Getting Rid of Menstrual Cramps

When most people think of relieving menstrual cramps, they think of taking a pain reliever, not of changing their diet. But there are many foods out there that can help lessen the pain of menstrual cramps, or even do away with them all together.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in B6, which can really help give you less painful cramps. Try having a banana over your cereal each morning throughout the month to help keep your body's pyridoxine level high, and try eating a few extra ones when your period comes. They should really help alleviate symptoms.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelaine, a natural muscle relaxer. Eating some pineapple or drinking pineapple juice can have the same effects as taking an over the counter drug- but it's much better for your body.

Ginger

Not only is ginger an anti-inflammatory, but it also helps to block prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is the hormone that's released that causes painful cramping. Try sipping on ginger ale or a ginger tea all day to keep the cramps at bay.

Skim Milk

Milk is rich in calcium, which naturally helps to reduce cramps. Just 1 cup of skim milk contains a whopping 300mg of calcium, making it the perfect drink choice.

Dried Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds are an easy snack and full of zinc. Studies have shown that if you make sure you get plenty of zinc starting about 4 days before your period occurs, you may be able to avoid getting cramps altogether. Snacking will also help stave off cramps- you should feel better as long as you can keep a full stomach.

Chocolate

Zinc rich chocolate is full of health benefits, and relieving cramps is one of them. Dark chocolate or cocoa is an especially smart choice. Since it contains zinc, it's better to start loading up on chocolate a few days before your period starts. Yum!

Salmon

Salmon is full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely nutritious. Omega-3 works as a natural anti-inflammatory and also helps to block the production of prostaglandins that are thought to cause cramping. Other fish high in Omega-3 are mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna.


Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is a great source of Vitamin E. Studies have shown that Vitamin E can help to reduce period cramps, and can also relieve pain after your period has started. If you have to stay away from peanuts, another great source of Vitamin E is sunflower seeds.

Chicken

Chicken contains niacin, better known as B3. B3 has been used as a way to treat menstrual cramps since the 1950's. If you're a vegetarian, try getting your B3 dosage from lima beans or a bowl of Cheerios. 

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Relieving Stress With Food

When you're overworked and stress, healthy eating habits can be one of the first things you toss aside. However, if you make sure to work just a few of these foods in your diet, you may find yourself being able to manage stress much better.

Broccoli

Broccoli is loaded with B vitamins, which reduce stress naturally. If you add broccoli as a side-dish to any of your meals, or just have it as a quick and easy snack, you should find yourself feeling more relaxed.

Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which naturally stabilizes moods. A good combination of folic acid and broccoli in your diet will have your body producing plenty of serotonin, a chemical that directly effects your mood.


Milk

Milk's not just loaded with B1 and B12 vitamins- it's also a great source of antioxidants and calcium. For a special treat, try adding a little dark chocolate. It's got loads of antiocidants, lowers blood pressure, and is another mood elevator.


Sushi

Most types of fish are full of B vitamins, giving all the benefits mentioned above. However, sushi also contains seaweed, which contains stress-relieving riboflavin, magnesium, and most importantly, pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid helps keep your adrenal glands, which are a crucial part of stress management, healthy and working fine. Sushi made with tuna is an especially good choice.

Blueberries

Blueberries give your body a strong dose of antioxidants and vitamin C, keeping you healthy and your stress low. Blueberries are also a great source of fiber, helping to prevent ailments like constipation that are very common in times of stress.

Almonds

Almonds aren't just a quick and easy snack- they contain vitamin B2 and E, magnesium, zinc and are a great source of unsaturated fat. Try carrying a package of almonds around with you and grabbing a handful when you think you might be in a stressful situation.

Whole-grains

Carbohydrates boost serotonin levels, but only carbs found in whole-grains will keep you calm and relaxed without any sort of crash. Whole-grains are also digested slowly, keeping you feeling full so that you don't have to deal with the irritability that hunger brings.

Fortified Breakfast Cereal

Breakfast is called the most important meal of the day for a reason. Selecting a cereal full of essential vitamins and minerals will help you fight stress at the very start of your day. It will also kick-start your metabolism, helping you to be more alert and to have more concentration. Adding milk to your cereal will also give you those additional benefits.

 

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