Shark week. Auntie Flo. The Red Tide. Leak Week. Whatever you want to call it, these are all names for one thing: your period. We all know the drill. It comes knocking on our door every month with a bag packed full of cramps, headaches and cravings. It’s Mother Nature’s gift that just keeps on giving. If you have a period with severe symptoms and medicine isn’t doing the trick, maybe it’s time to try to fight Mother Nature with a magical thing called food. These are seven foods that have been proven to alleviate period pain and bloating.
1. Water
This may seem like an obvious choice, but it really can help. Stay hydrated to keep that period headache and bloating at bay. If you’re hydrated, you won’t retain liquids as easily, and it’ll stop the discomfort of bloating.
2. Ginger tea
You can try ginger in general if you’re really looking for a kick. Studies have shown that fresh ginger can be as effective as ibuprofen in alleviating period or PMS cramping. You can curl up with a hot cup of ginger tea and relax with a heating pad in your lap for some real self-love.
3. Sunflower seeds
If you’re looking for something to munch on endlessly, try some sunflower seeds. They are high in vitamin E, which is helpful in soothing period cramps. They are also high in zinc, which is said to help with bloating as well.
4. Peanut butter
Honestly, I could eat peanut butter with a spoon any day, but period cramps are a good excuse too. Peanut butter is also high in vitamin E and vitamin B to give you some relief. You can find me on the couch with a jar of peanut butter, watching re-runs of New Girl every month.
5. Dark chocolate
We all know that cravings are a real thing, so before you make a midnight run to CVS to stock up on chocolate, make sure it’s dark chocolate. Not only is dark chocolate lower in sugar, but it contains magnesium that can help reduce period pain. Chocolate also has endorphins to keep your mood up when your period is messing with your emotions.
6. Bananas
Bananas are often used to help people after the gym to reduce muscle cramping. Sound familiar? It works the same way on your period. Bananas are high in potassium and vitamin B6 to help you from getting bloated and from relaxing your muscles.
7. Hummus
Hummus is full of veggies and nutrients that you should be eating already, but they can be helpful on your period too. Chickpeas are high in nutrients that have also been known to give your mood a boost and even help you get a decent night of sleep. Forget about a nightcap; reach for the hummus.
We all have different bodies that like to act in different ways, so try these foods, and see if any of them work for your period symptoms. Sound off in the comments if any of them worked or if you have any of your own food remedy secrets.