Hey cutie. CODE RED has been announced and you’ve to make a beeline to the bathroom. The war between you and Aunt Flo has begun. It may feel like you’re losing but with a few period survival tips, you can step out wearing the red badge of courage. Read on to understand your period and figure out ways to ease your monthly struggle.
Menstruation or period is the discharge of blood from the uterus through the vagina. This bodily cycle is supposed to maintain an interval of 28 days.
What Causes Period
Okay, no one warned you about a science lesson but here it comes. This will help you understand what exactly leads to Shark Week.
i. Your ovaries release hormones that build a thick lining around the uterus. This process takes around a month.
ii. The built-up lining is now prepared for a fertilized egg to attach itself and start developing. That happens when you conceive.
iii. If there’s no fertilized egg (read: not pregnant) the built-up lining then starts breaking down.
iv. This shedding of the uterus line results in bleeding and that’s how you get your monthly period.
Being on your period doesn’t mean it’s time to live by junk food. Here’s a lowdown on what to eat during period so you can battle your lady business with ease.
1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, with its high Cocoa content, is loaded with antioxidants and Magnesium which help regulate Serotonin hormones and keep mood swings in check.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt, which is high in Calcium, can help relax muscles and reduce menstrual cramps. It also helps regulate digestion for easy poopie.
3. Watermelon
Water-based fruits, such as watermelon keep you hydrated and combat bloating. The nutrients in the fruit also help reduce weakness.
4. Banana
Enriched with Potassium and Magnesium, Banana helps reduce bloating. It’s also loaded with Vitamin B6 and other fiber rich nutrients which ensure your digestive system works round the clock.
5. Ginger
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Ginger helps reduce period pain. You can have a cup of Ginger tea every day to reduce discomfort during menstruation.
6. Broccoli and Spinach
Fortified with Magnesium, Iron and fiber, these greens can reduce period discomfort. They also help reduce fatigue while the Vitamin C content increases Iron absorption.
7. Salmon
Fortified with Magnesium, Iron and fiber, these greens can reduce period discomfort. They also help reduce fatigue while the Vitamin C content increases Iron absorption.
8. Nuts
When food cravings hit the roof, reach for an assortment of nuts. Almonds and Cashews are high in Magnesium and Calcium which help relieve menstrual pain.
Now if you’d rather choose to lounge on your couch with fries and cheese, go right ahead. But being a couch potato is not gonna help with the cramps ? Choosing to exercise instead would be wise.
1. Jogging
If you’re a regular jogger, you’re already a step ahead of the game. Jogging releases endorphins which work as a natural painkiller to give you relief from menstrual cramps. The best part? It’s distracting. Before you know you’re vibing with your workout playlist, and you’ve forgotten about your cramps!
2. Yoga
Try the Dolphin Pose, Goddess Pose and Camel Pose to reduce cramps, heavy bleeding, joint pain and fluid retention (read: bloating). Deep breathing exercises also regulates oxygen flow to deprived tissues which means lesser cramps. Brb, searching for the yoga mat.
3. Brisk walking
Wish you could just curl up like your dog and sleep all day? You, and all of us. But if you push through and engage in just 30 minutes of brisk walking, it’ll increase blood circulation and reduce your cramps. What can we say, your gynaec would suggest the same.
4. Pilates
Pilates improves blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles so you can break out of the lethargic mood. Mermaid and Cat stretch are great exercises to relieve bloating and tension. Besides, the deep breathing exercises de-stress and allow your abdomen to relax (read: fewer stomach cramps)
Apart from sticking to your tampons and panty liners for dear life, these tips will help you turn ‘that time of the month’ into a total breeze.
- When Aunt Flo pays you a visit, give a break to your fitted pencil skirts and slip into a flowy pair of palazzos instead. Why? Because wearing the tightest of jeans will only make it worse for your bloated tummy.
- Find yourself craving spicy food? That’s probably because you’re low on Iron. Follow Popeye and up your Iron intake in the form of Spinach. This would also work at fighting fatigue. Double-duty, we say.
- Caffeine can cause your body to retain more water which means more bloating. So, that’s a NO to coffee during this time of the month. Do you copy?
- Stock your home with period snacks that include nuts, fruits and dark chocolate so you don’t end up wolfing down on a bag of wafers. Salt makes your body retain more water and you don’t want that.
- Your body will act like its falling apart but trust us it’s nothing a hot water bag can’t handle. The heat supply will help stimulate blood flow and lower pain from cramps, making your period more bearable. You can also try a pain-relieving roll-on.
- Always be prepared with period protection. That means make space for pad, tampon or menstrual cup in your handbag because anxiety won’t help absorb the flow, no?
- Break into a dance, indulge in yoga or simply go jogging to stimulate blood flow and release happy endorphins. We’re not saying no to that.
- Treat yourself to a pampering bath session. Add bath salts or Peppermint and Lemongrass essential oils to your bath water as they will help relieve muscle cramps and tension.
Nykaa Recommends: Ellement Co. Don't Pmess With Me Roll-On Premenustral Syndrome Back And Lower Abdomen Pain Relieving, La Flora Organics Muscle Pain Relief Bath Salt & Foot Soak, Mamaearth Epsom Bath Salt With Calming Magnesium & Detoxifying Sulphate, Nykaa Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil, WOW Skin Science Lemongrass Essential Oil
FAQs on Period
1. What are the popular feminine hygiene products that can be used for period protection?
Tampons, sanitary pads and menstrual cups are ideal for protection against heavy flow. For lighter flow days, you can wear a panty liner.
Nykaa Recommends: O.B. Pro Comfort Tampons Super, Whisper Ultra Soft 2x Softer Large, Rustic Art Menstrual Cup, Sofy Daily Fresh Pantyliner
2. What is the normal cycle of a period? And how long does a period last?
Menstrual cycle can range from anywhere between 21 and 35 days. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. A period usually lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days, though this differs for every woman.
3. Suggest hygiene based products that can be used during period.
i. Vwash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Wash PH3.5
ii. Skin Elements Intimate Hygiene Wipes
