Why suffering from that pain every month when some small changes in diet and simple home remedies can set you free from period cramps forever!
Almost half of women who menstruate feel some kind of discomfort every month for a day or two. Usually mild and crampy, but period cramps are not fun, and they could cut off most of the women from carrying out simple mundane chores as they are not feeling their best.
Menstrual cramps or known as dysmenorrhea are surely a monthly struggle for most women. Some women only experience cramps but for some other Period cramps don’t come alone but bring with a host of other symptoms like back pain, and headaches, which all make this monthly guest a bit hard to tolerate. According to experts, back pain during periods is caused by increased levels of prostaglandins. While headaches are due to the imbalance in the biochemical of the body.
Menstruation should not be painful, as painful menstruation could be indicative of a serious problem such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, primary dysmenorrhea, uterine defects or having an IUD, which all need to be checked by a doctor and requires proper medical intervention. However, mild cramping, bloating, and discomfort are some of the joys of being a woman. Really! Do you think so? Well, yes we experience them every month but the good news is that we can ease and comfort ourselves from that monthly pain by just little changes in diet and some helpful home remedies. Let’s find out how to get rid of period cramps naturally without any drugs.
Drink a lot of Water
We all know how important water is for our being. Not only is water an inexpensive beauty product on earth but it is equally essential to our overall health including combating cramps and pain.
Well, Water not directly stops cramps but helps the body in retaining water which helps avoid bloating during periods. It is also believed that warm or hot water is much better and effective as the hot temperature increases the blood flow and ease the muscles which stop cramps.
One or two days before the arrival of the monthly guest keep water handy in a bottle and sip throughout the day to stay well hydrated. During periods, drink warm or hot water to ease the cramps fast.
Steer clear of caffeine
Caffeine is a no-no during menstruation and for many reasons. Caffeine is known to constrict the blood vessels and elevates tension which makes cramps worse. Caffeine furthermore depletes the body of fluids which also aggravates menstrual cramps. So better to steer clear of caffeine and indulge in some green tea or decaffeinated drinks during surfing the crimson wave.
Tone the muscles with calcium
Calcium deficiency can also cause period cramps as this vital mineral helps muscles stay relaxed and toned. Therefore increase your intake of calcium-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, black molasses, and seafood. It is also recommended to take 800 milligrams of supplemental calcium once daily with your doctor’s consultation.
Take magnesium
Magnesium besides its own job as a muscle relaxant has an additional role to help the body absorb calcium. Individuals who are deficient in magnesium are more prone to cramps including uterine cramps. Consuming magnesium-rich foods is a good way to ease the red cousin. Some of the foods rich in magnesium are nuts, dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, avocado, banana, dried fruit, and yogurt. A magnesium supplement can be taken with a doctor’s recommendation.
Cut down stress
Stress can cause or worsen period cramps as this human emotion triggers a chemical reaction in the body which can lead to inflammation and a weak immune system. A Harvard study also found that women who are stressed out experience twice as much painful menstrual cramps than those who are less stressed. According to the researchers, it could be due to stress-induced imbalance of hormones. Whatever the reason is but one thing is sure, stress is a real ham burglar of good health and therefore should be avoided.
Hans Selye once said: There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression. That’s what happens to me every day. My thoughts get off my chest, down my sleeves, and onto my pad. “If this is the case with you too, studies have suggested that physical activities like exercise can help decrease sympathetic nervous system activity which may help overcome stress and soothe cramps.
Cut down salt
Excess of anything including salt is not good, consuming too much salt retains water and puts pressure on the heart, arteries, kidneys, and brain which can invite a host of problems like blood pressure, dementia, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, and heart stroke, etc. High sodium also causes inflammation which is terribly bad and could worsen menstrual cramps.
Women who take excess salt may also experience bloating and puffiness which can make the matter worse but one can easily get rid of by cutting down excess salt.
Control cramp causing chemicals with omega-3
The omega-3 fatty acids besides being good fats keep prostaglandins trapped in cells so they can’t get into muscle tissue and trigger spasms. Include in your diet foods rich in omega-3 such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, seafood, soybeans, sardines, grass-fed beef, and spinach. For quick relief, consume 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day.
Get relief with Niacin
Niacin or also known as B vitamin is incredibly effective at relieving cramps. Niacin works by dilating the blood vessels, bringing more circulation and oxygen to the uterine wall. The recommended amount for women is 25 to 200 milligrams once a day, a week prior to menstruation.
Source: stylinggo