7 Ways To Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Cramps and bloating from monthly periods are an annoying, uncomfortable and often debilitating feminine fact of life.

Here 7 suggestions to help relieve pain discomfort and get through your monthly cycle with more ease.

#1 Where’s the chocolate? 

Monthly cycles effect appetites for up to 97% of women! Chocolate, fatty foods, sweets and salty foods are common cravings. While the cause has not been scientifically proven, it is believed to be caused by fluctuating hormones related to your cycle.

The best thing you can do is to be aware of cravings and find ways to offset the cravings with some of the suggestions that follow. It is also helpful at all times to consider why you are eating anything at any time. Quiz yourself to know if you’re eating to nourish yourself with healthful food or eating because of your state of mind. Call a friend, journal, go for a walk or do whatever it takes to stay away from unhealthy snacks that aren’t nourishing.

#2 Nourishment is critical to all bodily functions and your cycle in particular.

We know we should be eating healthy, nourishing meals and snacks every day, but some find this a real struggle. Remember that you are special, unique and a beautiful woman! You deserve the best treatment and it’s up to you to make sure you get it.

Stop and love yourself! Make sure you’re being nourished physically and mentally. Have you had your 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables? Are you drinking ½ your bodyweight in water daily? Are you limiting or avoiding alcohol, processed foods and excess caffeine?

#3 Exercise raises endorphins which makes you happy. 

Moderate exercise is what is key, not hours at the gym or just a stretch and call it a day. Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking, yoga, a gym or video class, jog, swim, Zumba or whatever makes you happy is what you should do.

Elevating your heart rate for a minimum of 10 minutes per day helps move thousands of hormones through your bloodstream which is our body’s natural pharmacy to correct moods, aches and general wellbeing.

#4 Sometimes you need more help than the basics to get through your cycle discomfort and pain. 

Fruits, vegetables, protein and high fiber carbohydrates should be primarily coming from your food but here is a list of a few nutrients and herbs that are helpful.

Chamomile Tea contains anti-inflammatory substances that inhibit prostaglandins in the endometrium that provoke uterine contractions, nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches during your menstrual period.

Ginger, Cinnamon and Turmeric/Curcumin are natural anti-inflammatories that have been proven to work as well as NSAID’S to reduce pain when taken 3 to 4 times daily as a tea or capsules.

Omegas 3,5,7 and 9 in combination has been proven to reduce the time your pain may last. Fatty fish is a good source and so are plant-based omegas as these are natural combinations of omegas which our bodies easily recognize. Omegas are critical to reduce inflammation, helpful for heart, brain, enzymes and mental functions.

#5 What does your doctor say? 

It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer with pain and bloating during your cycle to rule out specific medical problems or nutrient deficiencies. Ask your doctor to check for your levels of Vitamin D.

Getting out in the sun is helpful but you may need more. General vitamin deficiencies such as Magnesium, Vitamin E, Calcium and B Vitamins such as Folate and B6 may be factors too.

#6 Have your doctor check your hormones levels of Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. 

We live a world full of endocrine distributors that can cause hormone deficiencies and imbalances no matter what your age is.

#7 Warm baths and other remedies are helpful to get through general cramping.

Baths are relaxing and the warmth reduces pain and provides wellbeing. Happi Tummi external herbal wrap is excellent for quickly reducing pain and the scent of the herbs relax, calm and soothe. Use natural therapeutic oils in a diffuser in your home and office to lift your spirits.