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It is hard to go by even one day when you're suffering from excruciating stomach cramps, a weakened body and heavy flow on your periods. This becomes even worse when it's the most important day of your life and keeping a smile on your face seems like a big challenge. At times like this, you can only fall back to painkillers to get instant relief. But this habit also comes with several harmful consequences.
What if you get to know there are foods that can help you deal with period cramps and also keep you in a good mood all day? Yes, you heard that right! You can get relief from your cramps effectively just by including some foods in your diet.
Not only do these foods help with period pain, but they also help in keeping the flow normal, keep the body energetic and also help in regulating the cycle. From leafy greens to lean proteins, know the benefits of these magical foods and ease your cramps to live the day to the fullest.
7 Foods To Get Relief From Period Cramps
1) Leafy Greens
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Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard can help you deal with weakness, fatigue and heavy loss of blood, and enrich your body with nutrients. These greens are filled with iron and magnesium that help in dealing with iron loss with blood and supply the body with adequate energy.
2) Dark Chocolate
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Dark chocolate can act as an ultimate mood enhancer when you're facing difficulty in your periods. Dark chocolate contains magnesium which helps in relaxing muscles and easing the contractions in the uterus. Moreover, dark chocolate also contains potassium which helps in preventing bloating in the muscles by retaining water.
3) Ginger
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Ginger is a magical medicine to boost mood and get relief from period cramps instantly. It is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve bloating in the stomach which helps in reducing pain. Evidence suggests that raw ginger is helpful in treating dysmenorrhea (period pain) and regular consumption will help you see better results.
4) Berries
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Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, blueberries and other berries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in managing inflation in the body and reduces period pain effectively. In a study published by Nutrients Journal in 2020, it was revealed that women who consumed strawberries showed fewer signs of menstrual pain than those who didn't consume strawberries.
5) Nuts
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Nuts such as almonds, cashews, peanuts and walnuts are a rich source of protein, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these factors contribute to reducing dysmenorrhea in women and improving mood as well. In a study published by F1000 Research in 2018, it was suggested that eating nuts every morning for breakfast can reduce the incidences of dysmenorrhea.
6) Turmeric
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Turmeric is one of the most effective herbs to get relief from period pain. Turmeric is a source of curcumin which effectively helps reduce inflammation and cramps. In a study conducted on examining the effects of curcumin on menstrual patterns, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea, it was found that curcumin reduced both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and period pain in young women.
7) Whole Grains
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Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, wheat, and brown rice can fuel the body and sustain energy levels which helps in reducing mood swings. In a study published by Nutrients Journal in 2022, adherence to a diet with whole grains has been linked with reducing PMS and also getting relief from mood swings. They also help in better digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
8) Lean Proteins
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Lean proteins like chicken, tofu, soybean and legumes can be beneficial in filling the body with essential nutrients, sustain energy and supplement muscular function. In a study published by Healthcare Journal in 2023, the importance of proteins is highlighted in association with menstrual pain and it is effective in preventing and improving menstrual pain and PMS.
If you are suffering from your period cramps a lot and want to get a permanent solution for it, it is time to include these foods in your diet and say goodbye to pain. Just make sure to steer clear of snacks and junk foods that can reverse the effects of a healthy diet.
