Menarche Matters!

Sowing the Seeds of Change: Breaking the Link Between Junk Food and Early Menarche- Bhavana Jala Nerella (Volunteer at HEEALS)

 If a girl has her first menstruation before age 12 it leads to an increase in breast cancer risk by 50% than when compared to menarche at 16. Interested? I bet you are. Adolescence is a crucial period of transition from puberty to adulthood, during which teenagers experience various physical, psychological, and social changes. One significant milestone in this phase is Menarche, which marks the onset of regular menstrual cycles in healthy females. Although food plays a pivotal role in holistic growth, nourishment, procreation, and the cycle of life, the present-day way of living has led to the increased prevalence of fast food and junk food consumption. Consuming fast food leads to excessive intake of sodium and saturated fast. 

As the consumption of fast food increases across urban, suburban, and rural areas of India, there is a noticeable rise in menstrual problems such as early menarche, irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, and excessive bleeding. It is crucial for us to assess these dietary habits, make necessary modifications, and promote healthier lifestyles for future generations. While many factors may be beyond our control, we can collectively strive to change what is within our reach. Although fast food may appear convenient and cost-effective in the short term, it eventually leads to regrets. Over consumption of junk food reduces our intake of essential nutrients such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. This deficiency contributes to nutritional imbalances, which are considered a significant factor in inducing hormonal dysfunction , leading to various menstrual problems as mentioned earlier. 

Let's take a look at some examples of the harmful substances found in junk food: - Eggs in junk food may contain propylene glycol (petrol), tertiary butyl hydroquinone (nail polish), and calcium silicate. - Chips often contain chemical substances like poly-dimethylsiloxane, a silicone-based plastic coating used to maintain shelf life, color, and flavor. - Deep-fried nuggets may not contain real chicken, potato, or vegetables. Instead, they often consist of a pre-nugget mix with mesh found in plastics and artificial coloring. So are these food still a quick fix to your hunger pangs? 

That’s for you to decide. A study conducted among 2,033 girls in Shanghai revealed a significantly higher risk of early onset menarche associated with an unhealthy diet pattern. Children who consumed unhealthy foods were 1.25 times more likely to experience early menarche compared to those who consumed healthy foods. In another study involving 500 adolescent school girls in Pokhara, Nepal, a case-control study demonstrated that 97.7% of girls who experienced menarche before the age of 11 regularly consumed junk food. However, the most alarming finding was the severe psycho-socio-economic impact of early menarche on a young woman's life. This impact includes increased vulnerability to abuse, sexual exploitation, early marriage, excessive workload, eating disorders, early pregnancy, and the need for medications during pregnancy. The severity of the impact of early menarche on a girl's future is drastic, and as a society, we have a responsibility to protect and empower women to be their best selves. The strength and prosperity of a community depend on the safety and quality of life for women. It is essential that we stand up for them and initiate change, starting with small acts such as educating families and children about the effects of poor diet on menarche. 

Although early menarche may seem like a scientific term, its implications are deeply rooted into all areas of a woman's life. By modifying our dietary habits and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can safeguard the well-being and future of the younger generations. HEEALS (Health, Education, Environment and Livelihood Society) is a grassroots non-profit/ NGO in Gurgaon, India and is championing the cause of menstrual health, sanitation, the importance of a healthy diet, and the promotion of women's well-being. Through these initiatives, we break the silence surrounding menstrual health, providing education on hygiene management and access to affordable sanitary products. We also conduct workshops on the importance of a balanced diet for menstrual health, highlighting the detrimental effects of junk food. 

These efforts empower women, reduce stigmas, and enhance the quality of life for women and girls in India. Despite the challenges we face, I am deeply hopeful for the future of women worldwide. The journey may not be easy, but we will always strive forward.

Email: communications@heeals.org

Whatss app: +91-7982316660

 

References: 1. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.898679594324045 2. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2018/4528704/ 3. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sumeet-Goel/publication/ 321824187_EFFECTS_OF_JUNK_FOOD_FAST_FOOD_ON_MENSTRUAL_HEALTH_ A_REVIEW_STUDY/links/5a335781a6fdcc9b2d77eab1/EFFECTS-OF-JUNK-FOOD-FASTFOOD-ON-MENSTRUAL-HEALTH-A-REVIEW-STUDY.pdf 4. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shiva-Raj-Acharya/publication/ 348563955_Factors_Associated_With_Early_Menarche_among_Adolescents_Girls_A_Stud y_from_Nepal/links/600517dca6fdccdcb8609342/Factors-Associated-With-Early-Menarche-among- Adolescents-Girls-A-Study-from-Nepal.pdf