Periods, it’s that time of the month when you feel irritated, tired and bloated and those stomach pains and cramps make it even worse. In the attempt of easing, you might reach for a bag of potato chips or oily foods, but let me warn you that eating poorly will only make those symptoms worse.

Here is a list of some foods that will help you in making your monthly cycle more convenient. You just need to follow these simple tips to follow during periods and you can easily pass on those tough days.

Eat Complex Carbohydrates

Always treat vegetables, fruits and whole grains as your friends especially during menstruation. Sweet food might help you alleviate sugar cravings. Try foods like apricots, pears, oranges, artichokes, plums, cucumbers, corn and carrots.

Avoid Caffeine

Cutting down on caffeine will help you reduce the chances of bloating and also cool an irritable stomach. This is because caffeine that we usually prefer in the form of tea and coffee increases stomach acids and hit roughly on sensitive intestines. However you can still try traditional tea as a best substitute to strong coffee.

Eat Calcium Rich Foods

According to a study it has been concluded that women need at least 1,200 mg of calcium in a day. Yogurt, collard greens, kale and broccoli are considered as some good sources of calcium.

Avoid Eating Too Much of Salt

Over consumption of salty food can cause bloating and water retention in body. The best method to control salt intake is by avoiding fast foods and processed meals as most of them contains two or three times more salt that we normal get through meals.

Indulge in Dark Chocolates

If you have a great love for chocolate bars then its okay. In fact having a piece of dark chocolate every day during periods would help in soothing your cravings. Also they are very helpful antioxidants that improve our mood by boosting the level of serotonin.

Don’t Skip Water

Studies have confirmed that drinking more water will help your body alleviate bloating and water retention. Keep in mind that our body needs more water during periods to balance the water it has released so far.

Don’t Forget Your Vitamins

Adding vitamin-rich food diet especially during your cycle can help you eliminate some PMS symptoms. Some really effective food sources are avocado and hemp seeds and egg yolk.

Menstrual cramps and pins are very natural part of the monthly cycle. This is so because the hormonal fluctuations cause the contractions in uterus. Though there are multiple pills that are easily available in the drug stores for relieving from pain. But it’s good to avoid clumping chemicals in your stomach. If you rather revert to natural remedies, I am sure you would feel more relaxed, given zero side effects and practically no costs!

The various home remedies to relieve from menstrual cramps, pain and hot flashes are-

1.    Hot water bottles, baths, ands light exercises are a great solution

You might have heard of placing hot water bottles against your uterus as a solution to relieve from the menstrual pains as they tend to increase the blood flow to the area and increase the oxygen supply. This further helps in easing the muscle contractions.

Also the exercises help in relieving from pain by increasing the supply of oxygenated blood to the uterus that helps you.

2.    Ginger Beer or Tea

Drinking some ginger beer or having 3-4 cups of tea will help you in relieving from the pain and improving the digestion. Also it will help in suppressing the nauseous feeling.

3.    Suck some Ice to help in Bloated Belly

If you feel like overeaten or bloated belly after the meal, then sucking some ice cubes can also be beneficial to stimulate the digestive system and make it work faster!!!

4.    Have Calcium intake to Boost Strength and settle the Upset Stomach

Calcium tablets or having dairy products like hot milk or tea or normal and not chilled curd can help you build strong so as to suffer less chronic pain and settle the stomach disorders and diarrhea. Remember that if you are feeling nauseous then you must avoid the dairy products.

5.    Sunflower Seeds

The sunflower seeds help you in releasing instant energy and are also a good remedy in case you are suffering from anemia or drowsiness. In such a case having a spinach salad dressed with sunflower seed is great option.

6.    Sleep Often

Sleeping and resting on bed is all the more important during menstruation. Let your body regulate its own internal temperature. Stay in your comfort zone and wear lose pants.

7.    Peppermint Tea

This also serves as a mild muscle relaxant that helps in relieving the chronic pain. Also it helps with digestion and nauseous feeling.

These are great home remedies that ensure you the relief from pain and cramps but if in case the condition is quite severe then medical help is advisable!!!

Another critical period in the life of a woman characterized by physical and physiological disturbance is the “menopausal phase”. Affecting her mind to a great extent changes may last for many years. An average woman attains menopause at the age of fifty. However, the pre-menopausal and the post menopausal period turn out to be the most demanding period in the life of every woman. Along with physical changes, the fluctuations in the flow of hormones disturb the overall mental well being and functions. Among the different symptoms and consequences anxiety and mental depression are seen prevalent in many.

How it Affects Mental Well being?

The loss of fertility or the capability to reproduce leaves her with a lost feeling. Any kind of differences shown to her by her spouse or children at this stage can lead to depression. She feels alienated and her psyche undergoes a sea change. This psychological distress makes one anxious and disturbs the mental equilibrium.

Panic attack, the commonly occurred symptom of menopause is seen in many women undergoing menopause. Excessive sweating, heaviness on chest, feeling hot frequently or the hot flashes are some of the common symptoms of this attacks. In case, she is overburdened with responsibilities, she may suffer stress, which further aggravates the mental well being in the body. Leading to adrenaline fatigue woman feel depressed and loses the mental balance.

Treating Menopause…

In case of hot flashes red clover, ginseng, maca, vitex are some good remedies. These remedies are very useful as they reduce the emotional distress and help in stabilizing the hot flashes and diminish the mental upheavals.

Another easier way to treat these menopausal affects is by undergoing sessions of psychotherapy. Apart from this, her family must be given counseling on how to help her cope with these affects and symptoms. Family support will help her improve and rebuild her self esteem.

Certain changes in diet will also let her pass through this stage peacefully. Complex carbohydrates help in calming the mental functions by increasing the flow of serotonin. However, she must refrain from junk foods and drink and consume more healthy diet free from oil and fats.

With aging, this is an inevitable process in the life of every woman. But with little care and optimism woman can strongly ward off the consequences of menopause. Remaining positive and accepting changes with open arms will let her live life with ease and comfort. After all, changes are part and parcel of life…