Why do periods always seem to come at the worst time? Because they have a knack for making an entrance!
Why did the period say "I need a day off"? Because it was feeling a little overwhelmed!
Why did the period say "I need a raise"? Because it was tired of being paid in cramps!
Why did the period say "I need a promotion"? Because it was ready for the next level of pain!
Oh ... so many jokes about periods, and none of them good! (sorry joke creators!!) BUT it can be helpful to find ways to lighten up the subject of periods ... especially when it comes to the pain and discomfort that so many of us experience. For some, period pain can be be mild, for others it can be unbearable. But that doesn’t mean we have to suffer through the pain every month! Between the (bad) humour and the different remedies and diet tips to help us cope, period discomfort can be reduced or even eliminated so read on for some natural remedies, dietary changes and other measures that you can take to make your period and your daughter’s period more bearable!
Foods for period pain
Knowing what to eat (and not eat!) when you’re on your period is important. So we’ve compiled some of the best foods that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Bananas
Bananas are great for period pain. They are rich in fibre and will help you have easy bowel movements. As a result, you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall. Additionally, bananas are a rich source of magnesium, which is proven to lessen the intensity of period pain.
Ginger
A warm mug of ginger tea can improve certain symptoms of period. Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe achy muscles. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps relieve sore muscles.
Nuts
Most nuts are a wonderful source of protein and are high in omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain various vitamins and magnesium.
Dark chocolate
What a tasty and beneficial snack! We know we crave chocolates on normal days, but we also can on period days! Dark chocolate is rich in iron and magnesium.
A 2010 study, found that magnesium reduced the severity of PMS symptoms. According to a 2015 study, people with magnesium deficiencies were more likely to have severe PMS symptoms.
Natural remedies to relieve period pain
In one of our blog posts, we wrote top 5 natural period cramp remedies that you can try at home:
(1) Apply heat to the abdomen
Heat is a great aid for muscle cramps. Place a heat pack or hot water bottle, on your daughter's abdomen or on her lower back to relieve tummy cramps and lower back pain.
A warm bath it also a wonderful way to help her relax her muscles, back, abdomen, and legs.
(2) Essential oils
Essential oils are a great home remedy for menstrual cramps. These essential oils relax the prostaglandins and lessen uterine contractions.
Here are some essential oils that help relieve pains and cramps:
- Lavender oil
- Clary sage
- Cinnamon oil
- Roman chamomile
- Clove oil
- Peppermint oil
(3) Monthly Magic: Teen PMS Roll-On
Because we love essential oils, we created our Teen PMS Roll-On which is made using 100% therapeutic grade organic essential oils. It's blended especially to support your daughters' cycles and provides comfort for those pesky physical and emotional symptoms of PMS, such as pain from cramps, nausea, feelings of sadness, headaches + mood swings.
The essential oils contained in this roll-on are: Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot Peel, Chamomile Roman, Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa, Lotus & Orange.
Read more about it here!
(4) Massage your daughter's tummy
Abdominal massage has been found to be very effective in relieving menstrual cramps, especially if done daily for 6 days PRIOR to your period's arrival. PLUS, incorporating essential oils with the massage is even more effective.
Grab our Monthly Magic: Teen PMS Roll-On now for you girls and incorporate with massage, or use a carrier oil and add some drops of some of the oils we listed above.
(5) Avoid foods that cause bloating
It's very important that in the weeks before your daughter's period and particularly DURING her period, that she eliminates foods that cause bloating, such as fatty foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, salty foods, and caffeine. These foods add tension to the body, which is the opposite of what she needs.
Encourage eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and rich, lean protein foods.
A little tip to remember also when it's almost that time of the month is to control their sweet tooth. Avoid eating chocolate, sweets or high-sugar foods. Let them eat whole grains instead, or turn to in-season fruits.
Try these five home remedies and avoid prescription or over the counter medications if you can. Grab our Teen PMS Roll-On for a discounted price if you're a first-time buyer. Get the discount code here!
