How to Have Actually Happier Periods

Ready to ditch the Midol for naturally happier periods? 

While period pains are the norm, they are not exactly normal. Underneath it all, your period pain is actually caused by inflammation.  And that inflammation leads to more pain and cramping, which in turn, has you feeling pretty meh or moody. Unless you have endometriosis, your period pain can actually be reduced and feel a lot better with some simple tweaks to your diet and lifestyle. 

Here are 5 ways to reduce your PMS symptoms and feel better while riding the crimson wave. (name that movie!)

Eat more plants.  Studies have shown that going plant-based can ease period pain in as soon as 2-3 months. And if weight loss is one of your goals, more plants will help you reach that too!  Up your intake of plant-based proteins like legumes, chickpeas, edamame, lentils, hummus, and nut butters and reduce the animal-based proteins to between 3-6 meals/week.

Up your fiber intake.  The majority of Americans are tapping out at 15grams/day of fiber a day, when the goal we really want to aim for is double that (between 25-30grams/day). One of fiber’s many perks is that it helps to regulate blood sugar so that it stays even throughout the day. The lack of stability and high-highs and low-lows of blood sugar is what increases our moodiness and crabbiness. It also is a big reason for your increased sugar cravings. So double up (or triple up) your usual veggie intake and aim to make 1 meal per day focused on raw vegetables, like a big salad. 

Add in Omega-3’s.  Ah, these heart healthy fats, is there nothing they can’t do?! Countless clinical studies have shown how helpful they are to reduce and prevent inflammation in the body. And inflammation is where are painful cramps are coming from. Get your fill of Omega-3’s from eating fatty fish, like salmon (for those 3-6 meals/week), avocado, walnuts, and seeds.

Get that D…vitamin D! Low levels of vitamin D can actually make period pain worse, while improved levels will make periods feel less painful.  I recommend women take a daily supplement dose of 2,000 – 4,000 IUs and add in foods like eggs and raw mushrooms.

Work in the calcium.  Daily intake of calcium-rich food sources can seriously ease cramps and the general discomfort we feel this time of month. Think dark leafy greens, beans and legumes, broccoli, soybeans, dried figs, plain Greek yogurt, and dairy. 

If a more natural, healthful approach to periods is something you are looking for – I love these period undies and I am a huge fan of these organic tampon and pad products.

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