5 Foods that Help Ease Period Pain

Vitamin G, Glamour Magazine

by Lexi Petronis



Yanes, Romulo A
Yanes, Romulo A

Do you feel exhausted, moody, and crampy during your periods? (Is that one of the dumbest questions ever? Who among us doesn't feel at least a few of these things?) Well, add these foods to your list of PMS and period pain relievers--just in case you want to ditch the ibuprofen and the hot water bottle for a while:

Yogurt: According to some research, women who consume four servings of dairy a day--1,200 mg of calcium--experience 30 percent fewer PMS symptoms than those who eat around 500 mg.

See more:8 Workout Moves for a Toned Body in Two Weeks

Canned salmon: The fish is rich in vitamin D, which has also been shown to ward off symptoms of PMS. In fact, experts say that women who eat 700 IU of vitamin D are 40 percent likely to have PMS, compared with those who eat only 100 IU a day. Three ounces of salmon deliver 530 IU of vitamin D, plus calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which help calm cramps.

Oysters: Oysters are a great source of iron, filled with omega-3s that can help make cramps a thing of the past. Downing three ounces of oysters delivers 1,000 mg of omega-3s. Apparently, omega-3s send messages to your uterus to release fewer prostaglandins and leukotrienes--these are the compounds that cause cramps in the first place. (just 3 ounces are packed with more than 1,000 mg of omega-3s).

See more:The 10 Prettiest Hair, Nail and Makeup Looks for Fall 2013

Avocado: If seafood isn't your thing, this protein-rich fruit is an excellent substitute--it's also filled with potent omega-3s.

Lentils: The complex carbs found in these lovely legumes help boost serotonin, the chemical in your brain that helps you feel more relaxed and less grouchy. They're also filled with thiamin, which researchers have linked to the decreased incidence of PMS symptoms.

Do you have a go-to food that helps ease period pain? Would you try any of these?

More from Glamour:
10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked
25 Celebrity Hairstyles That Will Make You Want Bangs
10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own
15 Hair-Color Makeover Ideas to Try in 2013