How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps is a reality for many women. Caused by the contraction in your uterus in the first days of menstruation, menstrual cramps can range from mild to debilitating. They can also be accompanied by Endemetriosis, fibroid cysts and other related conditions. If you have debilitating menstrual cramps, it’s best that you visit a doctor to treat any related conditions before treating the symptoms of menstrual cramps.
Food and Nutrients
What we ingest or what we don’t ingest can have an effect on our menstrual cramps. Here are the food that you should have and avoid before and during your menstrual period. The indicated food you must avoid must be avoided a week or two prior to your menstruation.
Avoid
Salty food
Sugary food
Caffeine
Increase
Food rich in calcium
Dairy products
Leafy green vegetables
Zinc
B vitamins
Magnesium supplements
Pills
There are a number of pills that you can take to relieve menstrual cramps, or even prevent them. Remember, when choosing a type of pain killer pill, stick with it! Don’t mix up your brands. Always eat food when drinking painkillers.
Pain Reliever Pills
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include Advil and Aleve
Over-the-counter (OTC) pills such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or naproxen
Oral Contraceptive Pills
Oral contraceptive pills help women regularize irregular menstrual cycles by regulating their hormone levels. These pills also lessen or completely get rid of menstrual cramps. Other contraceptive methods that involve hormone management like birth control shots or birth control patches also have the same effect.
Warm Compress
One of the instant ways to relieve pain from menstrual cramps is a applying a warm compress or a hot water bottle directly on your abdomen, where the cramps are the strongest. A warm bath with accompanying aromatherapy can also help relax your body and soothe your nerves.
Exercise and Relax
Exercising may seem like an impossibility in the middle of menstrual cramps, but it can help greatly with relieving the pain. Do mild exercises like walking, stretching or even assuming yoga positions throughout the day. Having a daily exercise habit can also prevent menstrual cramps from setting in.
Follow your exercise with a nice massage on your lower back to further relieve the cramps.
Last and not the least, relax! Listen to nice music, take naps or read a book. Anything that can help you completely relax will also help relieve menstrual cramps.