Foods to eat when you have period cramps
It’s that time of the month again and you are cluelessly scrolling your list to order food from the nearest cafe. With one hand on your abdomen and another on the phone, wishing for the painful cramps to go away. Sounds familiar, right?
Period cramps can disturb our daily routine and affect our mental, emotional health negatively. Many ladies rely on painkillers to curb the pain but they are not a permanent cure; therefore I am here to help you discover natural ways that will make these irksome cramps leave!
Here’s a list of food to eat when you have period cramps.
1. Dark Chocolate – Ladies, you no longer require an excuse to delve. Dark chocolate not only satisfies your sweet tooth during your period, but it’s also high in potassium, which helps your muscles function, which is ideal for when cramps strike!
2. Nuts – Magnesium is one of several supplements that have been shown to potentially alleviate menstrual cramps. Nuts and seeds are high in magnesium and vitamin E therefore consuming a handful of these will help you get rid of the painful cramps.
3. Leafy veggies – Spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other green leafy vegetables are examples. They are high in calcium and magnesium, both of which aid in period pain relief.
4. Bananas – Bananas are widely available and have been shown to relieve period cramps. They are high in fibre and will aid in regular bowel movements. As a result, you may feel less bloated and have less overall pain. Bananas are also high in potassium, which has been shown to reduce the severity of period cramps. Bananas are high in natural sugars, so consume them in moderation.
5. Kiwis – Kiwis, contain fibre, which can help move things along so that you don’t get constipated on top of your cramping.
6. Pineapples – Pineapples, in addition to being delicious, contain bromelain, an enzyme that fights inflammation and reduces cramps.
7. Chamomile tea – Chamomile tea is an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate cramping. Chamomile tea, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, may also help with your mood.
8. Ginger – Ginger is a fantastic ingredient that can help you during your period! Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can alleviate painful cramps. Additionally, if your period is accompanied by nausea, sickness, or stomach upset, ginger can help to alleviate these symptoms as well.
9. Oats – They’re high in fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer after eating, and they’re also high in zinc and magnesium. Magnesium relieves cramps by relaxing blood vessels and also aids in the regulation of serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with mental health.
What to avoid during periods
1. Caffeine – Caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict. This can cause your uterus to constrict, making cramps more painful. If you rely on caffeine to get you through the afternoon slump, try eating a high-protein snack or going for a quick 10-minute walk.
2. Fried foods – Excessive consumption of oily, fried, and fatty foods can aggravate cramping, so fatty foods may not be the best period pain relief food. These foods contain a lot of trans fat, which can raise oestrogen levels and cause discomfort and mood swings. Instead of fried foods, eat crunchy vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots, as well as roasted snacks.
3. Red meat – Saturated fats are abundant in foods such as bacon, and some substances found in fatty dark meat increase prostaglandins in your body, which constrict blood vessels and cause muscles to contract.
4. Alcohol – Another inflammatory component of our diet is alcohol. Alcohol has a depressant effect, if women already suffer from PMS and feel low or moody around their period, alcohol may exacerbate those feelings.
Takeaway