Are you or have you experienced irregular cycles or severe period pain? Join us as we kick off a series of special Dishing Up Nutrition episodes about the connection between nutrition and menstrual health! In this episode, we lay the groundwork for a healthy, balanced menstrual cycle, why it is important for our health, and how food and lifestyle choices play roles in our monthly hormonal and physical rhythms. We will discuss the reasons for an irregular period, what kinds of pain and discomfort during your menstrual cycle are abnormal, and how inflammation plays a role in our cycle. And we offer ideas of how transitioning to real whole foods and possibly eliminating foods can help you have a more balanced menstrual cycle.