8 Foods That Help Relieve Period Pain 

For most women, periods are a fact of life. Every month, we go through the same cycle: ovulation, followed by a few days of waiting, and then came PMS and the dreaded period. While some women breeze through their periods with very little discomfort, others are not so lucky. For them, periods can be a time of debilitating pain, with cramps so severe that they often have to miss school or work.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ease period pain. One is to take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or aspirin. Another is to try one of the many home remedies like a hot water bottle or a heating pad. And last but not least, you can change your diet. Believe it or not, what you eat can have a big impact on how much pain you experience during your period. So what foods may help to ease period cramps? keep reading to learn about foods that can help.

Here are foods that can help reduce period pain.

1. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in magnesium, a mineral that has been shown to help relieve menstrual cramps. In particular, magnesium helps to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus and reduces the amount of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain during menstruation. Most of all, leafy greens are rich in calcium and potassium, two minerals that also act as muscle relaxants. Most importantly, leafy green vegetables are high in iron, which helps to combat blood loss due to menstruation.

2. Bananas

Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps relax muscle contractions—including those in the uterus that cause menstrual cramps. Moreover, they contain vitamin B6, which has been found to treat premenstrual symptoms. But that’s not all. Bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help promote regularity helping to avoid constipation which can exacerbate cramping.

3. Avocados

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and ease period-related bloating. They are also a great source of magnesium and potassium, both of which have been shown to help fight period cramps.

4. Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea. But it turns out it’s also great for relieving period pain. Ginger contains gingerol, an anti-inflammatory compound that can help with cramps as well as bloating caused by gas or constipation. You can drink ginger tea or add fresh ginger to your recipes throughout the week to get the most benefit.

Also Read: Benefits Of Ginger Tea

5. Flaxseed 

Flaxseed is one of the best foods that help with period pain. It contains lignans (phytoestrogens) which are plant-based estrogens. This is believed to potentially balance hormone levels and reduce cramping as well as bloating. You can add flaxseed to just about anything — smoothies, oatmeal, salad — so it’s a very easy way to get some extra pain relief. 

6. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can help ease menstrual cramps. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, making it an effective treatment for menstrual periods. Besides, drinking chamomile tea is also a great way to relax, which can help soothe away the stress and anxiety that often comes with a period. Drink a cup of chamomile tea three times a day for the best results.

7. Salmon and other fatty fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. This can help ease painful cramps and other PMS symptoms like bloating. Plus, fatty fish is a great source of protein and can help to keep energy levels up while you’re on your period.

8. Walnuts

Walnuts are an excellent food to consume during menstrual cramps. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. All of these nutrients can help ease painful cramps associated with menstruation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes period pain? 

The main cause of period pain is contractions in the uterus. These contractions are caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are produced in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins stimulate the muscle contractions that expel the uterine lining during menstruation. They also cause inflammation and swelling of the uterus, which can lead to pain.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why You Are Getting Your Period Twice In A Month

When should I see a doctor about my period pain?

If you’re experiencing severe pain that interferes with your ability to carry out your normal activities or if you have other symptoms like fever or heavy bleeding, you should see a doctor. In most cases, however, period pain does not require medical treatment and can be managed at home.

What can I do to relieve period pain?

There are some things you can do to relieve period pain. First, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and ease the pain. You can also try placing a heating pad on your lower abdomen or taking a hot bath to relax your muscles and ease cramps. Finally, be sure to get enough rest and stay hydrated throughout your cycle. 

Are there any home remedies for period pain?

In addition to over-the-counter medication and heat therapy. Several home remedies can help relieve period pain. One popular remedy is drinking ginger tea or chamomile tea. You can also try eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or nuts, which can also help reduce inflammation. What’s more, exercise has been shown to help reduce the intensity of period cramps, so even a light walk or some gentle yoga could ease the cramping and discomfort.

How can I prevent period pain?

There’s no surefire way to prevent period pain entirely, but there are things you can do to lessen the severity of your symptoms. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet (including plenty of fruits & veggies), and manage stress levels by participating in activities like yoga or meditation. In some cases, birth control pills can also help to reduce the intensity of period pains by regulating hormone levels.

Will anything makes my period pain worse?

Certain things can make period pains worse, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, eating greasy or processed foods, and not getting enough exercise. If you’re trying to manage your period pains, it’s best to avoid these trigger foods & habits.

Learn More: 9 Signs Your Period Is Coming