Relieve Menstrual Cramps With Food

Wellness

oi-Anwesha

By Anwesha Barari

Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 16:09

What do you do to relieve menstrual cramps? Pop pills or take hot compress? You can naturally keep yourself comfortable by eating the right kind of food and avoiding some during your periods. Food during menstruation can be your savior from painful cramps. Most often we don't have time to spare for our body so choose the easy way out by taking a painkiller. But why would you want to do that when you have a natural remedy for menstrual cramps?

Food To Relive Menstrual Cramps:

1. Hot Fluids: Remember the first thing that your mum gave you when you complained of cramps? It must have been a glass of warm milk or ghee mixed in a glass of warm water. These hot drinks are a remedy for menstrual cramps in two ways. Firstly it gives fluids to your body and secondly it relaxes the cramping of your stomach. Moreover you need the iron and calcium nourishment of the milk for your body.

2. Flax Seeds: They contain omega-3-fatty-acids that subdues effect the prostagladins on the uterus walls. When menstruation starts this hormone is released making the uterus walls contract. It is due to these contractions that you feel spasms of pain. If you sprinkle some flax seeds on your salads or just chew them raw, it will help relive menstrual cramps.

3. Cinnamon: According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, cinnamon in your food during menstruation can help you get rid of severe cramps. Modern science has proved that cinnamon has anti-spasmodic properties that will relax the spasms of pain in your abdomen.

4. Basil and Mint: These spices are traditionally believed to be good to relieve menstrual cramps. You have an advantage here because both these leaves can be boiled together to make herbal tea that is also a hot fluid; all the more good for you. You can also chew fresh mint and basil leaves because they are great mouth fresheners. Some medicated peppermints are also available in the market that give immediate relief from menstrual cramps.

What Foods To Avoid During Menstruation?

1. Caffeinated Drinks: It is a misnomer that a mug of hot coffee will relive menstrual cramps. Caffeine dehydrates the body and it might actually aggravate your discomfort in the process. Stay away from any kind of caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and try not to smoke if possible.

2. Sour Food: Time tested wisdom of our mothers and grandmothers says that sour food are not good for menstrual cramps. It increases cramps and makes you more uncomfortable. So avoid pickles, chaats and plain lemonade as far as possible. You can have warm sweet lemonade because it is beneficial to for easing the pain.

Women's health issues like pain during menstruation are often ignored in the hustle bustle of our lives. Use these natural health care tips to have a happy period.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.