For girls, monthly periods always heralds such discomforts as cramps, nausea and bloating. It may feel like there is no way out, except pop some pain-relieving pills and hope for the best.
True, this will take the pain away as quickly and effectively as possible, but there are also some foods, which according to Dr. Sherry Ross from the site HelloFlo claims wouldn’t hurt if you tried.
Dr. Ross suggests drinking water, warm or hot, because it helps to relax the uterine muscles. Other water based foods that help with hydration include cucumber, lettuce, and watermelon. These foods keep you hydrated, and that in turn can help prevent cramping and reduce bloating.
Dealing with some annoying stomach issues from your period? Dr. Ross says, adding ginger to hot water is another useful remedy. Ginger soothes stomach pain and bloating – and so does peppermint. So, if you can get your hands on peppermint tea, it is great for an upset stomach and it’s also excellent for bloating.
What else should you focus on besides staying hydrated?
Dr. Ross says, calcium-rich foods and supplements reduce muscle cramps. Ideally, 1,000mg a day of calcium works best. Dairy products (cheese, yoghurt, milk), spinach, soybeans, almonds, sesame seeds, and beans are excellent sources of calcium.
Other helpful foods? Dr. Ross says dark chocolate (different from the more common milk chocolates that most popular brands make) is great.
Don’t also forget bananas (they help with cramping and are rich in potassium, which helps with bloating), pineapples (which can relax muscles), oatmeal (I know it’s yuck for some, but it can reduce cramping and also help with painful periods).
Remember though, that adding these foods to your diet won’t change everything. If you are laying in bed, clutching your side and crying in pain, eating a banana and spooning yoghurt will not necessarily make you feel better in 20 minutes.
If you are in serious pain, it is still suggested that you take an over-the-counter pain medication, or go see a doctor. That said, adding these foods to your diet can help more generally and there is no harm in trying them out!
And all the very best with Aunt Flo and her high demands!
Source: gurl.com
See Also: For Girls: Is Your Period Late? 7 Reasons That May Be Responsible
