Periods or menstruation is still still such a taboo in indian society. It's all so hush-hush in most households in our country.
It can be super taxing for the body - physically, mentally & of course emotionally !! (Cue: The mood swings right?!)
"Periods help you learn how to get blood off of things which is probably why you hear more stories of men caught with murder."
Yes, we joked. Moving on...
Periods can be tough, but here are 5 tips to help. 😊
1. Continue your usual physical activity
If your usual daily exercise is not too heavy on your lower body like extreme leg workout/ marathon training etc- don't let periods be an excuse to skip it
Go for brisk walking, do yoga & stretches, hit the gym as usual (prefer whole body or upper body exercises on the first 2 days)
Getting regular exercise will release "Happy hormones" in your body and ease your cramps at the same time. Tickle 2 tummies with 1 finger or kill 2 birds with 1 stone, whichever quote you prefer🤭
2. Avoid refined sugars and processed
When you eat refined sugars or processed food items like maida, sugary food like soft drinks, candy & chocolates- it causes a sudden rise and fall in blood glucose levels. An energy spike or short burst of "sugar high" comes, followed by a sudden drop in energy.
It not only affects your energy level but overall mood too.
"My uterus is shedding and I will not hesitate to stab you." - a woman on her periods
3. Take warm shower and consume hot beverages
Having warm or lukewarm water will help ease the cramp and backache
It boosts your mood as well as help with pain when you have a cup of hot tasty coffee
Be a nice girl and don't skip showering on period days. Post the shower and warm drink, you will feel better even if you're in a lot of discomfort.
p.s. You can also use hot water bags
4. Take medications if you are in significant pain / cramps
Please don't kill yourself over avoiding meds. Sometimes the pain is just too much and treating it with a few doses of meds won't harm your body. As long as you don't misuse or overuse the meds, they exist for your comfort, use them!
Pain or cramps are usually due to chemicals called PGs (Prostaglandins), common drugs called NSAIDs reduce it's production and help. NSAIDs include - combiflam, ibuprofen, even paracetamol works fine. Best bet? Mefenamic acid tablets (Available in any drug store)
"Cramps...more like angry little ninjas inside you trying to kill you."
5. Eat protein and fiber rich food
Consume more of eggs or fish or any lean meat if you are non vegetarian.
Lentils, milk products like paneer, sprouts, legumes, soyabean, nuts- all of these are nutritionally great and also have an added advantage of keeping you full for longer. Try it
There will be less cravings and hunger pangs and you'll avoid being "hangry" during your periods and resist junk. Period bloating is enough, don't add weight by eating junk food too!
if you find it useful, like & share with the lovely ladies in your life.
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