In this article we will look at 10 tips to fix period cramps at home you can try next time you are suffering from period cramps.
You have a period every month and you’re starting to get sick of it. Feeling bloated, sore, and embarrassed by what your body is going through is even more frustrating when you know that eventually it will change and you’ll get used to it. But until then, it’s totally normal to want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Here are 10 tips to make the most of your periods and feel less of a slave to them.
1. Take More Magnesium
According to DeJarra Sims, ND, a professor at Bastyr University in San Diego and the author of Your Healthiest Life Now, dietary magnesium appears to help reduce the discomfort of cramps.
Numerous foods, such as almonds, black beans, spinach, yogurt, and peanut butter, contain magnesium.
Dr. Sims advises seeing your physician before starting a magnesium supplement since the dosage you require will depend on the frequency and intensity of your cramps, among other things.
2. Avoid High Sugar Foods
Meals heavy in sugar, trans fat, and salt may seem great, but they can also induce bloating and inflammation, which exacerbates muscular discomfort and cramps. Grab a banana or another piece of fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth, or go for some unsalted almonds for something saltier.
3. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
You may be consuming caffeine daily in the form of coffee, tea, or soft drinks and while it’s great in small doses, keep in mind that too much caffeine can cause cramps and other unpleasant side effects. The good news is you don’t need to completely eliminate caffeine from your diet to benefit from fewer period cramps. You can simply reduce your intake to a level that’s tolerable for you and once you’ve found that sweet spot, you’ll notice a significant difference in the quality of your life during your period. Don’t worry, you won’t feel deprived of your caffeine intake either because you’re used to having it.
4. Eat Ant-inflammatory Foods
Cramping may be naturally alleviated by a few tasty meals. Anti-inflammatory foods can ease uterine tension and improve blood flow. Pick up some berries, tomatoes, pineapples, and herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, or garlic. Inflammation can also be reduced by eating leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts, and fatty seafood like salmon.
5. Meditate
Meditation can help you get rid of negative thinking patterns that may be causing your period cramps. By taking time out of your day to sit and focus on your breathing, you are giving your body a moment to recover from the strain that it’s under every day. But even more importantly, meditation can help you refocus on what’s important in your life and stop dwelling on the negative things that may be happening.
6. Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is essential, especially during your period. Water is vital for many different body functions and it also helps flush out toxins that would eventually be stored in your bladder as a result of insufficient hydration. So drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration. Thirst may even cause you to seek relief in ways that you may not actually need, such as caffeine or alcohol.
7. Don’t Be Fooled By Thinness Signs
You may be on the lookout for any kind of weight loss program because you’re fed up with how much you weigh. But being the ultimate fool, your body may be changing to attract the attention of someone (or something) you care about. Your period could be acting as a charm to make you look healthier and more appealing to the people you love most. However, don’t get tempted by fad diets that may be stripping you of your energy and making you sick. Stick to what works for you and you’ll soon start seeing results that will encourage you to keep going.
8. Consume More Folate
Folate is a B vitamin that’s found in dark green leafy vegetables and it plays a role in maintaining DNA replication and transmission of genetic information to the next generation of cells. It’s also necessary for the formation of red blood cells which in turn contribute to oxygen transport throughout your body. When your body doesn’t get enough folate, you may experience pain and discomfort during your period because it isn’t able to function properly. This is why it’s important to ensure that you consume the recommended amount of daily vegetables and fruits to receive the best possible results from this vitamin. Don’t worry, the vast majority of vegetables are harmless and there are no known adverse effects from consuming them.
9. Stay Active
Keeping your body active is another great way to reduce your period cramps. Just because your periods are over doesn’t mean that you have to sit around and do nothing. Get out there and exercise! Whether you join a gym or take up a sport, stay active and get some endorphins flowing. It may help improve the quality of your periods and make them less painful. Plus, you’ll be helping to keep your body trim and toned.
10. Reduce Stress
Stress is another big cause of cramps and other pains during your periods. Many women report that their periods become more painful when they’re under a lot of stress. This is because stress messes with your body’s natural hormone balance, particularly the levels of cortisol and adrenaline which determine how your body reacts to stress. If you’re constantly feeling pressured and overwhelmed, reduce the amount of stress that you’re facing every day. You can do this by getting some exercise, joining a support group, or speaking to your doctor about finding some advice on managing your stress levels.
Taking the time out of your day to fix period cramps isn’t exactly pleasurable but it’s crucial to your overall well-being. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy that time of the month without too much discomfort. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll even look back and laugh about how much you hate your periods.