Period cramps can be a big issue for many women. For some women, the intensity of the symptoms is mild. However, for others, it is completely debilitating. Women who suffer from very extreme period cramps can be diagnosed with Dysmenorrhea. Severe and frequent menstrual cramps can characterise extreme period cramps and pain during or before periods start. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual periods which are caused by uterine contractions. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from reproductive system disorders.
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What causes Cramps during Periods?
The release of prostaglandins causes these cramps or muscle contractions. This hormone-like chemical causes the uterine muscles in the body to contract, resulting in cramps and pain. However, if severe stabbing pain affects your day-to-day activities, you should visit a doctor.
Mood and Appetite
Once your periods are about to start, you prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of a ride. Not only is your body causing you pain and discomfort, but you also have to deal with random mood slips. And to top it all off, you have weirdly specific food cravings.
This is entirely normal; in times of stress, we love to seek our comfort food. Nothing beats curling up in bed and devouring chocolates and snacks by the bucket full. However, these cravings and food items you are putting into your body are not helping; they may be making things worse.
Now you may be wondering what are some of the best foods for period cramps? Or which foods help with period cramps? Below, you will find a guide on some of the foods that help with period cramps and what foods not to eat.
Foods to Avoid on Periods
Quite unsurprisingly, many of the foods we want are bad for us. Foods filled with preservatives and heavily processed might taste amazing, but they cause bloating, mood swings, water retention, and a lot of painful period symptoms. We’ve listed some of the foods you should eliminate from your diet as they could be hindering your chances of properly relaxing and easing menstrual cramps:
1- Sugary foods
Sugar can uplift your mood instantly, especially when period cramps have you down. It provides us instant energy and, most importantly, hits the right spot. However, too much sugar can cause a spike in your blood which is eventually followed by a crash, leaving you more tired and irritated than before.
2- Salty foods
A diet heavy in salt can cause our bodies to retain water and leave us feeling bloated. Too much salt is also bad for your blood pressure in general. Avoid over-salting your food, and do not eat snacks high in sodium.
3- Spicy foods
Your body is also under a lot of stress due to periods and cramps. The last thing you need to do is introduce spicy food into the mix. Your stomach may get upset and lead to diarrhoea and stomach pains, and sometimes even make you nauseous. If you are not already a regular consumer of spicy food and do not have the stomach for it, do not start it on your periods.
4- Foods you Normally Avoid
This goes without saying that you should not be eating foods you are intolerant to or may be allergic to. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, maybe skip the ice cream or chocolate. Standard milk products can cause nausea and constipation, so stick to lactose-free products.
5- Alcohol
As alcohol goes through our system, it dehydrates us. Our body also has to put a lot of work and energy into removing alcohol from the body. You will feel bloated in this process and see your period symptoms worsening. This is particularly the case if you drink heavily. You will wake up with a hangover, and the last thing you need during your periods is waking up nauseous, hydrated and confused.
Do not be alarmed. The list above may seem scary and hard to eliminate from your diet altogether, but you can surely manage with little steps. There are also tonnes of healthy foods that help during the menstrual cycle by easing the pain and cramping. Below is a list of what to eat on your period to help cramps:
The Best Foods For Period Cramps
1. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate with more than 76% coca content is now your new best friend. Satisfy your sweet tooth and get some benefits from it. Cocoa is rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps to relax the uterine muscles and reduces the production of prostaglandins. It is also high in potassium which helps your muscles to function, ideal for when those cramps come!
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are rich in iron, which your body needs to replenish after menstruating. Throw some in a salad and enjoy it with your dinner. If you can not seem to be able to eat them, blend them up and make a smoothie.
3. Fruit
Fruits are another great way to get something sweet without any adverse effects. Bananas are rich in potassium and a great mood booster. Pineapples and oranges are an excellent course of vitamins your body desperately needs to fight off PMS symptoms like cramps and pains.
4. Salmon
Omega 3 fatty acids are great for reducing inflammation and helping manage period pain. Salmon and other oily fish like sardines and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can aim to have fish 2 or 3 times a week to get optimum benefits.
5. Beans and lentils
If you are a vegan or do not have access to good quality meat, you can make alternative meat dishes using beans and lentils. These are also rich in iron and protein.
Treating Period Cramps
Lifestyle changes such as diet management are just one of many steps you can take to improve your life. That being said, it may not always work. You can take medications like Medenamic Acid and Feminax that give quick relief. You should go to a doctor if you continue to suffer from severe period cramps and pain. It is possible that you may be suffering from other menstrual-related problems that are making your periods worse. Your doctor can help diagnose the problem and prescribe you a treatment plan accordingly.
IQ Doctor
If you are looking for pharmaceutical options for relief from period cramps, IQ Doctor is the place for you. It is a UK pharmacy fully licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to sell medicines online. IQ Doctor offers its customers Medenamic Acid, a known anti-inflammatory drug and Feminax. You can visit their website and get a free consultation with a medical professional to determine what medicine may suit you best. Once you place your order, the medication will be shipped immediately.
