Doctor-Approved, Effective Ways to Fight Period Pain // BloomMe HK

Here at BloomMe, we know that once a month can be hell for women. The cramps, the bloats, the moods, it sucks. Next month when you feel like nature is personally punishing you for being a fertile woman, try these doctor-approved and highly effective ways to beat period pain!

Take some painkillers and anti-inflammatories

Got some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) lying around? You may think you don’t, but this fancy medical term refers to our old friends ibuprofen, naproxen, and paracetamols. Available from 7/11s and Circle Ks, most women have a small stash of these babies lying around for such an occasion. These drugs help to lower your body’s production of prostaglandin (which gives you cramps). 

As a bonus, some doctors recommend taking these anti-inflammatories one to two days before your period starts to help with the pain and reduce flow. How can we not love medicine?

Load up on the anti-inflammatory vitamins

When the cramps start, instead of reaching for a tea to soothe the cramps (they help our soul more in this situation) reach for some anti-inflammatory goodies instead. From vitamins, try taking fish oil or vitamin B tablets. Not only do they help with cramps, fish oil tablets are brilliant at lowering blood pressure and vitamin b keeps your blood and cells healthy.  

Watch your diet

Just like the petrol in an engine, the quality of food you eat affects your performance. By making some simple changes to your diet, you can avoid the dreaded cramp. If you’re finding the pain is affecting your day to day, aim to eat minimally processed foods. Try: 

• Papaya - super rich in vitamins

• Brown rice - contains vitamin B-6 which can help with bloating

• Nuts 

• Fresh vegetables (try for lots of broccoli, high in vitamin E 

• Fish, chicken, and leafy greens -helps replace lost iron

• Flaxseed- high in omega-3s which reduce swelling and inflammation

• Avocado, peanut butter, prunes, chickpeas, and bananas - all high in boron that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus 

• Turmeric - an age old trick for cramp alleviation as it contains curcumin

Time to fall in love with acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture is just brilliant with period cramps. Helping to stimulate the muscles, release endorphins and other happy hormones, and generally bring your overall health up, acupuncture is an ancient technique that is a girl’s’ best friend. Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies certain pressure points in the body, and in an acupressure massage the masseuse will massage these meridian points. The infamous acupuncture uses small, painless needles to achieve the same.

Exercise!

“Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy, happy people just don't shoot their husbands!” Also, endorphins fight your period pain! Getting out and moving your body not only helps the mind but is also a proven way to help combat cramps. Everything from a gym visit to a dance class, to even a humble walk can get you on the way to endorphin-ville. For those who love the outdoors, hiking is a great way to get in exercise with some pals