Healthy Living

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Want To Get Rid of Cramps, Bloating, Aches and Pains Related to PMS?

Let's be honest: there is nothing nice to say about PMS. And, for those of us who get every single little symptom associated with that time of the month (cramps, bloating, skin issues, headaches, etc.) there's a few choice words we'd love to use. But, we have yet to hear if using profanity actually helps alleviate pain (please let us know if you hear otherwise), so until that's true we've found 11 tips on how to deal with PMS that actually work:

1. If your periods make you nauseous, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, or try an OTC anti-inflammatory medicine paired with a heating pad right below where you feel your cramps.

2. Watch what you eat a few days before you get your period. Eating salty foods or consuming drinks high in caffeine during these days can make you feel worse during your monthly cycle.

3. Take a chill pill! Your cramps may be directly related to how stressed out you are.

4. Complex carbs are good for you during your period.

5. Giving up caffeine and hitting the gym a week before your period will elevate your mood.

6. Keep a calendar. If your symptoms seem to last a lot longer than your normal period cycle, you might want to check in with your doctor.

7. Drinking iced tea instead of soda during your period will help prevent bloating and nix your sugar fix.

8. Eating iron-rich foods during your period will help elevate your mood.

9. Drinking hot liquids throughout the day will help ward off cramps.

10. Taking a calcium supplement can help ward off serious PMS symptoms.

11. Ginger can help ease cramps.

Click here to find out the other tips and symptom relievers we found.


We also came across some weird and wacky findings, like when the best time of the month is to start dieting so you'll actually stick to it, and why you should never give a presentation during this time of the month.

Other Related Articles You Might Want to Read:
1. The Benefits of Citrus Fruit
2. This Vitamin Helps Cure Canker Sores
3. 52 Ways You Can Beat Stress Now
4. How to Stop Breakouts


Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 10
  • macy's Avatar
    Posted by macy Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:37am PDT

    flax oil supplements are good for cramps too.

    Report Abuse
  • Eddieslilangel's Avatar
    Posted by Eddieslilangel Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:26pm PDT

    i also discovered when you drink antioxidant iced tea it doesn't make u flow as heavy. shoot it works for me!

    Report Abuse
  • Runa's Avatar
    Posted by Runa Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:48pm PDT

    The exercise is key! I can't remember exactly why it's so, but I think it has to do with getting your blood flowing away from your uterus as that's where it tends to clump during that time of the month. Water and good sleep are also important.

    Report Abuse
  • sun2go's Avatar
    Posted by sun2go Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:50pm PDT

    Helloooo, and avoid alcohol which messes with your hormones! Your body is trying to help you adjust to your menstrual cycle, and you're confusing your hormonal balance with alcohol. Your liver helps maintain balance, so don't give it alcohol. Traditional over the counter painkillers mess with your liver and hormones too. Go natural with a brand like Hyland's or Boiron and you'll be much better off.

    Report Abuse
  • Someone's Avatar
    Posted by Someone Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:04pm PDT

    Aw take a Midol and get over it.

    Report Abuse
  • des's Avatar
    Posted by des Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:06pm PDT

    I usually take midol and that helps for awhile but when the med.'s wear off my pain is so bad. Back-aches, tender breast, craving chocolate, zits and all. My flow is really heavy the first 4 day's. I'm going to try the Antioxidant iced tea. Yeah I do not drink, and as far as excerise goes I work out 2 to 3 times a week a half an hour interval and I still cramp. Some people just cramp more than others I guess. I have no pain tolerance. I just get lazy and want to sleep and take a hot bath.

    Report Abuse
  • Ritzy's Avatar
    Posted by Ritzy Sat Oct 24, 2009 8:29am PDT

    hi...i would suggest that you raised your legs when you sleep or lay down.it lessen the pain in your abdomen and the cramps on your legs...an always drink water...

    Report Abuse
  • bookluva's Avatar
    Posted by bookluva Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:52am PDT

    Taking ibuprofen once a day two days before you start and on your first day will make your flow much much lighter.

    Report Abuse
  • Nancy Roberts's Avatar
    Posted by Nancy Roberts Sat Oct 24, 2009 11:56am PDT

    I agree with staying fit, especially beforehand..the endorphins really help with pain prevention; also omega-3s are anti-inflammatories, and B6 is good too.

    Report Abuse
  • Salene's Avatar
    Posted by Salene Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:11am PDT

    haha;; for the gurl des uhp top dnt take hot baths hot water makes ett worse kold water stops the bleedinq((:

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 10

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Health Byte

Who doesn't want to look hot at all those holiday parties? ExerciseTV shares how to get in skinny jeans-shape -- and quickly!