Folklore, food, female reproductive cycle

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Abstract
It is common knowledge that food is equated with health in many cultures and that dietary patterns may change in response to illness. Food habits may also change in response to normal physiological states associated with the female reproductive cycle, and may result in impaired nutritional status. The data presented here are drawn from a study designed to gain information on the concerns, attitudes, beliefs and knowledge that women have about reproductive life. Patients in a clinic setting were questioned about the advisability of dietary changes during menstruation, pregnancy and the post‐partum period, and about their attitudes concerning clay and starch‐eating practices. Results show that a majority of respondents held one or more dietary folk beliefs linked to the various phases of the reproductive cycle and that many of these are nutritionally unsound. Some of these beliefs are culturally‐patterned and it is suggested that clinicians and nutritionists be aware that they exist in modern health care settings, and that they may affect patients’ willingness to follow prescribed dietary regimens.

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