Come that time of the month and you start feeling low already. If you asked women about periods, most of them would talk about bloating, abdominal pains and the worse, menstrual cramps. Ranging from merely annoying to causing severe discomfort, menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea affects around 80% of women around the globe. That essentially means that a lot of women suffer from cramps during menstruation. While there is an option of opting for medicines and getting some relief, a lot of women turn to home remedies given the delicate nature of the ailment.
What if we tell you that the most common fruit, found in almost every household, could actually give you much relief from menstrual cramps? What if that fruit was Banana? Yes, that is right; bananas can actually be included in your diet, not just for the energy and proteins it offers, but for the fact that they can help you with period cramps. Want to know more? Read on!
Why do you get menstrual cramps?
While the real cause why some women experience menstrual cramps and some do not has not been understood yet, it is known that the muscles in the uterus contract and relax to shed the lining built up in anticipation of a pregnancy. The cramps are the result of these muscles being at work. Research has it that menstrual cramps are more common in women who –
- Have higher levels of prostaglandins causing more pain and inflammation in the muscles of the womb
- Have not had their first baby
- Have a heavy blood flow
- Are 20 years old or younger
- Just started with periods
- Other conditions such as endometriosis
For mild cramps, home remedies come very close to provide relief. However, if you experience painful cramps that disrupt your daily life, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.
Can foods help in getting relief from period cramps?
Painful periods can be a nightmare for many of us women. While it is easy to fall back on medicines, the best way to deal with period cramps is to make dietary changes that can help ease the pains. Fluctuating hormones during menstruation drive us craving and eating junk food like chips which makes the matters worse. Caffeine, wine, and alcohol are best avoided since they increase coristol levels in the body causing bad period pains. Foods that have loads of potassium, magnesium, vitamins B12 and 6 can, however, help in dealing with painful menstruation. Including these nutrients in your diet will help your body find its balance, and stabilize the hormones.
Foods rich in potassium help with preventing water retention. Foods with magnesium help promote a good muscle tone, helping them to relax and increasing absorption of calcium. Vitamin B6 to has been linked with has been used to elevate mood during periods, which is caused by low levels of serotonin during those days. This low serotonin level can cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety and emotional out-bursts.
And one such versatile food or fruit is banana.
How does eating banana help with period pains?
The curvy, yellow fruit comes with a host of health benefits and is one of the most consumed fruit in the world. Rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C, it offers a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients and boasts of being very versatile of fruit. It is the potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6 that makes banana a favorite for those who suffer from menstrual cramps. Evidence suggests that these nutrients have anti-cramping properties. Potassium levels when low and cause severe muscle cramps, and one banana is enough to replenish potassium levels that you lose after two hours of exercise. As magnesium helps relax the muscles, vitamin B6 helps curb irritability and mood swings. Having a banana before and during your period days can provide the much-needed relief from cramps during periods.
How to eat a banana to get rid of cramps during periods?
The yellow fruit can be had as it is for its benefits. Or you can mix it with some low-fat yogurt to make a tasty treat. Simply toss some sliced bananas into a bowl of milk and cereal for a power pack breakfast. Or have a bowl of a healthy fruit salad not just to fight period discomfort but also to have a colorful snack. And not to mention the smoothies and all that sweet treats that bananas can be incorporated into!
When not to eat banana for period cramps?
While bananas are a very healthy fruit, they also contain loads of sugar and may not suit diabetic patients. They also contain amino acids that may trigger headaches and sleepiness if eaten in excess. The high level of potassium can also cause hyperkalemia – essentially temporary paralysis and muscle weakness if many bananas are eaten at one time. Vitamin B6 can also cause some serious nerve damage in the arms and legs if bananas are eaten in excess.
To get the most, eat bananas in moderation and watch your period cramps vanish!