Menstruation is a natural process that occurs in women. It is a cycle where a woman’s body prepares for conception; when she does not conceive, the lining of the uterus starts shedding at the end of the cycle. This process is called menstruation or periods. Periods usually last for three to seven days and are sometimes accompanied by painful cramps, mood swings, lethargy, and other bodily changes. Menstrual cramps are very common among all the other symptoms of menstruation. They are experienced mainly in the lower back, legs, and lower abdomen.
Why Women Experience Cramps During Periods?
Menstrual cramps are also known as “dysmenorrhea” in medical terms. It is caused due to the contraction of the uterine walls to shed its inner lining during menstruation. For some women, the pain is almost negligible; but for others, it can create a hindrance in performing their daily chores. Most women prefer taking painkillers to manage menstrual cramps. As a modern-day woman, dealing with cramps and being on the go can be tough especially on the first few days of your cycle. But over time, women have found ways to deal with cramps and a way to get through those three to five days of painful and uncomfortable time. A few trusty and easy tips to deal with your menstrual cramps when you are on the go are listed below.
Things You Can Do To To Get Rid Of Period Cramps On the Go
Herbal Teas
Ayurvedic or Herbal Teas are extremely easy to make and offer a deep sense of comfort and help relieve cramps almost instantaneously. Brew teas with ginger, peppermint, rhubarb, jasmine and add a dash of honey and lime zest for a better taste.
Hydrate yourself
Water! Water! Water! Hydrating yourself is key. Sometimes, you experience cramps because of dehydration. Hence, it is essential to keep drinking water and hydrating yourself from time to time.
Himalaya QDEE Cramp Mouth Dissolving Tablets
Himalaya QDEE Cramp Mouth Dissolving Tablets help by providing symptomatic relief from monthly cramps and discomfort. It is a quick mouth dissolving tablet. Based on a clinical study, it starts acting in 11 minutes. Q-DEE Mouth Dissolving Cramps tablet is enriched with the goodness of cinnamon and licorice for providing quick relief from pain, discomfort, and inflammation.
Cinnamon
Don’t worry! we won’t ask you to just consume a teaspoon of cinnamon. Even a generous sprinkle of cinnamon in your breakfast cereal, coffee or even hot chocolate proves to be very helpful. Cinnamon helps deal with nausea, reduces excessive bleeding on your period and also helps combat severe cramping.
Eat Dark Chocolate
Is there anything chocolate can’t solve? Chocolate boosts serotonin in your brain which uplifts your mood and helps you deal with PMS and constant mood swings.
Take Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds or commonly known as saunf is very effective in beating cramps. Fennel seeds help women dealing with severe cramps, they help reduce inflammation which ultimately reduce cramping and discomfort.
Drink Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is one of the best forms of self care. It kills the inflammation and helps reduce cramps. Studies have proven that Chamomile tea is a very effective painkiller and works super quickly to help deal with menstrual pain.
Consuming Bananas
Bananas are easy to find and also help a great deal with menstrual pain. They are rich in fibre and help with easy bowel movement and also aid in reducing bloating. Bananas have a high magnesium content which are known to reduce cramping. But it is important to eat them in moderation since they have a very high level of natural sugars.
Drinking Kombucha
Most women experience yeast infection when on their period. Kombucha is rich in magnesium and that helps deal with cramping and is anti-inflammatory. Avoid drinking Kombucha with added sugar.
Food Items You Should Avoid To Reduce Cramping
Caffeine
You may feel like coffee is the only resort for you to get through the day but it increases inflammation which alleviates cramping.
Fried Foods
Fried Foods are delicious and literally satisfy most of your cravings but can cause increased inflammation which also adds to the pain.
Aerated Drinks
Bubbly, aerated drinks often cause bloating and increase the pain. The sugary drinks don’t offer any relief but worsen the pain.
Alcohol
Alcohol tends to worsen PMS symptoms which may even lead to prolonged cramping. Hence, it is safe to say that you must try and avoid drinking during your periods.
Excessive Salt
Sodium intake leads to bloating which may affect your cramping. Although it is not advisable to follow a low sodium diet throughout the month, it is best to reduce sodium intake during your time of the month.
This blog is in partnership with Himalaya Wellness.