Foods That Help Ease Menstrual Cramps

Common Causes Of Menstrual Cramps

The most common cause for menstrual cramps or primary dysmenorrhea is when the uterus, a muscle, contracts and the pain associated is caused by this muscle losing its supply of oxygen. The pain usually begins a couple of days before a women's cycle and can last for the first couple of days of their period. When this pain becomes to unbearable to handle on its own you can take over the counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, apply a heat compress, and avoid certain foods. Some women find comfort with oral contraceptives as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and regular exercise.

If you find yourself in a fetal position time after time with immense pain associated with menstrual cramps be sure to contact your gynecologist and make sure it is not a sign of a more serious health condition. But if you are like many of the women who battle with the annoying and agonizing pain that comes with your monthly visit and would like to aid the cramps with a natural approach then your in luck, with certain foods you can ease your menstrual cramps as well as help your over all diet.

Why We Have Food Cravings During Our Period

Usually women experience cravings as well as the desire to eat more about a week before their period not to mention fatigue and a general rise in emotions. All three of these symptoms have the tendency of over taking a woman's better judgement, just ask their significant other, but the main focus to in aiding these common symptoms is prevention. If you consume an excess amount of caffeine, alcohol, or a diet that is high in saturated fat maybe now is the time to cut back to better relieve your menstrual cramps as well as your overall mood swings associated with your period and the dreaded p.m.s.

I don't know about you but during the week before my period my mood swiftly changes from tearing up over a commercial to complete rage among my loved ones, just ask my significant other about this. As a woman changes whether she has bore children or has a family history of painful menstrual cramps her body will transition with age, diet, and her habits good and bad. If you suffer from severe menstrual cramps on a month to month basis and do not suffer from a serious condition, think of your pain as your body communicating with you to change your eating habits at least during your period, your body will thank you as well as everyone who has to work and live with you.

So why do we have cravings for fatty foods, and why do we have an increased appetite before and during our periods? This is actually a natural order of mammal reproduction. What I mean by that is all female mammal body's biological clock will tend to go into a breeding state, and their estrogen levels will peak at the time they are fertile, and the body's natural reaction is to consume more calories to help fertilization of the egg that has been ovulated.

Women with a higher body fat percentage will have an easier time getting pregnant than a women who are thinner, keeping in mind this is at a healthy level of your BMI. So when your having a hankering for a fatty food, blame evolution's need for procreation, and guy's wonder why we are moody.... But for the sake of this article let's assume you are not trying to get pregnant, you are overall pretty healthy, and desire a natural and healthy alternative to ease your menstrual cramps.

Foods That Ease Menstrual Cramps

Think whole foods when you are trying to ease those menstrual cramps, like whole grain, fresh fruit and vegetables, and with in this category go for the whole foods that are rich in calcium and magnesium. Broccoli and kale are great as well as whole wheat pastas and breads, brown rice. Also when you eat your whole veggies and fruits leave the skins on, the majority of nutrients lie in the skin as well as helping your body absorb the vitamins they contain.

Take the orange for example, it is widely known for its healthy dose of vitamin C although in order for your body to absorb the vitamin c it is necessary to leave the pith on the orange, that bitter white stuff we pick off. The pith contains ascorbic acid that enable the vitamin c to nourish your body, if you take an oral vitamin C pill take a glance at the ingredients, you will see some type of ascorbic acid there and this is why.

Chocolate And Your Period

I wanted to dedicate a section to talk about chocolate because during a woman's period it is her only confidant and does have some good health benefits. Is is also considered an anti oxidant that can help your mood as well as fight the sugar cravings. Though it is only the dark chocolate that contains these health benefits and 1 to 2 ounces a day is suggested, so put down the sugar glazed doughnut because the chocolate that covers this does not count. I always carry a couple of dark chocolate mini bars with me especially when I am going out to eat to avoid over indulgence. I will eat half of the portion and then eat an ounce of dark chocolate this will send a blocker to my brain that tells my stomach that I have had enough.

Flax Seed

A tablespoon or two per day can help with your cramps, you can sprinkle it over you cereal or add it to a smoothie for a morning boost. Some grocers will sell it in an oil form or the actual seed. If you buy the oil form, then be sure it says cold pressed on the bottle and that it is stored in a cooler, this is an indication it is of very good quality.

Fish

Fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids not only help a woman's heart health it also contains an anti-inflammatory effect that can help with cramps as well as bloating. Salmon being the most known source that contains this mighty anti oxidant but tuna, Pacific herring, and mackerel also pack a good punch as well.

Foods To Avoid With Menstrual Cramps

This is another way to help ease menstrual cramps, and to prevent painful periods. Caffeine and alcohol should be completely avoided, which to some maybe a hard thing to give up but your body and mind will be better off in doing so. Try to eat smaller meals more frequently this helps to avoid dips in your blood sugar which can make you feel sluggish. Red meats and dairy should be avoided as well, they actually increase the production of prostaglandins which contributes to menstrual cramps.