Several foods can provide us with a lot of benefits and help alleviate the menstrual symptoms. Let us look at some foods to eat to reduce period cramps.
Top 10 Foods To Relieve Period Cramps
Here is a list of top 10 foods to relieve menstrual cramps:
1. Nuts And Seeds
High in magnesium, nuts, and seeds help reduce cravings for chocolates and other junk foods, this helps us prevent bloating and other related discomforts.
2. Dark Chocolate
Studies show that dark chocolate satisfies junk food cravings and increases serotonin levels, which in turn helps reduce depression and fatigue. You can have a one-ounce square of dark chocolate during your periods.
3. Water
Water is basically not a food, but a crucial component of your period diet. Water will flush out the excess sodium that drives bloating and migraines.
4. Beans And Legumes
Our digestive systems become abnormal during these days. Fiber-rich beans and legumes help control the digestive system. Too much consumption of beans may also lead to gas formation. Assure that the beans are soaked overnight and pressure cooked. Beans also have Vitamin B, which flushes out toxins.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is a great pick-me-up. But you should avoid caffeine during periods as it leads to painful cramps and bloating. Choose soothing chamomile tea and ginger-based water like peach and ginger water. Ginger water also helps balance stomach problems related to coffee beans.
6. Complex Carbohydrate-Rich Foods
Fruits, vegetables and whole foods offer ease during periods. These help to decrease sugar cravings. Other complex carbohydrate-rich foods include apricots, cucumbers, artichokes, oranges, plums, pears, corn, and carrots.
7. Vitamin C-rich Foods
Vitamin C maintains the condition of the woman’s eggs and reproductive system. Vitamin C is present in lemons and grapefruit. Parsley is rich in Vitamin C, but when used in a tea, it helps decrease muscle pains and aches.
8. Calcium-rich Foods
As per the guidelines, women need 1200 mg of calcium as per the RDA. Try and add broccoli, kale, and yogurt to your diet. Have smoothies made with yogurt and antioxidant-rich fruits, such as mango and papaya. You can also include sesame seeds in your diet.
9. Vitamin B6-rich Foods
Vitamin B6 is an amazing stress buster. It raises your mood and keeps the blues away. It combats the dreaded bloating. Fill up on potatoes, oatmeal, and bananas.
10. Vitamin E-rich Foods
Vitamin E helps in reducing PMS symptoms and is good for your skin too. Include avocados, hemp seeds, and egg yolk in your diet for a good dose of Vitamin E.
Bottomline
Consumption of these natural foods for period cramps will surely help you. As a suggestion, avoid excess dairy products as these can trigger cramps; also limit excess sugar and excess salty foods to avoid bloating. Alcohol and red meat are also not good as they can upset your stomach. Calm down and take a deep breath and tell yourself, “This too shall pass”. Stay healthy and stay happy.
