Period pain, the condition of unbearable cramps, affects every woman differently and can disrupt daily activities. Reportedly, over 80% of women face period pain at some stage during their menstruation journey out of which 5-10% face unbearable period pain/ dysmenorrhea that disrupts their daily activities. While cramps are a part of the menstrual cycle, the pain can be excruciatingly unbearable for some.
Here are some simple remedies to help you ease your period pain:
- Heating Pad or Hot Water Bottle/Bag: The age-old remedy passed on to us by our grandmothers, a heating pad or hot water bottle/bag can help lessen period cramps noticeably. Relaxing the uterus muscles, the process helps ease the unbearable contraction and relaxation rhythm of the uterus.
- Herbal Teas: With high stress and pain during periods, many women are bound to feel pale and demotivated. Herbal teas are known to include super ingredients that help combat the dull feeling and ease the period pain. Herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, chamomile and peppermint are suggested to those facing unbearable period pain. Cinnamon tea helps with reducing prostaglandin levels and boosts endorphin levels hence resulting in better blood circulation which relieves period pains. Avoid caffeine and other ingredients that are known to worsen the condition of period pain.
- Mindful Eating: Keeping your diet throughout can help you in several ways. Avoid foods that induce bloating and other gut-stressing foods to avoid them as being the cause of period pain. One must opt for a home-made, balanced diet and include more wholesome foods like fruits, green leafy veggies, etc., that are equipped with micronutrients that help energize while reducing pain in the abdominal region. Avoiding ingredients like caffeine, sugar, salt, processed foods, etc., is the best during menstrual cycles. Avoid giving in to any cravings.
- Hydrate Appropriately: Water is known to help us combat chronic conditions as it helps us in flushing out toxins effortlessly. Hence, drinking an ample amount of water helps you relieve yourself from period pain. One must have around one or two litres of water while being faced with period-related issues.
- Mild Exercises: Just like the rest of the body, our abdominal muscles, when stretched correctly by practising targeted exercises, can do wonders in easing period cramps. One can engage in practising stretching exercises and focused body movements. One can even pick up a few abdomen-related Yoga poses. Consulting your health practitioner is suggested to know which exercises would best work for you as an individual.
- Supplementary Magnesium: Magnesium is a vital micronutrient needed to carry out several vital functions smoothly. With the threshold requirement of magnesium being fulfilled, women with period pain and other related issues can see the pain easing and gradually waning out over time. Low-fat milk, nuts, beans, whole grains, and dark-green vegetables are good sources of magnesium. One can also consult the doctor to start supplements basis their condition.
- Take Painkillers: The last resort to help you improve your condition during period pain, there are dedicated pain relievers/killers prescribed by doctors. There are also new-age solutions like period cramps relieving oral strips as a portable, real-time solution.
Practice the above remedies and consult your health practitioner to deal with your menstrual cycle issues mindfully.