Fruits Can Reduce Menstrual Cramps

For the average woman, the monthly period is a bore. And the feeling
is worse when it is accompanied with pains, otherwise known as
menstrual cramps.

Menstrual cramps -- medically called dysmenorrheal -- are usually felt
in the lower abdomen or back; and they can be mild or severe.

General Practitioner, Dr. Friday Odiase, notes that common menstrual
cramps often start shortly before or at the onset of the period and
continue one to three days. "They usually become less painful as a
woman ages and may stop entirely after the woman has her first baby,"
the physician explains.

Obstetricians say sometimes, menstrual pain could be as a result of
certain disorders in the woman's reproductive organs. Such cramps,
they suggest, usually begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and could
last longer than regular menstrual cramps.

Cramps present in varying ways and degrees. As such, an individual may
experience severe pain in the abdomen, hips, lower back and inner
thighs -- all at the same time! Needless to say, experiences such as
this make young adults to expect their menstrual period with
trepidation.

Odiase says that in the case of severe cramps, the victim may
experience stomach upset that could sometimes be accompanied with
vomiting and passing loose stools. He counsels any individual who
experiences severe menstrual cramps to check with an obstetrician so
as to eliminate the presence of diseases in the reproductive organs.
Such diseases include endometriosis, pelvic inflammation disease and
fibroids.

Experts say taking over-the-counter painkillers as soon as bleeding or
cramping starts will control the pain; while you may also place a
heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen.

"Deploying heat therapy on targeted areas will increase blood flow and
deliver oxygen to the cells. This will help in stretching the muscles
and other connective tissues. It will in turn result in reduced
tension with an increase in flexibility, leading to an overall feeling
of relief and comfort," Odiase counsels.

Foods for cramps

Scientific researchers also assure that there are foods that can at
least reduce the cramps, making life a lot more enjoyable even during
your monthly flow. Such foods include the following...

Bananas

Nutritionists swear that bananas are a rich source of anti-cramping
nutrients such as vitamin B6, which increases energy levels, regulates
moods and lessens bloating. Bananas are also rich in potassium -- a
mineral that our body uses to control muscle contractions. When you
feast regularly on banana before and during your period, therefore,
you are likely to get relief from cramps. Other foods in this category
are fish, chicken and potatoes.

Pineapple

This sweet fruit is the only one of its type that contains bromelain,
an enzyme that is believed to help relax muscles and thus help with
menstrual cramps. Experts say even as a supplement, it's often used to
relieve pain andinflammation.

Ginger

Whether taken as tea or used as food seasoning agent, ginger is known
for its health-promoting properties; and in traditional Chinese
medicine, it is widely used as a remedy for menstrual cramps. Fresh
ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is
available year round in the open markets. Check with the mallam that
sells groceries in open cart.

Walnuts

Though walnuts are seasonal, the good news is that they are currently
in season! Researchers say consuming walnuts in moderate quantity can
greatly help women who suffer from period cramps. This is because
walnuts are rich in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids which act as
anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agents. Other omega 3-rich foods
include cold-water fish such as salmon, cod and halibut; as well as
flaxseed.

Again, walnuts are rich in vitamin B6, which happens to be a potent
pain-relieving vitamin. They are also rich in magnesium -- a nutrient
that relieves menstrual cramps.

Spinach

This is a green vegetable that is readily available and which grows
around the house. This vegetable is reputed to provide an ample supply
of many nutrients that have been shown to fight menstrual cramps. Such
nutrients include vitamin E, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Indeed,
physicians warn that a deficiency in magnesium can worsen menstrual
cramps. "The severity and duration of menstrual cramps can be reduced
by restoring magnesium to normal levels via the consumption of
cashews, wheat germ and pinto beans," nutritionists advise.