Over half of women who menstruate experience period pain for one to two days every month. And even though period pain can mean headaches or general discomfort, the pain is typically caused by menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining, also known as the uterine lining. This can cause pain in your stomach, lower back, groin or upper thighs.
Following are the remedies:
1. Drink maximum water to reduce bloating
Bloating can cause discomfort and make menstrual cramps worse. While it may sound counterintuitive, drinking water can reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes. Also, drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your body and relax your muscles. This can lessen cramps caused by uterine contractions.
2. Have herbal teas to relieve inflammation and muscle spasms
Certain types of herbal tea have anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping. Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, these herbal teas can have other benefits, like stress relief and helping with insomnia.
3. Eat anti-inflammatory foods to relax menstrual cramps
Some foods can offer natural relief for cramps, and they taste great. Anti-inflammatory foods can help promote blood flow and relax your uterus. Try eating berries, tomatoes, pineapples and spices like turmeric, ginger or garlic. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fatty fish, like salmon, can also help reduce inflammation.
4. Go for dietary supplements to help with menstrual symptoms
Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation. Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful. For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new.
5. Apply heat to calm cramping
A little heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow and relieve tension. Try sitting with a heating pad, taking a hot shower or relaxing in a hot bath.
6. Exercise for muscle relaxation
If you’re in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But even gentle exercise releases endorphins that make you
feel happy, reduce pain and relax your muscles.
7. Reduce stress to improve mental and physical period symptoms
Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress.
8. Try massage therapy to reduce cramping and stress
Massages may reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. In order to manage period cramps most effectively, massage therapy should focus on the abdominal area. .