Natural Soothing Foods For Period Cramps That Really Work

Foods you consume can affect your health and conditions. Similarly, some foods are good for women during menstruation while some may make your period more painful. Below is a list of natural soothing foods for period cramps. Check them out in VKool site and pick some into your diet before and during your menstruation!

15 Natural Soothing Foods For Period Cramps – VKool.com

1. Bananas

foods for period cramps

According to anecdotal evidence, bananas can help ease cramps related to menstruation. Besides a good source of anti-cramping nutrients like vitamin B6, this fruit is packed with potassium that can aid in reducing water retention. Moreover, if you suffer from bloating during your period, bananas are very beneficial to eat. Enjoy bananas as a snack, or mix some with yogurt, or slice into your cereal, or toss some in your fruit salad. If you are worried about weight gain, avoid banana chips as they are loaded with calories, added sugar and fat.

Read on: 19 health and beauty benefits of banana consumption

2. Yogurt

foods for period cramps

Next to foods for period cramps, consider yogurt. It is a high-nutrition snack. Just 1 cup of fat-free or low-fat yogurt can deliver about 25% of your daily calcium requirement, especially for women during menstruation.

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, they analyzed the vitamin D and calcium intakes of about 3,000 women who followed a diet with high-calcium dairy products and added vitamin D. The findings have shown that these women reduced the risk of menstrual cramps about 40%.

Read on: 18 health and beauty benefits of yogurt consumption

3. Wheat Germ

foods for period cramps

If you have menstrual cramps, try wheat germ as it is rich in pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and zinc. Also, wheat germ is a concentrated source of magnesium and vitamin E that are good for women. Simply, add wheat germ to your cereals, breads, milk shakes, pancakes or muesli, especially before and during your period.

4. Sunflower Seeds

foods for period cramps

Beside wheat germ, you can consume sunflower seeds among foods for period cramps. These seeds are a good addition to your diet as they are packed with vitamin E, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), magnesium and zinc. Especially, pyridoxine is considered a pain relieving vitamin. It may be associated with its role in synthesis of neurotransmitter dopamine. Furthermore, vitamin B6 has been proven to boost the absorption of magnesium and zinc. As added to your diet in moderation, there will be no problem for your health. Yet, like other seeds that are high in fat and calories, sunflower seeds may cause your weight gain. So, you should exercise or consume sunflower seeds properly for the effectiveness of menstrual cramp relief.

Read on: Vitamins for women over 50: sexuality, libido & hormonal balance

5. Parsley

foods for period cramps

Next to foods for period cramps, consider parsley. This under-appreciated green is much more than a decorative garnish accompanying meals in many restaurants. It is packed with essential nutrients, also it used to improve many health problems and conditions, including menstrual cramps. Parsley is rich in apiol, a compound, which has been proven to be effective in relieving menstrual cramps and stimulating the menstrual process. The benefit of parsley for stimulating menstruation had been known in the early Middle Age already and the green was therefore consumed for inducing abortion.

6. Pineapple

foods for period cramps

Turbo charge your period cramp-free diet by eating pineapple daily. Pineapple is rich in bromelain that is believed to relax your muscles and aid in relieving menstrual cramps. However, be aware that bromelain in this fruit is in the stem, which isn’t as tasty as its flesh; yet that’s nevertheless edible.

Read on: 16 health benefits of vitamin C for skin, hair and the body

7. Fenugreek Seeds

foods for period cramps

In Asia, fenugreek seeds with its pungent-sweet flavor are an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps. These seed are available as ground and whole in grocery stores. It is recommended to purchase the whole seeds, and if you can grind them at home.

8. Peanuts

foods for period cramps

Peanuts are among the greatest foods for magnesium and vitamin B6. According to researchers, magnesium-rich foods are just behind calcium-rich foods among foods for period cramps, also PMS symptom reduction. Magnesium is beneficial to regulate serotonin, a feel-good chemical for brain. So, consume more magnesium-rich foods and supplements that can aid in preventing bloating and in lifting your mood. Nevertheless, avoid the salted varieties of peanuts to avoid retaining water. Also, watch your quantities and be aware that peanuts are high in calories, so consume proper amounts of peanuts for relieving your period cramps without gaining extra pounds.

