Overview of Menstrual Cramps
What distinguishes menstrual cramps from other forms of pain is that their underlying ailment is not an ailment at all in many cases-it is an act of nature.
Many women lament the severity of their menstrual cramps, without doing a critical examination on their own lifestyle choices and health, and how this may be contributing to their incessant menstrual pain.
About Menstrual Cramps
Have you ever questioned the underlying cause of your menstrual cramps? If so, then perhaps you are familiar with specific terminology, such as prostaglandin. A prostaglandin is a chemical that travels throughout the body, and it exists in high concentrations in the inner lining of the uterus.
They are systematically responsible for inducing contractions in the uterus altogether, and it is these contractions that result in the pain that women experience during their periods.
As you can see, there is a correlation between the presence and concentrations of prostaglandins, and the degree of pain that one experiences. Various factors contribute to the emergence of menstrual pain, one of which happens to be endometriosis, along with fibroids, IUDs and sexually transmitted infections, as well.
But generally speaking, if a woman has always had severe cramps, then she is most likely the subject of high prostaglandin levels.
Great Remedies For Cramps
If you struggle with menses related pain, then perhaps the following remedies will come to your aid:
Many disregard the indispensable value of bioflavonoids, in the context of their menstrual cycles. Essentially, when one undergoes a heavy menstrual cycle, they are often depleted of nutrients.
Whereas, flavonoid rich foods such as buckwheat can counteract these effects. You can put buckwheat in many appetizing foods, to make ingestion easier.
What is the most delicious way to consume iron and reduce your menstrual symptoms?
By consuming dried apricots. The high levels of iron in this fruit make it possible to load your body with much needed nutrients and boost your body’s pain fighting capabilities. Breads and liver contain iron.
While some show disdain for red meat, it is essential in terms of boosting your iron and zinc. Poultry and vegetables also serve as great sources for these nutrients.
Apply a heating pad to the site of your pain. One easy way to go about this is to simply fill a bottle with hot water and use it as such.
Always remember to hydrate yourself during your menstrual cycle. If you do not, you will pay the consequences and heap yourself into a flurry of unbearable pain. Water is beyond essential, and it fortifies your body with the blood flow you need to counteract pain.
Try adding a small helping of basil to your diet, if you frequently encounter painful menses. The caffeic acid in basil has been known to fight pain because it possesses analgesic properties. You can put basil in your food, or you can turn it into a tea.
Cinnamon, one of the most cherished spices in the world, happens to have incredible pain fighting properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Brew a cup of delicious, fennel tea to increase the circulation in your reproductive organs. This can appease cramps.
Ginger is a natural pain reliever, and it works to counteract the effects of cramps and normalize your menses, as well.
Mint, which can be consumed in a variety of different forms, can reduce your menstrual pain.
If you want to know how to alleviate menstrual cramps, consuming a mint is one of the easiest ways.
Vitamin K is one of the most critical vitamins on the planet, and is known to prevent cancer and a number of other diseases. Accordingly, it also helps fight off cramps, as well. Most vegetables contain fairly high levels of this vitamin.
The warmer your environment is, the milder your cramps will be.
Many women are unaware that tampons may be responsible for a steady increase in the severity of cramps. Because of this, it is recommended that one use sanitary pads instead.
Even though you may feel fatigued, light exercise is recommended, as the endorphins released can ward off pain in your body. There are numerous exercises that are designed to release these pain fighting properties, increase blood flow, and relax muscles, as well.
Specific types of birth control make cramps feel worse. The IUD has a tendency to intensify cramps for some women.
Take a hot bath, as this will increase blood flow and soothe the lower back and lower abdominal region.
The human body contains various energy fields that correspond to certain pressure points. When pressure is exerted in the corresponding pressure points in the body, you can alleviate the severity of menstrual pain. This can provide you with temporary relief.
Manganese is a great way to treat menstrual cramps. It is important to consume such foods before and during your period.
If the above listed method, along with ginger, proves to be ineffective perhaps the next viable step is to take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as naproxen or ibuprofen,
Stress can drastically increase the severity of your painful menstruation symptoms. In order to alleviate stress, try engaging in breathing techniques designed to calm the muscles, meditative techniques that can distract from the pain, and even yoga.
Keep your mind active in order to distract yourself from your pain.
What is one of the best ways to fill your body with pain fighting endorphins? Just dance the pain away.
Excessively tight fitting clothing can prove uncomfortable for those with cramps.
What Not To Do
There are a few basic pieces of advice, regarding what you should not do during your menstrual cycle. While this may prove to be difficult, you must avoid soft drinks, caffeine and soda, as these foods will intensify your pain.
They are absolutely horrible for you, in terms of treating your cramps, so avoid them during your menses. Your diet will also shape how your body reacts to your hormonal changes, and this will determine your pain severity.
In order to avoid severe cramps, try to refine your diet and consume foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins that fight pain.
