9 Home Remedies To Treat Menstrual Cramps

During a woman’s menstrual cycle (her period), the uterus contracts as a way to assist in shedding the lining. What causes the uterus to constrict, is what is called prostaglandins. This hormone-like trigger causes the inflammation and pain, and that overall is what causes the menstrual cramps.

The cramping usually happens around the lower abdomen and last two or three days during your period but can start one to three days before it. The pain can also come and go or be constantly there. You could even feel the pain in your upper thighs and lower back.

Some women suffer from menstrual cramps worse than others and it can cause headaches, nausea, loose stool, and dizziness.

# No Alcohol or Tobacco

The chemicals in both of these can make the cramping worsen which is not worth the trouble. If you are feeling daring, use your next menstrual cycle as the reason to quit smoking. There is nothing wrong with needing a little motivation, especially if quitting can reduce how painful your cramps are.

# Heat

Using a heating pad, hot water bottle, whatever you have, can be a great way to lessen the cramping. The heat helps to loosen muscles and slow the production of the prostaglandins.

# Painkillers

There are different kinds of over the counter painkillers that you could buy such as Aleve, ibuprofen, or Naproxen. There are even different kinds that are made specifically for menstrual cramps.

# Pleasure

Studies show that one of the best ways to ease menstrual cramps is to pleasure yourself. By ejaculating, your brain sends out oxytocin and endorphins. The latter can stop or lessen pain. On top of that, ejaculating give your muscles something else to do rather than just constantly trying to push out the same thing.

# Remove Bad Things from Your Diet

There are a couple of foods that can increase your menstrual cramping, but it should be easy to avoid them. Do not eat foods that are heavy in salt or fat and do not drink things that are carbonated, alcoholic, or caffeinated.

# Herbs

Like there are foods that can make things worse, there are plants that can make things better. These herbs can help to clean out your a little faster and others can calm and soothe inflammation. Try teas or recipes that contain ginger, chamomile, cinnamon, fennel seeds, or pycnogenol.

# Other Foods to Add to Your Diet

Foods that are high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins are usually a safe bet. Just an idea for something that help a lot of women, there is flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, papaya, broccoli, chicken, almonds, olives, leafy greens, walnuts, and fish.

# Boron

Boron is amazing because it helps to lessen the pain and length of menstrual cramps by absorbing phosphorus and calcium better. You can get a pretty decent amount of boron from avocados, prunes, bananas, peanut butter, and chickpeas.

# Calcium

Since absorbing calcium is important, then calcium itself must be, right? So, if you are between the ages of 19 and 50, it is suggested to that you eat 1,000 mg of calcium a day to help with the shortening of menstrual cramps. To help you to get that 1,000 mg a day, you can eat dairy products, almonds, leafy greens, and sesame seeds since they are all high in calcium.