Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Food & Nutrition > Diet and periods
Posted on: 02/21/2008
Question
Can exercise and poor diet affect the menstrual cycle? also what is the dietary requirements for a 16 year old girl?
Answer
Yes, exercise (and a lack of) as well as a poor diet can have an influence on the menstrual cycle. A teen girl, like everyone else, should be eating a diet that is high in whole grains, 5+ servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, very little sugar, and she should be drinking about 8 glasses of water a day. A vitamin and calcium supplement is good, too!
Everyone should also exercise at least 30 minutes a day! This site has more about diet and exercise: www.pamf.org/teen/health/nutrition/.