Painful cramps and endless bleeding the worst, right? Fear of leaking pads and tampons! You get emotional, irritable, and angry, for no reason. Periods make us feel bloated, achy, and moody, and, you can’t do anything about it. You have to go through it, Every –Single – Month. That feeling of discomfort around the abdomen, lower back and thighs; some women even experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well.
When the ‘Aunt Flo’ is back!
Cramps can be extremely uncomfortable; besides the discomfort, it also causes fatigue and makes it extremely difficult and discomforting to move around. It feels like throbbing pains in your lower belly, and they start a couple of days before the periods are about to come, and they are worse for the first few days. Cramps are awkward, that feeling when you want to rip your uterus out completely, we get you! But what causes it?
‘Uterus Contraction’, during periods the uterus contracts, making its lining come off and leave your body, uterus cramps help the period blood to flow out of your vagina. Now, before you pop that Ibuprofen into your mouth wait and read how the food on your plate can help you, surely it has some chocolates too!
The Right Diet choice is vital
While those cravings are raging, think about going light? The best part is that they are already there in your fridge. Here’s the top 6 foods you should stuff into your stomach to bring a little easing and relief.
Bananas, Pineapples, and Kiwis
A powerhouse of Vitamin B6 and Potassium, this trio is an effective natural remedy to cure bloating and cramping. Kiwis are rich in actinidin, that helps to digest the protein and is fibrous too so bye-bye constipation. Beat those cramps and make a smoothie.
Oats
Rich in fiber, oats make you feel fuller for a longer time. It’s a rich source of zinc and magnesium and can make you feel energized. So grab some cookies, make oatmeal or just munch on that granola, it’s going to make you feel a lot better.
Eggs
They fight hard with that PMS, vitamin B6, D, and E, found in the eggs work together to ease the cramps and help you feel better a bonus? They’re rich in protein too, so might make you feel like hitting the gym also. Have fun!
Ginger and Chamomile
Both of these help in reducing muscle spasms and calm you down. Ginger works as a soothing agent and relieves gas and bloating. It can also help to make you feel a little less nauseous. So, go and get some tea brewing!
Chocolate
Here comes your favorite, dark chocolate contains magnesium and helps to ease that mood, treat headaches, and make you feel happier. Such a mood changer, No? Or shall we call it the game-changer it can make you feel extraordinarily active, and you might want to play some games too, but be sure you pick something that contains 85% or higher cocoa, ‘for better results!’
Salmon or Flaxseed
Both of these are a rich source of Omega3 and Vitamin D, are packed with amazing anti-inflammatory properties and helps the muscles from tensing up! You can run for an entire day, don’t take that seriously though!
What to avoid?
There’s a lot of hormonal imbalance, you’re losing blood and every inch of your body hurts, don’t want something that can trouble you right now, here’s a list of good that you should be careful with or to sound clear, better avoid.
- Candy and snacks: Processed foods are not your friends
- Alcohol: If you don’t want to play with the blood pressure
- Spicy food: Do you want intense bleeding?
- Dairy: This actually triggers cramps!
- Refined grains: Irritable bowel and constipation are coming!
- High Salt: Might make the room smell bad because of GAS!
What might help?
- A hot towel or a water bottle: Applying heat to your lower abdomen and back can relieve the pain, studies prove that it is as effective as painkillers.
- Essential oils: Massage those specific points or add some to your hot water bath; it can reduce the amount of pain you’re feeling. Scented candles also help during this period; it lifts the mood and makes you feel less tense.
- Cinnamon: It being a relief to that cramps, makes you feel less dizzy and more energized.
Consistency is the key
Having a healthy diet and keeping a regular exercise regimen can go a long way towards making you feel relaxed and better during your periods. Eat light, have some leafy food, fiber-rich diet, and see it change your life. Menstrual cramps are common, and they will fade away slowly, don’t take too many painkillers and try these natural methods, if the pain gets severe, it’s essential to speak to a doctor.
This post was written with the help and expertise of Henna Clark. Henna is a wellness lifestyle writer who loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
