For advanced menstruation: 7 simple tips to avoid pain

As women, we almost all experience the pain that often accompanies menstrual bleeding. For some it is just an unpleasant episode on the first day, for others, it is a devastating pain that can many times only be overcome with medication. Whichever group you fall into, the following tips and ideas may help and who knows, you may even be able to skip the painkillers. And if you’re also interested in the sunnier side of being a woman and would like to read more about simple but great beauty trends and products, you should look here.

Relaxation, stress relief

The ambiguity of the term suggests that there may be a link between stress and spasmodic physical pain. So those who regularly suffer from severe cramps during menstruation would be wise to find an effective stress relief method for themselves because as their internal tension eases, their pain will also be significantly reduced. Relaxation, yoga, and mind control can help, but so can the simplest, traditional, relaxing methods — a pleasant walk, consciously slowed breathing, deep inhalation and gradual release of air.

Warmth for the tummy

Heat is also known to have a relaxing, pain-relieving effect. A warm shower or bath, a heating pad on the tummy or even a thick towel wrapped around the waist can bring relief.

Physical activity

In the past, women took it for granted that they would feel sick on menstruation days, especially the first day with the strongest cramps, even staying at home and trying to survive the discomfort by taking it easy in bed. It was common practice for secondary school girls to ask for a day off from gym class. Nowadays, however, there is a growing realisation that activity is good for them. The stress-relieving effects of regular exercise on these days should not be ignored, and activity also helps circulation, boosts metabolism and reduces water retention, which is also important on these days.

Enjoy your meal

A lot depends on what you eat. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is good for many things: it boosts the immune system, energises the body, regulates water balance and so on. In the days of menstruation, it is better to avoid bloating vegetables such as beans, peas, lentils, and it is not recommended to eat red meats, which are difficult to digest. A small spoonful of linseed oil is beneficial.

Sweet life

As hormones play tricks on us, we might find ourselves craving sweets with unusual intensity. Why not give in to it? There are plenty of healthy snacks to choose from: dried or fresh fruit, oilseeds, wholemeal biscuits, and a cube or two of high-cocoa chocolate is not a bad thing, and is even healthy because of its antioxidant content.

water, Water, WATER

Adequate fluid intake (around 2.5 litres per day) should be ensured during these days, but it should be noted that there is also an increased tendency to water retention. You should therefore be careful, for example, about salt intake and the consumption of caffeinated drinks (coffee, black tea, cola, energy drinks), as these have a water-retaining effect.

Magnesium

The body’s need for magnesium increases during menstruation, with a recommended intake of 200 mg per day. Cereals, dairy products, vegetables and bananas are among the foods that contain it, so it is worth including them in your diet. Increased intake can be started in the week before menstruation. Vitamin B1 intake should be boosted at this time. The most important natural sources are yeast, paddy rice, bran, oatmeal and hazelnuts.

Tea

The small ritual of tea making and stirring is relaxing and stress-relieving in itself, but it’s good to know which herbs have antispasmodic and analgesic properties and are particularly recommended for women’s problems. Examples include chamomile, white mistletoe, shepherd’s purse, fennel, yarrow and horsetail.

Pain intensity and duration are important factors

If you feel the pain is unbearable, please make sure you get yourself checked out! You should know that it is not normal. With a healthy cycle, you shouldn’t have to suffer for days on end with cramps. It is important to find and treat the causes. Many things can be behind it (fibroids, cysts, endometriosis etc). You don’t have to suffer! And if you are told there is nothing to it, go until you find a doctor who takes you seriously. Do yourself this favour!

In addition to the above tips, it is important to emphasise that during these difficult days, although it is worth trying out tried and tested or even newly discovered practices that promise relief, you should first and foremost listen to your own body’s signals! You shouldn’t force yourself to do anything that doesn’t feel right during your period. Allow yourself to relax a bit, to be introspective, to relax more if you feel like it. But if you’re more the type of person who spins as much as usual, then do so. Find ways that work for you!

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/tips-for-pain-free-periods

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324484

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cramp-remedies