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Period pain can derail your whole day. Girls miss school, women call out of work, and the world just expects you to power through it anyway.
You don’t have to just suffer. Here’s what actually helps when cramps hit.
1. Consume fiber
Get 25 grams of fiber daily. It helps regulate your cycle and prevents clots from forming during your flow. Whole grains, whole-wheat bread and pasta, beans, vegetables with edible skins (potatoes count), and oatmeal are your best bets.
2. Get vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 cuts down the length and intensity of cramps. Salmon, avocados, bananas, potatoes with skin (yes, even chips), prunes, and chicken breast all pack plenty of B6.
3. Avoid fatty foods
Keep your cholesterol low and your diet clean. Fatty foods make everything worse, including how your body handles inflammation during your period.
4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration makes your muscles contract harder, which means worse cramps. Drink eight glasses of water daily. Cold water works best.
5. Avoid smoking
Smoking throws your cycle into chaos and makes cramps significantly worse. If you’re dealing with irregular periods, quitting might be the single most effective thing you can do.