Most of us are very familiar with the monthly pain we have to endure in the days leading up to our period and for the first day or two of bleeding, although there are some fortunate women that don’t feel any discomfort at all. Some common symptoms that occur both before your period are tender breasts, muscles aches, headaches, acne, abdominal cramps, constipation and more. Every woman has her share of which symptom she experiences and for how long.
As a result of some symptoms, you may even miss a day from school or work. Some women even get irritable and moody, lose their appetite, etc. In this article, we’ll share 4 easy ways by which you can relieve pain before the onset of your periods and even during periods.
- Avoid Certain Foods
We all love food, and you may have cravings during your periods to try certain foods, but it’s important to remember that there are some food items you should seriously avoid when you experience symptoms of period pain. These food items include fast food items like fries, pizza, etc., alcohol, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, and salty food.
Consult with a doctor and consider adding detox dietary supplements bundle to your regular diet. When experiencing symptoms it would be a good idea to consume a healthy and nutritious diet that contains food items like berries, tomatoes, bell peppers or any other food items that act as anti-inflammatory. Also try eating food items that are replete with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts, and seeds. You should even consider including more calcium rich foods in your diet like warm milk and cheese.
- Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
We all know the amazing benefits that exercise has to offer to maintain physical and mental health, and this just can’t be stressed enough. Instead of remaining in bed all day, try exercising because it helps relieve menstrual cramps.
We recommend you find a light and gentle exercise you enjoy the most, like running, walking, jogging, and swimming and practice that. Yoga, or stretching in general, has really proven to help reduce menstrual pain to a great extent.
In one study, researchers discovered that yoga poses such as the Cobra, Cat and Fish reduced the force and duration of menstrual pain in women from ages 18-22.
- Medication and Massage
Not everyone likes to take medication, but you have to do what you have to do. Menstrual pain is the result of uterine contractions. A quick way to get rid of such pain is to take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium. You can easily purchase such drugs from the supermarket at a low price.
Make sure to keep these drugs where you can easily reach out to them such as your home, purse, or even car. Make sure to avoid the intake of nasal drugs because they are not as effective as oral medication.
Alongside this, please ensure to change your pad every 4-5 hours. If you are using a menstrual cup then seek professional help to guide you better. Another method to alleviate pain would be giving yourself, or asking someone else to give you a massage. A 5-minute massage in the abdomen region has shown to assuage menstrual cramps. Try using essential oils like sage, lavender, or marjoram.
- Warm it Up!
Using a heating pad, or hot water bottle to alleviate menstrual pain is a traditional method to relieve abdomen and menstrual cramps. This method is economical as well. You can warm a small towel you have at home, or you can purchase a hot water bottle from a drugstore nearby or online.
Basically, applying heat to a certain part of the body helps the muscles to relax. The recommended temperature to heat the bottle too would be 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t wish to use a hot water bottle or a heating pad, you can always take a warm bath.
Water is so soothing and relaxing. Try taking a warm bath with your favorite bath bomb and make sure to take it for as long as you like. You can read a book or watch a movie while you’re at that to help take your mind off the cramps and pain.