Killer cramps, unending bleeding, the worry of leaking tampons – if you undergo from massive, painful periods, this is just some of the hell you have to put up with every. single. month. That’s on top of feeling bloated, tired, and irrationally irritated with pretty much everybody. Surely there have got to be some foods that support period pain? Desires are also likely to be roaring, and whilst anything in the realm of good eating may look like a massive test of willpower- a few dietary modifications could help to make this time of the month just a little less excruciating.
1. Dark Chocolate
Do you ever wonder why you crave chocolate around your period? Your body knows what it’s doing when that craving sets in. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that can help your body’s inflammatory response fend off the dreaded cramps.
2. Water
You know drinking water is necessary for your body to function in every way possible, but it also can help you out with all those cramps. Down as much as you can in a day, and you’ll feel like a new human.
3. Bananas
Just like eating a banana after you exercise, eating it when your uterus starts cramping is a great way to get your muscles to chill the hell out. The reason is that bananas contain potassium, which, if you have too little of, can contribute to cramps.
4. Pineapple
There are vitamins and enzymes in pineapples that relax your muscles to combat the cramps, plus this fruit has the bonus of boosting your mood.
5. Salmon
This fish is loaded with omega 3s and vitamin D, which both assist fight those painful cramps just like an anti-inflammatory would.
6. Tea
A cup of tea, green tea, or chamomile tea specifically will soothe your mind, body, and soul. Snuggle up with a mild cup after a long day, and relax into its effects.
7. Flaxseed
Flaxseed works just like salmon by providing the omega 3s you need to help stop those muscles from tensing up and ruining your entire day.
8. Kale
Green smoothie, anyone? Kale is one of the healthiest plant-based sources of calcium that eases the pain associated with your period.
9. Walnuts
Reach for a handful of walnuts for a great bite that’ll keep that omega 3s running through your body.
10. Peanut Butter
Forget a spoonful of sugar; hit a spoonful of peanut butter instead. Peanut butter is rich in vitamin E — another mystic vitamin that assists with swelling and cramping.
11. Sunflower Seeds
Just like peanut butter, sunflower seeds have vitamin E in them. Plus, they are one of the most scrumptious snacks of all time, so go ahead and eat as many as you want. Even if your cramps make you feel awful, you gotta eat during that first phase of your period. Making pleasant choices can help you say buh-bye to those cramps and hello to a period free of pain.
