12 Foods That Will Make Your Period Cramps So Much More Bearable, According To RDs
You'll feel so much better.
You usually have a general idea of when your period is coming. You may have been tracking it with an app to get to know your monthly cycle better and you know what to expect: bloating, cravings, and menstrual cramps. The pain can range from being mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating. One way to soothe the ache: foods that help with period cramps.
Why do some women get period cramps while others don't? It all comes down to a type of chemical in your body called prostaglandins. This hormone-like substance can trigger the uterine muscles to contract during your period, according to the Mayo Clinic. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe cramps.
That said, multiple factors can affect how much pain your period causes, "including how heavily a woman bleeds, how tight her cervix is, how inflamed her system is, and her perception of pain,” says Wendie Trubow, MD, an ob-gyn.
The good news is that certain foods can help ease cramps. Okay, they won't make the discomfort go away directly, but they may have an impact on the body processes and hormones that lead to period cramps.
Some pro tips on a relatively pain-free period: Avoid processed foods, get enough sleep, manage stress, and take supplements such as methylated B vitamins, which supports hormonal balance, says Dr. Trubow. To get the most of these practices, do them over the entire course of the month, not just during your period.
If you get really bad cramps, you may want to put down that bag of chips or pint of ice cream even when the cravings hit. Here are 12 foods that'll help you feel better throughout your cycle.
Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a digital marketing background and her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley covers topics that can help people live happier and healthier lives.
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