Q. How do I prevent stomach pain during periods?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Stomach pain during periods is one of the most common symptoms experienced by female menstruators. While it’s perfectly normal to feel discomfort in your abdominal area leading up to and during your period, there are some practical steps you can take to minimize or even prevent this type of pain from occurring.
First and foremost, make sure that you are eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated throughout the month. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as healthy sources of protein such as fish, tofu, nuts, beans will keep your body nourished which is key for reducing stomach pain before or during your period. Additionally, drinking enough water is essential for fighting off bloating or cramping associated with menstrual cycles. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water each day spread out evenly throughout the day.
It may also be beneficial to incorporate specific foods into your pre-period routine that help reduce inflammation in the body like ginger tea, turmeric lattes, fatty fish and leafy greens such as kale or spinach which contain antioxidants known to fight off free radicals within our bodies that contribute to inflammation. Additionally trying an iron supplement if you have an iron deficiency can help reduce severe menstrual cramps associated with periods due to its ability to increase oxygen supply in abnormalities regions affected by these pains like our abdomen muscles areas . Vitamin B6 has been found effective too - try adding more banana's , potatoes , fortified cereals , nuts etc into yours diet !
Physical activity can also play a major role in easing stomach pains before or during a period so aim for regular exercise keeping concentration on abdominal exercises specifically designed for core strengthening along with stretching activities such yoga poses like cat/cow position or downward facing dog helps too ! Yoga breathing techniques such breath awareness (pranayama) helps release tension & relax mind & body while treating painful cramps thus preventing further formation over days & providing relief instantly! Massage therapy sessions supports healing process too via improving circulation which reduces spasms around reproductive organs while relaxing muscles overall thus alleviating stomach aches ! Also using heating pad on lower back region may provide satisfactory results ! You should avoid caffeine & alcoholic beverages not only because it aggravates existing issues but also because both dehydrates human body resulting in getting worse health conditions over time . Finally when all else fails consider talking prescribed medications & seeking medical advice !!