Tried and tested tips to reduce pain during menstrual periods

It's that time of the month again! Suddenly those long
walks along the beach, that fun day with friends, and
shopping sprees, have been replaced with dizziness, nausea,
and a strong urge to just lie in bed. How you wish there was
a magic pill to take all those pains away!
So what's all the fuss about? Why all the discomfort during
your period?
Menstrual cramps are caused due to the shedding of the
inner lining of the uterine wall. This shedding is assisted by
a host of hormones, the master being 'prostaglandins'.
Where there is pain there are prostaglandins! This hormone
is also prominent during delivery. It is responsible for
pushing the lining of the uterus out. Apart from all the
hormonal action, the poor uterus is devoid of blood,
therefore the muscle spasms. In severe cases this condition
is called Dysmenorrhea.
Now that we know why we suffer from menstrual cramps,
here are some tips to help relieve the discomfort:
Keep up the exercise:
It is important that you continue with gentle exercise
during your periods. It helps by releasing beta-endorphins,
which are internal Opioids — your own 'human
morphine'.
It is natural to feel bloated before your periods, if you
reduce your salt intake a few days before your periods it
will help your kidneys flush out excess water.
Read: Basics of weight training
Dress for comfort:
Avoid tight clothes, especially at the waist. They only hurt
the stomach and further compressing it causes discomfort.
Leave that belly alone!
Try some home remedies:
A great pain reliever is the wild yam (Ratalu), its
antispasmodic qualities help in making the day that much
more bearable.
Raspberry leaf or jasmine flavored green tea work
wonders in calming the body and mind.
Include a glass of milk in your breakfast. Calcium is a
good cure for cramps. If you are not such a 'milk' person
or are lactose intolerant about 600mg (2-4 tablets) of
calcium chewables should do the trick.
Indulge in generous helpings of papaya during and before
your periods. Papaya contains 'papain' an enzyme that
helps to regulate and helps to ease the flow during
menstruation.
Carrots are not only good for your eyes; they also assist in
regulating menstruation. A tall glass of carrot juice can go
a long way in making you feel much better.
Aloe Vera juice with honey is also well known to ease the
flow and reducing the pain.
Avoid red meat and caffeine. They have properties that
exacerbate the pain
Have a hot shower. Concentrate the flow of water on your
back and abdomen. A hot water bag also helps to relieve
discomfort.
Applying lavender oil around your stomach is known to
help relieving cramps in just 10 to 15 mins.
Just remember to be kind to yourself – Relax, read a
book, listen to some soft music or chat up with friends. If
you feel happy and rejuvenated, your mind will help you
fight physical pain.
However, if you are suffering from the type of pain you
have never experienced before, do monitor it closely. You
may want to see a doctor to rule out any cause such as
Endometriosis, Fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
(PCOS/PCOD), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Premenstrual
Syndrome.