9. Chamomile Tea

foods for period cramps

Next to recommended foods for period cramps, this is chamomile. Soothing properties in the tea can help women relieve muscle spasms and ease the severity of their menstrual cramps. Just a warm cup of chamomile tea may be soothing when your period cramps strike. In addition, chamomile tea can help relieve anxiety that hormonal shifts may cause before and during your menstruation. If you like herbal tea that is good as long as you will sip decaf.

Read on: 17 home remedies for menstrual cramps, pain and heavy bleeding

10. Ginger

foods for period cramps

Ginger has been using for years to relieve pain and cold in China as a powerful traditional medicine. In many Asian countries, ginger has been long used as a home remedies for period cramps. You can use ginger in different forms such as ginger tea, raw ginger root, ginger candy, ginger jam or add minced ginger to your foods.

11. Walnuts

foods for period cramps

In fact, walnuts are rich in fat, but like peanuts, walnuts can help women ease their menstrual cramps effectively. Make sure that you will use proper amounts of these nuts to avoid gaining extra weight. Besides, walnuts are high in omega-3s, which include pain relieving properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, walnuts are packed with vitamin B6. By consuming only 1 cup of walnuts, you can supply your body with 31% of required intake of this pain-relieving vitamin. Moreover, walnuts taste good and have a long shelf life when stored properly in dry and cool place, away from sun exposure or high temperatures. You can consume walnuts in different ways as an afternoon snack or add some to your savory dishes.

12. Broccoli

foods for period cramps

As broccoli contain healthy nutrients like vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and calcium so that this is the top veggie to relieve period cramps and fight off PMS. Vitamin A in broccoli can help regulate effects of hormones in the body. Besides, broccoli is a great source of fiber that aid in balancing digestive system and estrogen levels.

Read on: Foods high in estrogen levels for breast growth

13. Sesame Seeds

foods for period cramps

Along with nuts, sesame seeds also very beneficial among foods for period cramps. The seeds are packed with essential nutrients, which have been proven to reduce pain related to menstruation. They are rich in vitamin B6 and just 1 cup of sesame seeds can provide you with over ¼ the daily intake of vitamin B6. Moreover, sesame is excellent source of calcium and magnesium. Plus, healthy fatty acids present in sesame seeds, they can relax muscles, thereby reducing period cramps further. Especially, sesame seeds provide a great source of zinc that’s good for overall health. Sesame seeds are often used in a wide range of Asian dishes. Learn to cook some recipes and add the seeds to your diet, especially before and during your period.

Read on: 16 simple Asian edamame salad recipes to cook at home

14. Wild Salmon

foods for period cramps

When it comes to foods for period cramps, salmon can help as it is rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin D. According to a research from the University of Massachusetts, 186 women from 18 to 30 took part in the research with 100 IUS of vitamin D, vitamin B6 from different food sources, including salmon. The results have shown that they significantly reduced breast tenderness and irritability before period. If you don’t like salmon, try herring, sardines or mackerel. Alternatively, you can drink milk and yogurt as they all are rich in vitamin D.

15. Pumpkin Seeds

foods for period cramps

Another choice for you to relieve period cramps, they are pumpkin seeds.

The seeds are rich in magnesium and just a handful of the seeds can help you soothe your period cramps, fight off PMS symptoms and provide you with 85% of the recommended intake of manganese a day. In concrete, magnesium can fight water retention, lift your mood while helping reduce tension and the irritability that comes with menstrual cramps. With foods rich in pumpkin seeds, you can also get iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Bottom line:

It’s your choice to opt for any foods among these 15 natural soothing foods for period cramps above. For any comment about the article, please leave it at the bottom of the page. Thanks for reading!

Want More Content Like This In Your Inbox?

Join The Discussion

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Comments JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Advertising Disclosure

Displayed content is offered by businesses which have been compensated. There is a potential effect on how, what, and where products may appear. All effort is made into providing full transparency, not all available products or companies are highlighted. Published material is offered without any slant or bias no matter what affiliation there is with sponsorship or association.