Having your periods can be quite a journey, isn’t it true? From experiencing bloating to hormonal acne to mood swings, and the worst – cramps.
Cramps can occur for many reasons, but it is necessary to know when the cramps become unbearable, and you should consult your gynecologist. Because experiencing some stomach pain is normal during periods, some ways can help you get relief from stomach pain during Periods.
The menstruation cycle is a visitor no one wants in their house. But now that it’s here, let us learn how to deal with this unwanted visitor.
Ways to get relief from stomach pain during your periods.
- Hydration
Keep yourself hydrated during those days – especially in the summers. It is the most important step in getting relief from period cramps. Dehydration causes bloating, which can subsequently cause discomfort and trigger an even more painful menstrual cramp which is certainly not what you want.
Water can reduce bloating and alleviate some of the pain it subsequently causes. Drink hot water with a hint of lemon to reduce bloating and reduce your cramps.
- Anti-inflammatory diet
Having an anti-inflammatory diet – some foods are naturally anti-inflammatory – is a great way to promote blood flow and help your uterus relax, reducing uterine contractions or cramps in a layman’s term.
Eating lots of berries, pineapples, and foods that include spices like turmeric, ginger, or garlic can also help in promoting anti-inflammation. Skip treats that contain artificial sweeteners, like ice cream or a brownie. Sure, they taste great but keep in mind that these are foods that are high in sugar, Trans fat, and also salt, so they are extremely unhealthy for you.
- Choose decaf over-caffeinated drinks.
If you rely heavily on coffee and caffeine to start your day, you should take a break from it during periods because caffeine narrows your blood vessels. This, in turn, will contract your uterus and make cramps even more painful. So if you are desperately in search of your caffeine fix, then worry not. Having a decaf is almost the same and will not cause stomach pain to you during your periods.
- Exercise
Yes, you must be thinking that whoever wrote this article has gone crazy. If someone is in pain, the last thing they want to do is move around and exercise. But trust us, exercising help. Don’t do physically strenuous exercises like HIIT, but doing gentle exercises like yoga or light stretching or just plain walking around for half an hour can help you feel better. This is because gentle moving helps release endorphins in our body – these are those chemicals that make us feel happy and help relax our muscles, which will consequently help reduce our stomach pain.
It is best advised to wear a period cup or a tampon during periods while exercising. However, they are considered best for your health too. So in this way, you can have a win-win situation; you are incorporating your healthy exercise regime and reducing stomach cramps. So everyone wins!
- Apply heat
Applying heat over your painful area, for example, in hot water bottles or taking a relaxing hot bath, can help relax your muscles and improve blood flow. Taking a hot bath can help relieve tension – which is another factor in increasing stomach cramps – and hence can be a deterrent for stomach pain.
Heat will help in improving blood circulation and helps in the growth of our blood vessels to accommodate more blood. In this way, you will feel relaxed, your muscles will have less tension, and consequently, your uterine walls will feel just as relaxed, and you will have minimal to no stomach pain.
Ending Note
We have discussed various methods, and now it is up to you to choose the method that works for you. Try every method you are comfortable with, and choose the best one that suits your body and needs. But do keep in mind to always visit your gynecologist if there is any indication of pain that is not considered normal. Our body always has a way to tell you if there is anything wrong, so always listen to your body and decide accordingly!
