of hot coffee to start your mornings. But, when the red flag of the period is waving at you, you should keep the coffee at an arm’s length from you. Caffeine can heighten the degree of your cramps and can make you feel irritated (4). So, that latte isn’t such a good idea when Aunt Flo is in town.

6. Don’t Get Yourself Waxed