8 Foods & drinks that might help reduce period cramps
Is your 'that time of the month' around? Well, this means it's time to prepare yourself to deal with period symptoms like stomach cramps, mood swings and bloating. These symptoms tend to show up during or even before your cycle. Among them, dealing with different types of period pain is the most tiresome task. Period cramps are the ones most difficult to deal with. At times when they aren't painful, they can still dull your energy and cause fatigue.
you can opt for another route by making dietary changes.
There are various ways to tackle cramps like medications or exercising during periods. However, you can opt for another route by making dietary changes. It's seen that there are certain types of foods and drinks that help with period cramps. So, let's have a look at what to eat during periods to reduce pain and what to drink during periods.
Foods To Help With Period Cramps
Searching for what to eat during periods to reduce stomach pain? Here are a few food items that will guide you on what to eat while on your period.
Fish
Being rich in iron and omega-3 fatty acids, fish can help restore the decreased iron levels in your body during periods. As per a study, it can also reduce inflammation and help reduce pain caused by period cramps. So, make sure to have seafood like sardines, tuna, or salmon when you are in a fix about foods that help with period cramps.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the foods to eat during period, guilt-free!
Dark chocolate is one of the foods to eat during period, guilt-free! It's rich in iron and magnesium which have been shown to combat PMS symptoms. As you might know, periods can lower iron levels in your body and can cause anaemia in women who experience heavy periods. Adding 100 grams of dark chocolate to your diet can help you keep up your iron and manganese levels.
Bananas
Being rich in fiber and magnesium, bananas helps you ease your bowel movement. This in turn makes you feel less bloated and thereby reduces cramps. So, while making a list of foods to eat during period, bananas can be your go-to pick. But keep in mind that bananas have natural sugars in them so don't overeat them.
Watermelon
Watermelon can curb your cravings and at the same time can keep you hydrated. This means it will add small amounts of natural sugar to your body without causing a spike and thereby help you deal with cramps. So, make sure you eat watermelon or have a glass of watermelon juice while you are on your periods.
Green Leafy vegetables
As mentioned earlier if you have heavy periods - your iron levels are about to dip. This might cause fatigue, dizziness, and cramps. Having green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach which are rich in iron can be the foods to help with period cramps.
Drinks That Help With Period Cramps
Water
Having plenty of water during periods is a must!
Having plenty of water during periods is a must! It's because sometimes dehydration can worsen your cramps and cause bloating.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is one of the drinks that help with period cramps through its anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases, it also relieves nausea. So, when you're wondering what to drink during periods, ginger tea for periods can be the next best pick. Keep in mind that you should consume only three-to-four grams of ginger a day. Too much of it can cause heartburns or stomachaches.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint isn't just used to refresh your mouth but also to relieve your cramps.
Peppermint isn't just used to refresh your mouth but also to relieve your cramps. As per a study Peppermint tea has properties to soothe menstrual cramps along with nausea. But in case you have heartburn, you shouldn't consume it as peppermint tea can make it worse.
Foods To Avoid During Periods
In addition to understanding what to eat on your period to help cramps, it's also best to know what foods to avoid during periods. So, let's have a look at them:
Greasy/Oily Foods
If you are wondering what helps period cramps, then any food item which is fried or greasy should be completely off your list. It's because fat takes much longer to digest. They can make your intestine pull tighter, thereby causing more cramps. Additionally, there are chances of experiencing bloating and constipation.
Sugary Foods
When you think of what to eat during periods to reduce pain, sugary foods like candy shouldn't cross your mind. Too much sugar intake may worsen your cramps. Remember moderation is the key here.
Salty Foods
Eating too much salt can lead to water retention in your body. This in turn can cause bloating and sometimes even cramps. Thus, it's best to consume less salt as you wonder what to eat on your period.
Spicy Foods
For some women, spicy foods tend to irritate their stomach causing pain and sometimes nausea too. It not only causes a burning sensation in the mouth, but it also riles up the nerves in your gut, causing more cramps.
Now that you are aware of what to eat during periods to reduce stomach pain and drinks that help with period cramps, let's prepare for menstrual care. You need to have the best period protection at your service. So, try out the ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads which provides you real cottony softness and ultimate protection. It is equipped with a soft cover and has unique flexi wings that keep the pad in place. In addition, these sanitary pads are designed with an innovative absorbent core that enables you to be active even on your heavy flow days.
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For days when you experience light vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge, panty liners can be your ideal hygiene partner.
Understanding your cycle is essential for managing your health. Learn how to calculate next period date with ease in our helpful guide
When To See A Doctor
Experiencing period cramps is quite common during your cycle. But there are a few instances where you must contact your doctor, as follows:
1. Irregular periods
2. Heavy bleeding
4. Bleeding post menopause
5. Bleeding between periods
6. Prolonged intense pain
7. Bleeding after intercourse
The Bottom Line
Dietary changes with foods and drinks that help with period cramps might only suit certain women. If your period cramps tend to get worse, you must contact your doctor immediately. It could be one of the pms symptoms or a sign of an underlying disease. Worry not, with the right treatment and care, you will be back in no time snacking on your period cravings !
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FAQs
1. Do bananas help with period cramps?
Bananas do help with period cramps to a certain extent. As they are rich in magnesium, it helps in reducing the severity of your cramps.2. What to eat during periods to reduce pain?
Here are a few foods to eat during periods to reduce pain:- Green leafy vegetables
- Fruits
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Tofu
3. What to drink during periods?
Water, ginger tea, and peppermint tea are some of the liquids that you can drink during your period.Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.
