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Foods That Relieve Menstrual Cramps

For many women, menstrual cramps can be a nightmare. Having severe cramps may make a woman feel helpless, and it may interfere with her day-to-day activities. A woman who is experiencing severe cramps can purchase over-the-counter products to help relieve symptoms, but many women are interested in getting to the root of the problem and solving it from the inside out.

  1. Foods to Reduce

    • Reducing salt, sugar and caffeine approximately one week before your period is scheduled to begin may help reduce menstrual symptoms, including cramping and breast tenderness, during your period. If this doesn't completely get rid of cramping, it may help reduce it quite a bit. While you're at it, reduce calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and green, leafy vegetables. Avoid sitting for long periods of time, getting up to move around often (at least for two or three minutes once an hour) and apply heat if needed.

    Foods to Eat More Of

    • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods and lean proteins. That means eating a lot of fish and chicken and opting for whole grain pasta and rice. Eating more frequently may help lessen the severity of menstrual cramping and other symptoms. In addition to reducing caffeine intake, women may also want to consider reducing alcohol intake at least one week before their period is supposed to begin.

      Vitamin B6 is recommended for helping relieve menstrual cramps naturally. In fact, it can help relieve many symptoms commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Take between 50 to 200 mg a day of vitamin B6, depending on how effective it is for you. Magnesium, vitamin E and evening primrose oil may also help relieve PMS symptoms.

    Cramping and Calcium

    • Oddly enough, even though it is recommended that women consume less calcium through food and liquid during their menstrual cycle to reduce cramping and other symptoms, taking calcium supplements may help relieve symptoms. Estrogen regulates calcium metabolism, and calcium absorption has been known to fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include depression, moodiness and general irritability. The Columbia University College conducted a study regarding calcium and the effect it has on the body indicators and mood changes during a woman's menstrual cycle. It was discovered that women who took the calcium showed a 75 percent improvement.

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