Menstrual Mania: Cures for Cramps!

I have a love/hate relationship with my Aunt Flow (the only love is the fact that I get it, hence, no pregnancy worries). Periods are not pleasant; the back aches, lower stomach cramps and nausea is enough to make me want to call out of work for one week a month. Sadly, my schedule and bank account do not permit such activities and I am forced to suck it up and deal.

After getting my period at the age of 10 (yes, feel sorry for me), I have had over ten + years to perfect dealing with this monthly nuisance. I am one of those chicks that gets her period BAD, like, cry on the bathroom floor bad. So, here’s how I’ve learned to deal (and some of my favorite, get-me-through-this-week, tips):

Pain Reliever. Any type of anti-inflammatory will work fine, but Pamprin is the best solution for those bad back and tummy pains. You’ll feel like new in no time!

Exercise. While it may be the last thing you want to do, any type of exercise will raise your endorphin levels and alleviate the tension in your lower area. My favorite is to jump on my treadmill and, while I feel like a mess on there, I feel much better when my workout is over.

Heat. Applying some heat to your pelvic area will break up the muscle cramping. If you can’t have a hot blanket wrapped around you at all times, the Heat Factory warmers or ThermaCare Heat Wraps are perfect to stick on the inside of your underwear for eight hours of warm, soothing comfort!

Tea. Herbal tea can give your body nutrients it needs to stay hydrated, so your muscles don’t cramp up (cramps are caused by dehydration ladies!).

Diet. No, I don’t mean starve yourself! I’m talking about eating the right foods, such as lean meats with lots of iron, as a way to replenish your body of its blood (and, therefore, iron) loss.

Potassium. Lots of b-a-n-a-n-a-s and potatoes will give you healthy doses of potassium, a nutrient that helps alleviate menstrual cramps.

Au Naturale. According to Prevention.com, aromatherapy methods, if you choose to believe, can help soothe and relieve lots of various types of ailments, including menstrual cramps. Fifteen minute aromatherapy massages (which you can do by yourself – all you need is some oils!) with an almond, lavender, rose and/or clary sage essential oils to soothe the muscles as you go.

So there you have it! I hope they work for ya. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable for five days every month. With these new remedies, you may not even know Aunt Flow stopped in for a visit (except for the whole lack-of-booty thing)!!!

[Photo courtesy of TeamSugar.com]