Self-Help Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are a common problem and are faced by 70% women and 90% adolescent girls world over. The trauma of periodic spasmodic pains at the beginning of menstrual period in the lower abdomen is sometimes unbearable that it disrupts with daily activities.

Menstrual cramps can be mild or severe. Mild are generally of shorter duration, hardly noticeable and pain is less but severe menstrual cramps are so painful that they can interfere with woman's day to day activities.Cramps do tend to ease off within a day or two but it is better to avoid even that 48 hours of misery.

Earlier this misery in women was considered as psychological by doctors and used to simply prescribe tranquilizers and painkillers without finding the root cause. But, today medical research and studies have made doctors and gynecologists realize the degree of pain and trauma women experience every month and need to look for proper medical care, reduce pain either through regular medicines or alternative medicines.

Following are the self care remedies that will relieve women of menstrual cramps significantly.

1. Keep Warm: Take bath with hot water. Muscles of uterus will be relaxed relieving menstrual cramps discomfort to a great extent. If pain is severe such that one does not have the energy to take bath, then putting hot water pads on stomach or lower back also helps a lot.

2, Drink Hot Liquids: Take hot herbal or ginger tea and lie down in a comfortable position. Please avoid caffeine and alcohol during menstruation.

3. Avoid Junk Food: Please avoid junk food and heavy food. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Eat simple and easily digestible food which will soothe your stomach and abdomen region. Eat little at frequent intervals.

4. Plenty of Rest: Take sufficient rest. Health is utmost important. Rest of things can wait. So please make yourself at ease and comfortable during this time.

5.Exercise: Slight exercise like walking will help reduce muscle tension and increase blood circulation in the pelvic area. If possible, do a little yoga if you know well or learn and do under the guidance of a yoga expert. Yoga brings balance in the body.

6. Nutrition Supplements: Take a good multi-nutrition and multi-mineral supplement. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) decreases menstrual pain by reducing vasospasm in uterine arteries. Vitamin E reduces menstrual pain and cyclic breast pain. Omega 3 fatty acids are antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Calcium helps muscle maintain normal tone.

Final advice for women experiencing menstrual cramps is to avoid food cravings, take ample rest, take good nutritional supplement, and do some exercise or yoga.