Relief From Menstrual Cramps
February 1, 2010
Menstrual cramps are most prominent for first 3 days of the periods. They are felt because of contraction of the uterus and are accompanied by nausea, headache, fatigue and irritability.
The seriousness of the symptoms depends on the body weight, age or presence of any menstrual disorder. Excess menstrual cramps are symptoms of dysmenorrhea, PMS and PCOD.
Certain foods and herbs help in relaxation of the contraction of the uterus and release natural pain killers of the body to cope up with this problem.
Diet Help
Eat foods that are rich source of antioxidant like omega 3 fatty acids, linoleic acid and linolenic acids. Non-vegetarian sources include cold water fishes like salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Vegetarian sources include blueberries, mangosteen, strawberries, flax seed oil, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, carrots, mango and pomegranate.
Avoid hydrogenated oils, saturated oils and polyunsaturated oils. These are liberally used in processed and packaged foods. Avoid them and try to eat only home cooked food.
Caffeine interferes with absorption of estrogen by the body. Menstural cramps become worse due to less estrogen to progesterone ratio. Caffeine aggravates the cramps by disturbing balance of blood-sugar inside the body. Therefore, avoid products like black tea and colas which are high in caffeine content.
Do not fall for the craving of salty and sugary foods. Eat 2-3 serving of fruits daily during periods. Dark chocolate can be consumed in place of other sugary products. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Herbal Remedies
Ginger, Valerian and cramp bark are effective uterine relaxants. These herbs increase menstrual flow. Take 30 ml of cramp bark extract, 15 ml of valerian extract and half teaspoon of extract of ginger root.
Mix all these ingredients in a glass container and shake well. Take 1 tbsp of this mixture in some water 4 times to get relief from menstrual cramps.
You can drink herbal teas 2-3 times in a day to benefit. Brew 1 tbsp of freshly chopped ginger and 1 tbsp of dried chamomile in 250 ml of water. Strain, add one tbsp of honey and drink it. Rosemary tea, green tea and lemon ginger tea are equally helpful.
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