Table of contents:
- Drink water
- Eat foods that reduce pain
- 1. Foods that contain calcium
- 2.Cinnamon
- 3. Ginger
- 4. Brown rice
- 5. Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds (pumpkin seed)
- 6. Chicken, fish, and green leafy vegetables
- Avoid foods that can make cramps worse
- Using a hot compress
- Sports
- Drugs
For women, it is not uncommon for stomach cramps to appear when you are menstruating. This usually really interferes with your daily activities. Good news for you, there are several ways that you can apply to reduce your menstrual pain or pain.
Drink water
Drinking lots of water is definitely a familiar recommendation. But indeed, drinking water has many benefits, including to reduce menstrual pain. Warm water is usually better for cramping, because warm fluids increase blood circulation to the skin and help relax cramped muscles. You can also eat foods or fruits that contain lots of water, such as lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, and berries.
Eat foods that reduce pain
Here is a list of foods that you can consume to reduce pain or cramps when you are menstruating:
1. Foods that contain calcium
Calcium can help reduce menstrual muscle cramps. It is recommended for women aged 19-50 years to consume about 1000 mg of calcium per day. Here is a list of foods rich in calcium:
- Dairy based foods
- Almonds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Sesame seeds
Calcium can also be obtained from supplements. However, talk to your doctor first before taking supplements to make sure they are safe for you.
2.Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been used to reduce colds and allergies. However, it turns out that cinnamon can also help reduce menstrual cramps. In addition, cinnamon is rich in fiber, calcium and iron. In addition, cinnamon also contains manganese, a mineral that can help reduce problems during menstruation.
3. Ginger
Ginger can help relieve health problems such as fever, flu, headaches, and menstrual pain. Drinking a piece of ginger mixed with warm water can help relieve menstrual cramps.
4. Brown rice
Brown rice contains vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 can help you reduce bloating during menstruation.
5. Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds (pumpkin seed)
The three foods mentioned above are rich in manganese, which as mentioned earlier, manganese is a mineral that can help reduce pain or cramps during menstruation.
6. Chicken, fish, and green leafy vegetables
Chicken, fish and green leafy vegetables contain iron. Iron is one component that is lost during menstruation. Therefore, it is good for you to re-fill your body with iron through the food you eat.
Avoid foods that can make cramps worse
During your period, try to avoid foods that will make your menstrual cramps or pain worse. Here are the foods you need to avoid:
- Fatty foods
- Alcohol
- Carbonate drink
- Caffeine
Using a hot compress
Compressing the stomach or waist with a hot compress can reduce pain when you menstruate. If you don't have a heater, you can soak a towel in hot water and place it on your stomach or waist. Or, you can also make the heater yourself. Here's how:
- Make a cloth bag.
- Fill the bag with rice, then sew the open side so that it is now a closed bag like a pillow.
- Heat this rice bag in the microwave for a few minutes. Don't get too hot.
- Then let this bag of rice cool a little, then compress it to your stomach or waist. You can also wrap the rice bag in a towel so you can apply it right away without having to wait for it to cool. This tool can be reused later.
Sports
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are substances that function as painkiller and enhancers mood natularly. Activities such as taking a walk can help you reduce menstrual pain. Yoga is also a great choice of exercise to stimulate your body to release endorphins. Apart from being painkiller and enhancers mood, exercising can also help you improve blood circulation to your reproductive organs, relieve stress, and relax.
Drugs
You can also take pain medication to reduce your pain. However, don't forget to pay close attention to the rules of use. Also, do not take more than the prescribed dose even though you are still feeling the pain. Do not also take these drugs if you have experienced drug allergies before. The following is a list of medicines that you can get without a doctor's prescription:
- Acetaminophen (you should consult your doctor first if you want to take it while you are pregnant)
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Aspirin (should not be taken by women under the age of 20, unless recommended by a doctor)
You should see a doctor if you experience:
- The pain is getting worse
- Cramps still occur even though your menstrual period is over
- Your complaints increase, for example, fever
- These pains and cramps occur more frequently