HEALTH

Menstrual Pain and its remedy

A lady once told her story about growing up; she said her menstrual period came with so much pains and cramps that sometimes she would end up not going to school for the period that it lasted. Her mum became so worried that she sought for any prescription that would relieve the pains. One day she came back with one called Baragen Tablet and Boscopan, insisting that she should take it. The rest was history because it worsened the situation and it was the most painful menstruation she ever had. Her mum got so scared and trashed the rest of the drugs. But the lady found out one secret, each month she takes enough fruits and veggies, her period always comes less painful.

Menstruation is part of life for all females from puberty till menopause. However, menstruation comes with pains for most women. This pain is caused by constriction of blood vessels in the uterus by a chemical known as prostaglandins. This causes painful muscle contractions known as menstrual cramp. This pain starts a day or 2 before menstrual flow and may persist until the second day of flow. However, menstrual pain reduces with age or after childbirth. Lots of women are not able to function socially or professionally during their menstruation as a result of menstrual pains. So many resort to drugs to reduce the pain, while others just wait for the pain to go away.

Unfortunately, not many women know that nutrition and the right food can eliminate or reduce menstrual pains. The hormonal changes that occur during your period make the body retain water and slow down digestion which adds to the ill feeling associated with your period. Here are some of the foods that will assist you in reducing the menstrual cramps or eradicating pains caused by your period.

Bananas

Banana is a rich source of anti-cramping due to its vitamin B6 nutrient content. If you experience bloating during your menstruation, here is great news for you. Banana contains potassium which helps reduce water retention. You can enjoy your banana fruit in different varieties such as taking it as a simple snack or in your fruit salad. Please note, never substitute your banana fruit with banana chips because they are packed full of calories and contain extra fat and sugar which are not good for you at this period.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a major source of Bromelain which is an enzyme that helps relax muscles and relieves pain caused by menstrual cramps. You can charge your anti-cramp diet by regularly eating pineapple. Eat more of the stem as there is more Bromelain there than any other part. Though the stem is not as tasty as the flesh but it is edible.

Ginger

In our part of the country we complain that foreigners have an awful scent because they consume a lot of ginger. But research has shown that it is very medicinal when you consume it raw. In some cultures, especially in China, ginger is used to reduce menstrual pains. Also ginger may reduce other symptoms like common cold, flu and headache, at times associated with menstrual pains.

Spinach

Don’t get it twisted; this is the spinach you all know. It can serve as your vegetable in any of your meals. Spinach contains large quantities of magnesium, vitamins B6 and Vitamin E. These nutrients and vitamins are very good for fighting menstrual cramps.

Water

Warm or hot but not cold, will increase the flow of blood and help reduce menstrual pains. The water retention caused by your period can be avoided ironically, by drinking more water. It also boosts hydration.

Oatmeal

For people who normally lose their appetite during this period, you can start your day with just oatmeal which is a source of magnesium and is needed during your menstrual period.

Milk, yogurt and Beans

Did I ever forget to mention these earlier? These are good sources of calcium and can help reduce the pain from cramps and fluid retention, as well as assisting in relieving other types of pain that women suffer during menstrual period.

Exercise is also good, it releases pain killing hormones known as endorphins that assist to reduce menstrual pains and lift your mood. Do exercises, at least 20-30 minutes, 5 times a day.

By: Okoye Chizzy