How to Lessen Cramps Without Drugs

Some girls may use it as an easy excuse out of gym class, but for many women, painful menstrual cramps can keep them from going the things that they enjoy for several days a month. One solution is to pop a few ibuprofen and hide out in your room each month, however for those who would like a more natural solution, follow these steps to lessen your cramps. Remember, not every woman feels pain in the same way or will react in the same way to a treatment. Take some time to work out which steps work best for you.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your diet. Cut out salt, caffeine, fatty foods, sugar and alcohol for several days before your period is due. Each of these things have been proven to worsen cramps. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and to reduce inflammation.

• 2

  Tale 500-1000 Evening Primrose oil, 200-400 mg Magnesium and 100-200m of vitamin B6 for 4-7 days before your menstrual cramps are due to start. These tips come from Professor Gail Mahady, a herbal medicine expert at the University of Illinois, in an ABC news report. She says that the B6 will also help prevent bloating.

• 3

  Exercise. It is ironic that the very thing all those high school girls are using their cramps to get out of, could actually lessen the cramps or make them go away completely. Exercise releases endorphins which are the body's natural pain relievers. Exercise also reduces the inflammation that can make the cramping worse.

• 4

  Increase your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids. They can help to regulate the hormones in your body, which can in turn lessen cramps. The easiest way to get this in your diet is to take fish oil caplets.

• 5

  Try acupuncture. Several studies have shown that it can greatly reduce or eliminate menstrual cramps. It is believed that it can do this by regulating the hormones in your body and relieving stress.