There are many over the counter drugs that can be used to help ease menstrual cramps. In case of extremely severe cramps, doctors can even prescribe birth control pills to prevent ovulation and hence significantly reduce the intensity of pain. [break]
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There are other little lifestyle tweaks that one can make to lessen the severity of cramps. Women who do not exercise experience more painful menstrual cramps and if you tend to gorge on spicy food, then chances are that the cramps will worsen.
The Week brings you some easy tips to try when it’s that time of the month again and you’re plagued with monstrous menstrual cramps that just won’t let up. Instead of popping painkillers like toffee for a little relief, try curing your cramps with these natural remedies.
Stick to a healthy diet
Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as plenty of water in your diet. Attempt to keep track of how particular foods affect your period. Plenty of fiber is particularly useful in cleansing the body of excess estrogen which can lead to heavier and more painful periods and cramps. Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Try to take iron and antioxidant-rich food like shrimps, salmon, apples, almonds, chick beans, kidney beans, broccoli, walnuts, and cashews. Take spinach, cabbage and other green leafy vegetables for the mineral source.
Lie in different positions
Lying on your side with your knees tucked into your chest can temporarily reduce the pain. Lying face down on the bed with your face on a pillow can also alleviate menstrual cramps to some extent. Also try lying on your back, keeping your feet elevated by pillows. Different positions work for different people and it’s just a matter of finding out what works for you.
Keep yourself warm
Try placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen as this helps ease your muscles. A hot wash cloth or even just a warm blanket can also help. You can also try taking a hot bath or shower to ease those muscles cramps. Hot water helps ease cramp pain besides making your sore muscles feel better. It can also help decrease breast pain if that’s a symptom you suffer from as well. One of the easiest ways to keep your abdominal area warm is to tie a scarf around your belly. The tautness coupled with the heat will relax those aching muscles.
Do some mild exercise
Many women tend to take it easy and just rest when they are having periods and not many know that while resting is important, complete cessation of activity can also worsen the pain. Walk around the neighborhood, run on the treadmill, or do any other exercise you enjoy. This will increase blood flow which will lessen the cramps. Yoga is also known to significantly reduce period pains. Certain postures help to loosen the pelvic muscles and make those cramps go away. [break]
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Take dietary supplements
Recent studies have shown that Vitamin E, thiamine and Omega-3 supplements may reduce menstrual cramps. Zinc and calcium have been found to reduce cramps, bloating and other related PMS symptoms. Calcium and magnesium reduce muscle soreness, but must be taken for 2-3 months on a daily basis before producing a noticeable effect.
Try some home remedies
Fresh ginger root helps ease cramping. In ancient Chinese medicine, ginger has been known as a remedy to ease menstrual cramps and general nausea; also associated with your period, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. The best way to use ginger in your diet for aiding cramps is to steep a two-inch piece in two cups boiling water. Drinking chamomile tea or green tea can help soothe those cramps. Try having a little bit of dark chocolate and stay away from coffee or soda as they make the cramps worse. Eat a banana as the potassium in it helps soothe cramps.
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