Pineapples to Alleviate Menstrual Pain

You know you are about to get a visit from Aunt Flow when the cramps start rolling in. That aching, sometimes dull, sometimes shooting, sometimes unbearable pain is something most of us ladies have to deal with every month. Although it isn't fair, it is a fact of life and something we have to deal with.

Some over the counter medications promise relief from this pain, the bloating, and the mood swings. But, if you are like me, you would rather attempt to not put any drugs in your system that you don't have to. The following is some tried and true methods to relieve the pain naturally.

1. Drink fresh pineapple juice or eat fresh pineapples. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can be used to help treat many conditions.

2. Heat. Apply a heat pad to your abdomen or lower back to help relieve the pain associated with period cramps. You can make your own by filling a thick sock with rice and heating it in the microwave.

3. Exercise. Exercising releases hormones and endorphins in your body that may help alleviate the pain.

4. Drink plenty of fluids. A dehydrated body will feel the pain more. Water is better. Drinking anything with excess sugar, sodium, or caffeine may only aggravate the pain.

5. A more than warm, but, not HOT bath. It is best to shower first, and then lay in the tub. This is to help prevent any urinary tract infections. It is always recommended to shower before you take a soak in the tub. You need to wash off any dirt, oils, etc from your body before you lay in a pool of water. Otherwise, you are just lying in a tub of your own filth.

6. Try to relax. Listen to soothing music, clear your mind of negative thoughts or stress. Light some candles, lie in bed, put the hot sock at your pain points and just relax.

7. Take your vitamins. I am a firm believer in vitamins and do not consider them 'drugs'. Some vitamins that specifically help with period cramps are zinc and calcium. Studies have shown that taking these vitamins in the pill form, or as part of your diet can help with period cramps, bloating, and PMS symptoms.

8. Stretch. Some studies have shown that women who have pelvic organ disorders have been found to have tight iliopsoas. The iliopsoas are muscles on either side of your pelvis that stretch from the lower spine to the femur. In a partial side lunge, spread your legs and turn your body over the trailing leg. Slightly bend your knees and lean to the other side. Repeat this several times to help loosen up those muscles.

9. It may sound strange, but, curling up into a ball on the floor or on your bed can help as well. Lie on your side and bring your knees up as far as you can towards your chin. Hold your legs with your arms and pull in. This is much like the fetal position. I have found that doing this on the cold bathroom floor really helps with period cramps.

10. Give it time. Menstrual cramps generally only last a few days and the pain is generally intermittent. If the pain is always excruciating and effects your daily life for more than a day or so, you should seek medical attention as you may have problems bigger than just normal run of the mill period cramps.

It is always so easy to reach for the Ibuprofen or Midol at the first sign of cramps. I do not judge anyone for taking medications. I take medications only when I have to. I make every attempt to avoid taking medications, but, sometimes natural treatment measures just do not work. Hopefully these will for you, as they have for me.