Study Finds Foods to Avoid to Reduce Menstrual Cramps

Abdominal cramps during menstruation can be very disturbing. However, a number of studies have found some foods to avoid during cramps. Avoiding some of these foods can help reduce the intensity of cramps. Recent research presented at the NAMS annual meeting explores the link between diet and dysmenorrhea.

“I found that a diet high in inflammatory foods such as meat, oil, sugar, salt and coffee contributed to increased pain during menstruation,” said Sannoh, launching CNN. Commenting on the study results, NAMS member, gynecologist Monica Christmas said that teenagers generally prefer to eat foods that trigger inflammation.

However, according to Christmas, stomach cramps during menstruation can actually be relieved by doing an anti-inflammatory diet such as intake of fruits, vegetables and olive oil.

Scientific evidence has shown that eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising are effective ways to reduce the duration and severity of menstrual cramps.

Cramps during menstruation itself are caused by prostaglandins which act like hormones. It causes blood vessels and smooth muscles to constrict. Researchers found that when prostaglandin levels were higher, uterine contractions were more intense.

Sannoh also found that part of the problem with pain is an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as salmon, tuna, sardines, oysters, walnuts and flaxseeds are anti-inflammatory. Meanwhile, too much omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation. This is what can trigger pain.

“From this study, I found that people with diets high in omega-6 fatty acids, especially those derived from animal products, had higher levels of arachidonic acid in the body. This increases the amount of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that help the uterus contract, said Sannoh.

She claims that menstrual pain can subside if you balance your consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and reduce the amount of inflammatory foods you eat.

As is known, about 85 percent of girls in the world suffer from cramps during menstruation. Not only that, menstruation can also make parts of the body from the back to the thighs feel uncomfortable.