Food that helps menstrual cramps

All women are very well aware of the menstruation pains. It is something all women can associate themselves with. Everyone has their own version of menstruation experiences, for some it is extremely painful while for others it’s just like any normal routine. Medically referred as dysmenorrheal, these cramps generally occur in the lower part of the abdomen and at times can be felt in the lower back area and thighs.    

So girls, if you are experiencing heaving menstrual cramps and just don’t know what to do about it, this blog will surely help you. 

Here are some foods that offer relief from painful and uncomfortable menstrual cramps;

• Bananas

This yellow skinned fruit has immense health benefits and one of it includes offering relief from menstrual cramps. The fruit is rich in anti-cramping nutrients, which include vitamin B6. Moreover, banana is also loaded with potassium that reduces water retention, which helps women experiencing bloating in menstruation. Now you got another reason to add bananas to your daily diet. 

• Fenugreek Seeds

I remember my mom giving me kada's and laddus made of fenugreek seeds (methi) during my early days of menstruation. This pungent-sweet flavored seeds serve as a popular remedy for menstrual pains. You can easily find them in grocery stores in whole and grounded form. I would suggest you to buy the whole seeds and grind them when required as grounded seeds easily become stale.

• Pineapple

  

Pineapple is another fruit that is a must added food in your anti-cramp diet. Regularly eating pineapple help relax muscles that cause menstrual cramps. The fruit is rich source of bromelain, an enzyme which is found mainly in the stem of the fruit. This part, however is not tasty like the flesh but is edible.

• Oats

If you experience painful periods then daily eat a bowl of oatmeal in breakfast. Oats are a rich source of anti-cramping mineral magnesium. Moreover, they have abundance of zinc that aids painful periods. However, soak oats for several hours before eating them. Untreated oats contain phytic acid, which has the potential to block absorption of zinc, calcium and magnesium in the intestines. Soaking them breaks down and neutralizes phytic acid thereby improving its nutritional value.

• Ginger

Chinese people consider ginger as an age old remedy to help menstrual cramps. Ginger, though is called as an aromatic food with pungent flavor has immense health promoting properties. Not only in China but evidences from around the world prove that ginger is excellent remedy for menstrual cramps. Fresh ginger is available almost all throughout the year in Indian markets. Hence make the best use of it during your most uncomfortable days of the month.

• Spinach

If Popeye was your favorite cartoon then you must not resist including spinach in your diet. This green veggie is a brilliant health food and is one of the most important foods for women experiencing painful menses. Spinach offers ample amount of nutrients that fight menstrual cramps, such as vitamin E, B6 plus magnesium.

• Walnuts

Walnuts may be rich in fats but consuming this dry fruit in moderation can greatly benefit women experiencing menstrual cramps. It also has abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which possess anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving properties. Eat them as snack or add it to your various sweet dishes, walnuts when eaten in moderation will benefit you a lot.

• Sesame Seeds

No food can beat sesame seeds, when it comes to ward off menstrual pains. Loaded with nutrients, Sesame seeds are known to remarkably reduce menstrual cramps. A rich source of vitamin B6, having half a cup of sesame seeds daily is enough to provide your body the recommended daily intake of the vitamin. The seeds also have healthy fatty acids that relax muscles and reduce cramping of muscles. 

Following these tips will surely help you get some relief from the pain and uncomfort experienced during periods.