Why do they happen?
Women sometimes have mild or strong cramps, lower back pain, irregular or excessive bleeding, and even nausea/vomiting while menstruating, this unpleasant discomfort and pain happen when part of a muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen since the uterus contraction inhibits blood flow to the lining of the uterus. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of it.
Natural ways to aid menstrual pain:
▪ Exercising: Yoga.
▪ Heating pad: it works like magic cause it relaxes the muscles which bring
oxygen to them and instantly eases the pain.
▪ Acupuncture
▪ Abdominal massage
▪ Warm baths
▪ Adequate sleep
▪ Aromatherapy: By using fragrances that help relax the body, the
Brain chemistry is increased and it helps women control the pain.
Herbs that help:
Herbal teas:
· raspberry leaf tea: has a substance that aids the uterus by relaxing it, so you can feel calmer.
· Chamomile: contains antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties this is great for treating stomach and menstrual pains.
· Black Cohosh: it alleviates discomfort and unpleasant symptoms like irritability.
· Chasteberry: works as a diuretic so it helps get rid of fluids.
· St, John’s Worth: it helps treat depression, so it can help treat the mood swings generated by the hormones.
· Primrose oil: helps with the inflammation since it has essential fatty acids that block what contributes generate the cramps and breast tenderness.
What to avoid:
Alcohol and caffeine also salted foods all of them contribute to fluid retention meaning it will create bloating.
What to eat:
For PMS cycle:
Foods with a low glycemic index, elevate blood sugar levels slowly, helping to control cravings and anxiety.
For heavy periods:
Lots of iron-rich foods: red meat, legumes, leafy green vegetables.
For painful periods:
Any of the herbal teas mentioned above.
SOURCE:
Foods that harm, foods that heal, Reader’s Digest, 2011.
source
