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Is period pain troubling you? These 5 food combinations can help you feel better

Period pain can manifest in different ways for different women, but you can always count on these food combinations to help you out!
You may experience cramps before your period. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Vidhi Chawla Updated: 5 Oct 2021, 17:27 pm IST

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Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps mean throbbing or cramping in the lower abdomen. Period pain can differ from person to person. Some women have menstrual cramps just before menstruation, whereas some go through it during their periods.

Similarly, there is a difference in the intensity of pain that is experienced. For some women, the discomfort is merely irritating, while for others, menstrual cramps are often severe, and cause hindrances in everyday activities for a couple of days each month. And there are a few who don’t feel the pain at all.

But guess what? There are a few food combinations that may help in extenuating these cramps. 

1. Peppermint tea and cinnamon: Peppermint has a lot of nutritional benefits, and hence, is used as part of various home remedies for different problems. Peppermint is rich in menthol, which helps decrease muscle spasms, thereby reducing painful stomach cramps. It may also help in reducing uterine contractions, thereby easing period cramps.  Cinnamon reduces the flow by diverting blood flow away from the uterus. 

2. Lemon juice and ginger: Lemon juice contains various nutrients, including calcium and magnesium, both of which help in combating period pain. Along with that, lemon juice is a great aid for acne too. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help in dealing with both pain and bloating.

You can boil water and add both ginger and lemon juice. Drink the water 1-2 times a day. It will help in dealing with period cramps, and at the same time, also detoxify your body.

Also, read: Do you experience post-sex cramps? Here are 8 causes behind the pain and remedies

3. Dark chocolate and avocado: Dark chocolate may help to ease cramps, as it provides a dose of daily required magnesium. Avocado also contains magnesium, which is why adding this lush green buttery Mexican fruit to your diet will keep you full, and help in reducing inflammation. Magnesium relaxes the muscles in your uterus and stops painful contractions by reducing the prostaglandins that cause menstrual pain. 

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Not just tasty, dark chocolate is also helpful in keeping period pain under control. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

You can eat a few pieces of dark chocolate and raw avocado separately, or you can always make a smoothie or dark chocolate and avocado balls or truffles.

4. Salmon and spinach: Sounds weird, right? But the combination of salmon and spinach goes perfectly well with each other, makes for a healthy dinner, and at the same time, helps in easing period cramps. 

Also, read: Can running during periods help relieve painful cramps? Let’s find out

Salmon is rich in omega-3-fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation, including the pain of menstrual cramps. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, fibre and so many other nutrients, one of which is magnesium. They come together and help you to relieve period cramps. 

You can eat spinach, raw or cooked, but either way, remember to wash it properly. Make sure the salmon is cooked properly. You can eat them separately or try Mediterranean-style pan-seared salmon with spinach.

Don’t ignore your dietary needs especially when menstruating. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Banana, pineapple, and kiwi: Bananas can reduce your bloating and cramping symptoms, as they contain vitamin B6 and daily required value of potassium. Along with that, pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that can lessen your inflammation.

 

Add a little kiwi, as it is rich in the enzyme actinidin, and can help you digest protein more easily. You can devour the fruit medley as a smoothie or raw, whichever you prefer.  

Tips from the expert:

1. Keep yourself hydrated: A person is more likely to get severe cramps if their body is dehydrated. Drink at least six glasses of water a day as it will be helpful for your body. If possible, try eating foods such as lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, or berries, as they have hydrating properties.

Stay hydrated to stay fit. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Essential oils: Massaging your abdomen with an essential oil such as lavender, chamomile, marjoram, etc might help in reducing pain. They have soothing properties and their fragrance can rejuvenate your mind and make you feel fresh.

3. Give your body proper rest: Sometimes, our body is simply tired or stressed and during periods, cramps make them worse. Therefore, sometimes simply resting or taking a nap can help you ease the pain.

4. Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol can dehydrate your body that may result in bad headaches and cause bloating. It can also cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea and nausea. So, it’s better to avoid alcohol.

5. Try exercising: Light exercise during periods may help in reducing period pain. One can try yoga poses too to reduce the cramps.

Vidhi Chawla

Vidhi Chawla is a dietitian and the owner of Fisico Diet Clinic. ...Read More

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