Table of contents
Many women suffer from painful cramps during menstruation, which is relatively normal, but many also refuse to take pain killers and medication, due to their potential negative side effects. If you’re one of these ladies, these tips are for you.
Drink up
Photo credit: Tumblr
Water is the answer to pretty much everything. Drinking more water reduces water retention, enhances the blood circulation, and eases the bloating, and hence, lessens the painful cramps.
Warm Water
Photo credit: Daily Mail
Either it’s a warm water pad or a warm bathtub, heat is really helpful in relaxing the muscles and hence reducing cramps.
Pro tip: add Epsom salt to the warm water in your bathtub, it’ll multiply the relaxation.
Switch to menstrual cup
Photo credit: Urban Earthlings
Menstrual pads and tampons contain way many chemicals, that are not only harmful to our bodies, but also don’t help with the cramps. Based on the experience of many women who switched from pads and tampons to menstrual cups, they’ve experienced fewer period cramps.
Menstrual cups – we know of – available in Egypt are: Organicup Egypt and Free Lady.
Yoga, stretches and/or light exercise
Photo credit: Healthline
Exercise releases endorphins, which not only boost your feeling-good state, but will also relieve pain. In addition, a study showed that Cobra, Cat, and Fish yoga poses reduce period pain.
Reduce your caffeine intake
Photo credit: Circle House Coffee
Caffeine will make you tense and thus, won’t help with cramps. Replace your regular tea or coffee with herbal teas. Swap your morning coffee with turmeric latte. You can sip all day on fennel, ginger, ginseng, chamomile, and/or lavender teas.
Maintain a healthy diet
Photo credit: Go Red For Women
Your diet greatly affects how your body reacts to menstruation, as food can change hormones. Make sure you are getting all the vitamins and elements from your food. Deficiency in calcium and magnesium will result in worse cramps. Make sure you include them in your diet, as well as foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Consider some me-time
Photo credit: Daily Mail
Period days are laidback days. Treating yourself with a cup of hot chocolate and a nice movie will not only give you a good feeling, but will also distract you from the pain.
Lessen the salty food
Photo credit: Jeff Roffman
Sodium-rich foods cause water retention, and that won’t help with cramps and your overall health.
Breathe
Photo credit: Quiet Revolution
Deep-breathing helps make you more relaxed. Find a breathing exercise online, and breathe for five minutes. Try to do this once daily, and not only on menstruation days.
Sleep well
Photo credit: Shutter Stock
Getting an adequate amount of sleep every night is great for your overall health and will keep you refreshed and relaxed. When everything else fails, we sleep.
If you have other tips that you opt for that reduce your period pain, share them with us. Please note, that extremely painful cramps, especially those accompanied by heavy bleeding can indicate an underlying health issue. If you experience that, pay your ob/GYN a visit, just to make sure that you’re all healthy and sound.
Comment With Facebook