Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of a woman’s uterus. Cramping or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen and back usually starts 1 to 3 days before your period and exacerbates at the onset of the period. For some women menstrual cramps are merely annoying but for others, the pain can be debilitating and can even interfere with everyday activities.
Along with cramping some women also experience nausea, headache, loose stools, and dizziness during their period. Cramping is not always caused due to an underlying disease. However, extremely intense cramping should not be overlooked as it can indicate endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis, and adenomyosis.
Now, let’s take a look at some drinks that can ease the pain associated with period cramps.
Warm water- Human beings run on water. People tend to get irritated, get headaches, and even become tired due to dehydration. And dehydration during periods can cause a great deal of physical discomfort in the form of excessive cramps. Drinking warm water will not only alleviate pain and keep you hydrated but it will also reduce fatigue, improve blood circulation, and prevent bloating.
Ginger tea- Ginger is a staple ingredient in South Asian and South-East Asian cuisine because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Drinking ginger tea (hot water infused with ginger) during periods can ease the swelling of the stomach, reduce bloating, and even alleviate cramp pains, nausea, and upset stomach.
Chamomile tea- Chamomile tea is popular for its calming and soothing properties. This is because chamomile tea contains Hippurate and glycine compounds that relax the uterine walls and reduce muscle spasms. Chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce cramps and its soothing properties bring balance to emotions.
Hot chocolate- Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and several essential micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and potassium. Eating dark chocolate regularly helps regulate blood flow, manage pain, and stop hormones from fluctuating. If you enjoy drinking hot chocolate, then substitute hot chocolate mix with dark chocolate and make yourself a cup of menstruation-friendly hot chocolate.
Papaya juice- Papaya juice is an antioxidant and nutrient-rich beverage that can benefit menstruating women immensely as it eases period pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce bloating and overall make menstruating women comfortable.
Turmeric milk- Like ginger, turmeric is also very popular in Asian cuisine and native medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. Infuse some turmeric in warm milk and drink it every day as it alleviates period cramps and improves the quality of sleep. Turmeric milk also has benefits for skin, hair, and blood circulation.
Carrot juice- Periods can result in iron deficiency and even cause anaemia in some women. Therefore, they should drink a glass of carrot juice regularly in order to maintain a healthy level of iron in the blood at all times. Carrots, which are loaded with iron and are also a great source of vitamin A, also help regulate period flow and increase energy.
Drinks to avoid while menstruating
Food and drinks play a major role in the quality of the period. Therefore, there are also drinks that should be avoided during periods as it exacerbates symptoms that increases discomfort. For instance, alcoholic, high-sugar drinks, and caffeinated drinks should be avoided while menstruating. Caffeinated and high-sugar drinks lead to bloating and flatulence. Whereas alcohol increases the production of estrogen and testosterone in the body and which can lead to mood swings.
