MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
I have female friends that experience excruciating pain during their periods. I feel very sorry for them because it’s a cross they certainly have to bear every month. Some take Felvin, but I thought it wise to find out alternative remedies as we know that natural cures were always the best.
QYou may wonder why you have to suffer through cramps in the first place. The explanation lies in the fact that your uterus must shed its natural lining each month–a job that requires your uterine muscle to contract. As it contracts, blood vessels that supply the uterus become constricted, which reduces blood flow and results in pain. Hormone-like substances, called prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation, trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are therefore associated with more severe menstrual cramps. For some women, their cramps might even interfere with their work, school, and daily activities. About three out of four women experience menstrual pains, and every one out of 10 women experiences severe cramps.
To address the excess contraction and constriction that cause painful periods, try the following tips. The idea is to help regulate blood flow in the lower abdomen, normalize smooth muscle contraction, and reduce cramps. You can try them one at a time and see which approach works best for you, or you can try them all together to achieve maximum effect.
Exercise
This might sound a little crazy and you might be thinking to yourself,I can barely move, let alone exercise. However, brisk walking, or any type of physical activity, can help to ease your belly pain. When you’re doing any type of aerobic exercise, your body is pumping more blood; this helps to release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins and reduce your cramps. Exercising three to four times a week is good for the overall health of your body, but it is especially important if you’re prone to painful menstrual cramps. It is important that you continue with gentle exercise during your periods. It helps by releasing beta-endorphins, which are internal Opioids — your own ‘human morphine’.
Apply heat
Heat helps to relax the contracting muscles in your uterus, which is the cause for your pain. There are many over-the-counter heating patches and pads, such as ThermaCare, Bengay, or electric, reusable ones. Or, even taking a regular plastic bottle with hot water and applying it to your abdomen is an alternative when you don’t have access to a heating pad. Taking a bathe and simply letting the hot water run through your abdomen and back. Would do a lot for you.
Drink chamomile tea
A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry found that there might be pain-relieving properties in this fragrant tea. “This is one of a growing number of studies that provide evidence that commonly used natural products really do contain chemicals that may be of medicinal value,” said Elaine Holmes, Ph.D., a chemist with the Imperial College of London. The research found that when 14 participants were given urine samples, their urinary levels had a significant increase in hippurate, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatory drugs help to decrease the prostaglandin production, thus relieving menstrual cramps.
Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D
Prevention is always better than the cure, which is why making sure your body has enough vitamin D is important in preventing menstrual cramps. A study found that high doses of vitamin D3 led to a significant decrease in menstrual cramps. As reported byHealth.com, “40 Italian women were split into two groups: one receiving a single oral dose of 300,000 IUs of vitamin D3 and the other getting a placebo five days before the expected start of their menstrual periods.” Their pain scored dropped by 41 percent, while those in the placebo group saw no change in their pain scale. Taking a healthy glass of milk in the mornings should take care of your vitamin D deficiency.
Have an orgasm
Yes, that’s right — orgasms help to relieve all kinds of pain, including menstrual cramps. Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps. Orgams relieve the pain through the release of endorphins, which help you to feel instantly better. They also help to relax your whole body and induce sleep so you won’t feel any cramping at all.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Dietary Tips:
*Have generous helpings of papaya during and before your periods. Papaya contains ‘papain’ an enzyme that helps to regulate and helps to ease the flow during menstruation.
*Carrots are not only good for your eyes; they also assist in regulating menstruation. A tall glass of carrot juice can go a long way in making you feel much better.
*Aloe vera juice with honey is also well known to ease the flow and reducing the pain.
*Caffeine.“We advise patients who have a lot of menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms to limit caffeine,” says Bart D. Putterman, MD, an ob-gyn at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women in Houston. That means no coffee or tea (unless it’s decaf) and no caffeinated sodas, energy drinks, or chocolate.Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, which can cause cramps. Dr. Putterman says that some women may find proactively avoiding caffeine is best, but certainly avoid caffeine when you’re having a rough time.
It is natural to feel bloated before your periods, if you reduce your salt intake a few days before your periods it will help your kidneys flush out excess water.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/ideas-for-menstrual-cramp-relief.aspx
http://www.medicaldaily.com/menstrual-cramps-6-home-remedies-247558
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/tried-and-tested-tips-to-reduce-pain-during-menstrual-periods/
