Mother nature comes bearing gifts,again. You just want to slam the door in her face because you know what happens next. The blinding pain, stress, fatigue. Time to make your monthly appointment with your “fat” pants. You reach for the painkillers but remember that they almost never work. You take some anyway , hoping this time will be different. A hour later you’re doubled over the counter clenching a chocolate bar. Some desperate women resort to drinking pickle juice to relieve menstrual cramps. To each his (well, her) own, but for those of you with an overactive gag reflex, try these tips to make that time of the month manageable.
1. Check your Diet.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These natural body cleansers are needed to restore the balance. Cut out caffiene and avoid processed, greasy, heavy, and sugary foods. You can also battle menstrual cramps with milk or a calcium supplement. According to USDA research women who consumed 1300 mg of calcium reported improved mood and concentration with less pain, and water retention
2. Exercise.
This may seem insane since the last thing you feel up to is exercise, but it does help. Not only does exercise release your body’s natural painkiller, endorphins, but it can take your mind off the discomfort. Plus increased blood flow equals less pain. Swimming is a great choice because it is low impact and therefore less traumatic. Keep up your normal routines and you will feel better.
3. Relax.
If you are in too much pain to do even a little exercise, listen to your body and relax. Try these relaxing positions. Put a pillow under your knees while you lie down, or lie on your side with your knees pulled into your chest to relieve back pressure. Take relaxing breaths. Soak in a warm bath or find another relaxing activity.
4. Vitamins and Herbs.
Zinc, Calcium, and B vitamins all reduce bloating, cramps, and other symptoms. Oregano helps too. Boil a liter of water and 3 tbsp of oregano leaves for 10 minutes. Drain the water into a container and drink a glass each morning to feel better all day.
5. Hot or Cold.
Put the heat where it hurts. Placing a heating pad on your abdomen or back for 15 minutes helps to relieve cramping. Some women find that applying cold instead eases cramps. Try an ice pack for 15 minutes. Cold constricts blood vessels and can help bring relief.
6. Acupressure or massage.
Massage your back and stomach using eucalyptus oil, or a lotion containing chamomile or primrose oil. Acupressure can also be very effective. Apply pressure to the area between your big toe and second toe to relieve menstrual discomfort. Feel for other sensitive areas on the depressions on either side of your heel and gently apply pressure with your thumb and fingertips. Do the same along your achilles tendon moving upward toward your calf muscle. Do this for a few minutes on each foot.
If you feel you absolutely must have pain medication make sure you use ibuprofen, and take it with food at the first sign of flow. Some of these tips will work for you. Others might not. Find what works best for you and remember, sometimes the best medicine is rest. Take a long nap and you will feel much better.
Sources:
http://www.practicenaturalcures.com/2007/08/natural-cures-for-menstrual-cramps.html
http://www.mothernature.com/library/bookshelf/books/16/139.cfm
http://www.naturesnaturalhealing.com/MenstrualCramps.shtml
http://www.indiaparenting.com/whealth/data/wh13_01.shtml
