Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus. During each menstrual period, if there are no sperm to fertilize the egg, the uterus contracts to expel its lining. This process is driven by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.
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What Causes Menstrual Colic
These uterine contractions cause much of the pain felt during menstrual cramps. The contractions inhibit the flow of blood to the lining of the uterus. If the uterus contracts too hard, it can press against nearby blood vessels. This cuts off the oxygen supply to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain occurs when part of a muscle briefly loses its oxygen supply.
Medicines for menstrual cramps
Taking ibuprophene at the first sign of menstrual discomfort or cramps is the commonly recommended and most commonly used solution for menstrual cramps. But both ibuprofen and pain relievers can be harmful to your health. These medications should be the last resort for treating pain, and preferably not an addition to your monthly diet.
Why is the consumption of ibuprophene not recommended? Without going into too much detail, ibuprofen can cause negative side effects on the digestive system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Home remedies for menstrual cramps
In the spectrum of home remedies for common menstrual cramps, we can find a natural solution that eventually helps bring oxygen to the muscles. This is good since the pain caused by menstrual cramps is due to the intense contractions that temporarily cut off oxygen to the surrounding muscles.
The most common natural remedies for menstrual cramps include:
- Exercise
- Electric cushion (relaxes muscles and oxygenates the body)
- Acupuncture
- Abdominal massage
- Hot baths
- Yoga
- Proper sleep
These are certainly great things to try for immediate menstrual cramp relief if you are in the middle of a painful cycle. These are true natural remedies for menstrual cramps.
Traditional diet for menstrual pain relief
When you think about the standard American diet, it is easy to see why menstrual cramps are such a common problem in women. Menstrual cramps affect more than 50% of women, and among these, up to 15% would describe their menstrual cramps as strong cramps.
The following is not a complete list. These are simply a few food suggestions that can be used to help restore balance to your body. Remember that if your body has been dealing with poor diet for many years, it will take some time to heal, and depending on the body and the care you have taken this can take up to a year or more.
Maca Root:
The maca is a cruciferous root is growing in the highlands of Peru and has been cultivated for about two thousand years ago. It has traditionally been and is currently used as a food. Peruvians believe that it gives strength and endurance that helps improve fertility, and supports pregnancy and menstruation. Incorporating maca root into your diet can have long-term benefits to avoid the severe pain of menstrual cramps.
Magnesium and calcium:
These two minerals reduce muscle pain, resulting in an effective home remedy for natural menstrual pain relief. Although it may take time for you to see a noticeable effect.
Research also suggests that getting 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day can help decrease many of your menstrual symptoms.
Fish:
Fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids not only support heart health but also contain an anti-inflammatory effect that can help with menstrual cramps, as well as reduce bloating.
Also be sure to include cod liver oil: It has the benefits of Omega 3 and vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of minerals.
Try to eat good fats: Foods rich in good fats include the coconut oil and avocados or avocados, among the most recognized.
Foods to avoid:
- Phytoestrogens like soy
- Caffeine
- Processed foods