The ultimate period survival guide
LADIES, YOUR not-sofavourite relative, ‘Aunt Flo’, is in town and you are, once again, caught unprepared for the mayhem she is about to unleash in your life. From cramps and bloating to uncontrollable mood swings and detrimental acne, you are definitely in for one very uncomfortable couple of days. Youthlink is offering the ultimate period survival guide to help you power through during Aunt Flo’s monthly visit.
1. Grab a papaya Papaya contains several nutrients such as carotene, iron, calcium and Vitamins A and C, that help to sooth the uterine walls. It also helps to ease the contraction of the muscle fibres present. This results in a reduction in the severity of menstrual cramps.
2. Drink coconut water
Did you know that coconut water contains the same amount of nutrients as blood plasma? Blood is 55 per cent plasma. In developing countries, coconut water is used during transfusions due to its similarity to plasma. At this time when your body is losing blood, the easiest way to help to restore the blood loss is by drinking coconut water. Coconut water is rich in crucial nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, potassium and calcium, which help to relieve cramps. Coconut water is also rich in other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants beneficial for health and longevity.
3. Indulge in dark chocolate Who said chocolate is a bad thing? Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which can help to alleviate cramps and increase energy. It also contains endorphins or ‘happy hormones’, which can help to improve your mood. Antioxidants such as flavonoids in dark chocolate will also positively impact your health.
4. Create a PMS playlist Music has the ability to turn every bad day into a good one. Create a feel-good playlist with all your favourite songs to blast away your blues when the going gets tough and you have to keep going.
5. Drink herbal teas There are known herbs that can reduce menstrual cramps and mood swings. Two of them are ‘blue vervain’ (Verbena hastate) and ‘dog blood’ (Rivina humilis). Blue vervain is seen as a female tonic, especially for women who suffer from severe menstrual cramps. It reduces bloating and cramping, and alleviates mood swings and depression. You can find this in your local supermarket under the brand Sipacupa Ital Jamaica, which is owned by TOPS. Dog blood is the go-to herb that everybody’s grandmother would recommend for menstrual cramps. Dog blood is a common herb in Jamaica and it is used to treat infertility and help with menstrual cramps. There are no easy-access teabags currently on the market for Dog blood, so next time you make a country run, be sure to request some. 6. Practise yoga Yoga involves a lot of core stretches which can help to release the build-up of tension in your abdominal area.
7. Use a hot water bottle/towel Heat reduces and soothes aches and pains within the body. Filling a water bottle with hot water or dipping a rag/towel in hot water then carefully placing it on your stomach will, over time, help you to relax and reduce the pain that comes with menstrual cramps.
Sources: http://www.ladycarehealth.com/ 4-natural-foods-that-helpreduce-menstrualcramps/#sthash.8Vql76KW.dpuf
http://healthywildandfree.com/ women-eat-these-4-foods-beforeyour-period-for-relief-every-time/
https://www.ubykotex.com/enus/periods/period-advice/doeschocolate-help-with-cramps-orpms