Can Nutrition Really Cure Period Cramps? Here’s What Works

Can Nutrition Really Cure Period Cramps? Here’s What Works

Every month, a woman has to go through a menstrual cycle, which sometimes causes intense cramps for 1-2 days. These intense cramps can cause trouble while working, travelling, and studying, so many adult women opt for painkillers to ease the menstrual cramps. Long-term consumption of painkillers can cause side effects. So what is the solution for this? There are some foods that can act like magic and might help ease some of the pain. These foods are listed below.

Magnesium-rich foods

Magnesium in the body acts as a natural muscle relaxant. It relaxes the smooth muscle in the uterus and therefore helps in easing the period cramps. Foods to include are Dark chocolate (over 70%), Pumpkin seeds, spinach, Avocados, legumes, Bananas and dals.

Omega-3-rich foods

Omega-3 fights off inflammation in the body, therefore reducing prostaglandins and reducing the cramps. Foods to include are walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fatty fish.

Iron-rich foods

During periods, there is blood loss, so it is important to consume iron-rich foods to prevent any kind of fatigue or dizziness. Foods to include are aliv/halim seeds in the form of ladoos, ragi, chickpeas, spinach, methi, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. Always remember to pair these foods with Vitamin C for better absorption of iron in the body.

Anti-inflammatory foods

These two foods are easily available in our kitchens: ginger and turmeric. They reduce inflammation in the body by reducing prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain. You can have warm ginger-turmeric water, include an amla ginger shot, or have turmeric milk.

Easy-to-digest foods

Periods can cause bloating, irritation, and digestion issues, and with period cramps, it can make it worse, so it is necessary to consume easy-to-digest food which gentle on the stomach. Try to include warm khichdi, dal rice, warm broths, or warm vegetable soups. Avoid eating foods that are heavy to digest.

So include all these foods to ease your period cramps and do your day-to-day activities without any worry.

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