Have you tried alleviating period pains with home remedies such as gentle exercises or applying a hot water bottle to your abdomen and it failed to work? Well, another inexpensive way to lend a helping hand to ease those cramps is as simple as consuming healthy beverages.
Dysmenorrhea – the medical term for menstrual cramps – occurs when the “uterus contracts to help expel its lining, which is shed along with blood through the vagina,” explains Health Shots, an information hub dedicated to women’s health. Contractions are triggered when the chemical prostaglandin is released.
“During periods, the levels of prostaglandins rise, causing the muscles of the uterus to contract strongly. This increased uterine muscle activity can result in cramping sensations in the lower abdomen or pelvis,” notes Health Shots.
There are quite a few drinks to help ease period cramps, some easily found in our homes. Below is a list of those drinks.
Hot chocolate
Instead of heading to the store to buy hot chocolate, make your own by combining melted dark chocolate or pure cocoa powder, a bit of vanilla, a tiny pinch of salt, honey, and milk, shares Helping Women Period (an organisation fighting to end period poverty).
“Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher has a surprisingly rich and diverse nutrient content,” explains the organisation. “It contains significant volumes of magnesium, iron, potassium, and antioxidants that help regulate blood flow, hormonal fluctuations, and pain management.”
As for the store-bought tins of hot chocolate, most brands contain low levels of actual cocoa and are often supplemented by synthetic flavourings, which can make you feel worse.
Warm milk or turmeric milk
Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health, states Health Shots, which adds that consuming warm milk can also have a soothing effect and help relax muscles.
Regarding turmeric milk, the spice contains the compound curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory effects. “Drinking turmeric milk may help reduce inflammation and ease period cramps,” gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Vinatha Puli tells Health Shots.
Plain water or lemon water
Health Shots states that as basic as it may sound, staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and water retention, exacerbating period cramps.
As with lemon water, the drink may assist in balancing pH (power of hydrogen) levels in the body and promote hydration. “Also, lemon contains vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce bloating,” adds the above-mentioned health hub.
Green smoothies
Gather your greens and transform them into a delicious smoothie! Helping Women Period shares that this drink will provide a great nutritional boost that assists in combatting period-related ailments.
“Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain iron and magnesium, while kiwi and bananas are loaded with antioxidants, zinc, and fibre,” says the organisation. “Simply blend frozen or fresh bananas with some leafy greens, kiwi, ice, lemon juice, honey, and the milk of your choice for a glass of creamy green goodness.”
Cherry juice
Health Shots shares, “Cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins. They may help reduce inflammation and alleviate period pain.”
Also see: Things that will make your period more comfortable
