Cramps Cramps Go Away, Don't Come Back Another Day!

Menstrual cramps are caused
by the contraction of your
uterus lining. Pain can be felt
in your abdomen, back, or legs.

During menstruation all girls have different experiences. For some it lasts 3 days while for others it lasts 5, for some it comes frequently while for others the cycle is off, and for some it is pain free while for others it can be excruciating. I am one of the unlucky girls who experiences severe pain when my menstruation begins, and for all the others like me, here are some tips on how to ease the pain.

1. Ibuprofen or Advil are the classic pain reliever for cramps. I use it a lot, usually taking 2 every 6-8 hours. Be sure not to take more than the amount stated on the bottle. Recently I discovered Nurofen, a chain of Ibuprofen specifically made for period cramps.
2. Herbal Teas are also good for reducing period pains, specifically Lemon Balm, Camomile, Yarrow, ad Valerain. In addition, these herbs help reduce your flow as well as regulate and control your period. 
3. Add zinc and calcium to your diet. Zinc is found in foods such as lamb, oysters, low fat roast beef, dark chocolate, and peanuts. Calcium is found in milk, spinach, tofu, and cheese. These help reduce cramps as well as bloating. Be sure, however, to eat this food before or in between periods rather than during.
4. Warm baths allow the muscles around your back and abdomen to ease, reducing your cramps. The heat of the bath reduces the strength of the cramps. Heat pads on your back or stomach can also help reduce pains in the same way
5. Sex or masturbation is found to be an effective way of reducing cramps. This is so because during an orgasm, the hormone Oxytocin is released (the same hormone which causes the cramps). Because this happens, it increases the amount of blood and substances which come out, speeding up your menstruation.

Here is what to avoid;

1. Avoid salty foods
2. Avoid Alcohol
3. Caffeine

Love,
ALPHA