How To Soothe Menstrual Cramps
All women will agree on the fact that menstrual cramps are the worst part about periods, and these are mostly felt around the belly and back. These cramps are felt by almost 80% of the women. They are caused due to the contraction in the uterus and can be either mild or severe. Along with these menstrual cramps, some women also experience symptoms like nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Here, we bring you some remedies to soothe period pains!
Apply Some Heat
Applying heat to the lower belly and back can help soothe pain as it helps to relax the muscles, you can either use a heating pad or hot water bag, if you don't have these then you can use a hot towel. It is important to remember that you don't apply too much heat as it can cause irritation and blisters on your skin.
Indulge In Chocolate
Whatever the question is, isn't chocolate always the answer! Chocolate helps in reducing period cramps as it is a rich source of magnesium, apart from this it also has endorphin which helps in boosting the mood. Chocolates, especially dark chocolate, taken in any form can do wonders when it comes to period pains. So girls, it's time for some chocolate ice cream, hot chocolate, and brownies! But it should be kept in mind that it has a high amount of fat content and has potential to ruin your workouts and diet plans.
Check Your Diet
Keeping a check on what you eat should be on a priority list when it comes to periods, foods which cause bloating and water retention should be avoided. It is important that you eat food which is light on the stomach and easy to digest. You can go in for fruits like banana's and pineapple as they are considered to keep you boosted up during the day and are also light on the stomach. Cutting on salty food, carbonated drinks and alcohol can help in reduction of menstrual cramps.
Have Lots Of Water
Most of us are well versed with the benefits that water has for our body, apart from the other benefits that water has, did you know, it also helps in soothing the period cramps. Drinking warm water will help to soothe away the period pain and also reduce water retention in the body and prevent bloating.
It's Tea-Time
It's been rightly said that a cup of tea makes everything better, replace your regular tea with peppermint tea, cinnamon tea, and chamomile tea as they have antispasmodic properties and prevent bloating. These also help the body to relax and keep you refreshed. So, let's get brewing!
Maintaining Health
It is important to keep a check on your period health, as it can affect the intensity of your cramps. If your periods are not regular and mostly are one or two weeks late, then you should consult a gynaecologist. A healthy uterus is an essential part of female health.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 helps to soothe period cramps as it reduces the level of homocysteine, which is responsible for causing inflammation. Natural sources of vitamin B-12 are milk, eggs, nuts, meat, and fish, or if you wish to go for artificial sources then you can pop Vitamin B-12 pills, although, the medication should only be taken after consulting a gynaecologist.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed commonly known as alsi, is beneficial for soothing period cramps as it helps in promoting healthy estrogen metabolism. The lignans present in them helps in balancing the hormone levels. You can consume a half tablespoon of alsi along with warm water, to see effective results. Though it can do wonders if taken regularly.
Sleep Tight
A good night sleep is important each day, but more specifically on days when you are on your periods. It helps the body to relax and ensure all the body functions take place in a proper manner. A person should take a minimum of 7 hours of sleep.
Time for some happy period dance and pamper yourself days!