Although it is normal to experience some discomforts and cramps during periods, they can become severe, affecting the quality of your life. This is clinically known as dysmenorrhea. The proficient team of gynecologists at Contemporary Women’s Care in Winter Park understands your needs. They can diagnose and help you manage your pain by getting to the root of the problem. But even in mild cases, period pain is no fun. That is why you need the following simple tips to help you avoid or reduce the pain or improve the effectiveness of treatment options:
- Go for a Balanced Diet
Research has proved that eating a balanced diet throughout the day can help prevent or reduce pain related to your periods. Ensure that you add some legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables to your menu for such benefits. Also, complex carbohydrates are essential as they can stimulate serotonin production, which aids in regulating your moods and symptoms during periods. Additionally:
- Nuts.
- Almonds.
- Seeds.
- Grapes.
- Millets.
- Buckwheat.
- Oats.
- And sesame can help improve your pain.
It is not just eating the proper food that counts. It can help ensure that instead of eating three larger meals, you can have multiple small meals throughout the day. This will help maintain your blood sugar level balance, alleviating some period symptoms, including pain and cramps.
- Consider Foods With Low Glycemic Load
This means you consume foods that take longer to work through the digestive system to reach your bloodstream. This will prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels which can accelerate your symptoms. Some foods with a low glycemic load include:
- Apples.
- Whole grains.
- Oranges.
- Grapefruits.
- Peaches.
- Watermelons.
- Soybeans.
- Carrots.
- Peas.
- And lentils.
On the other hand, sweet potatoes, white bagels, baked potatoes, and corn flakes have a high glycemic load and should be avoided during periods.
- Reduce Your Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption
Alcohol can accelerate pain related to periods. Therefore, it would help reduce or avoid entirely consumption of alcohol days leading to your periods. Beverages and foods with caffeine should also be avoided at this time as they can worsen your cramps and bloating. Caffeine causes your blood vessels to cramp and constrict, and this is not good for your symptoms.
- Explore Some Relaxation Techniques
Sometimes the pain you experience during periods may be associated or made worse by anxiety, stress, or overall tension. Therefore, implementing some techniques that can help you relieve stress and relax can improve or eliminate your pain. Such practices include yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. You can also benefit from massage as it can reduce tension and increase relaxation.
- Apply Pressure to Your Acupressure Points
The acupressure point is located inside your leg, approximately three fingers width from your ankle bone. When pressure is applied to this point, it creates relief for pain and cramps from periods. Apply deep pressure in this area using your fingers for about five minutes. Additionally, massaging and applying pressure on the lower abdomen can also help relieve the pain.
- Take a Warm Bath
A warm shower or bath can minimize the severity of pain during your periods. You can also use a heating pad by placing it on your belly just below your belly button. But be careful and stay awake, avoid falling asleep with the pad on. If possible, it would be good to purchase a heating pad that turns itself off.
If painful periods interfere with your quality of life, reach out to the Winter Park gynecologists for help. Understanding the reasons for your pain is crucial in knowing how to get relief. Besides, it would be essential to seek expert advice on the self-care techniques to ensure they are suitable for you.
