Menstrual Cramps. They come at the worst time. They are painful. They are uncomfortable. They are indescribable. Sometimes it feels like there is nothing you can do for them… but there is.
Watch What You Eat.
Reduce the amount of fatty foods you intake and increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat. A low-fat diet decreases overall body inflammation. Fueling your body with healthy and nutrient-rich foods increases your bodies overall health.
On That Note… Avoid Salt and Caffeine.
Salt makes your body retain water and should be avoided if you suffer from menstrual cramps. Caffeinated beverages, such as soda or coffee, cause your muscles to tense up, which only worsens menstrual cramps.
(Safe) Pill Poppin’
The best over-the-counter medicines for period cramps are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they reduce swelling, a common side effect of cramping. The most commonly used NSAID is ibuprofin, which can be found in Advil. Other popular NSAIDs include Aleve, and Aspirin.
Heating Pads
A study found that women who used heating pads as as source of pain relief experienced faster improvement compared to those who took over-the-counter pain medicine. By how long, you may wonder? The women with the heating pads felt better within 90 minutes of starting compared to the women with the over-the-counter meds who waited three hours for relief.
Exercise to Release Endorphins
That’s right! You need to run on the treadmill to chase the pain away. Endorphins are chemicals that interact with the receptors in your brain to reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins are not only natural pain relievers, but they also trigger a positive, good-feeling to your body.
When to See a Doctor
If your menstrual cramps seem severe, you should meet with your doctor to rule out more serious health issues.
If you are experiencing painful menstrual cramps or have questions about this post, feel free to call our office.