What Drinks Are Good for Menstrual Cramps?

Managing menstrual cramps often involves dietary adjustments, including the types of beverages you consume. Certain drinks can help alleviate cramps and reduce discomfort. Here’s a guide to the best drinks for soothing menstrual cramps.

1. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can be particularly soothing for menstrual cramps due to their anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties:

• Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea can help relax the uterine muscles and reduce pain.
• Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has muscle relaxant properties and can alleviate abdominal cramps and bloating.
• Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce menstrual pain and nausea.

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2. Warm Water

Drinking warm water helps to relax the abdominal muscles and can improve blood flow to the area. This can ease cramping and provide a soothing effect.

3. Coconut Water

Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps in reducing bloating and maintaining electrolyte balance. It can also keep you hydrated and alleviate some discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

For more details about the benefits of coconut water for period pain, check here and here.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Its gentle caffeine content can also help to boost energy and reduce pain. Additionally, green tea can have a calming effect on the body.

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5. Bone Broth

Bone broth is not only nourishing but also provides essential nutrients and minerals that support overall health. Its warm temperature and nutrient content can be soothing during menstruation.

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6. Smoothies

Blending fruits and vegetables into smoothies can provide hydration and essential nutrients. Ingredients like spinach, bananas, and berries can be particularly beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties and high nutrient content.

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7. Water with Lemon

Adding lemon to your water can enhance its hydrating properties and provide a boost of vitamin C. Lemon water helps with digestion and can reduce bloating associated with menstrual cramps.

For more details about the benefits of lemon water during period, check here and here.

8. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive system, which might be beneficial if you experience bloating or discomfort during your period.

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9. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Mixing turmeric with warm milk can create a soothing drink that helps alleviate menstrual pain.

For more details about turmeric milk, check here and here.

Avoid These Drinks

While some drinks can help, others may worsen menstrual cramps. It’s best to limit or avoid:

• Caffeinated Beverages: Excess caffeine can increase bloating and discomfort.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate the body and may increase menstrual pain.
• Sugary Drinks: High sugar content can contribute to bloating and discomfort.

Incorporating these beneficial drinks into your routine can help manage menstrual cramps and improve overall comfort during your period. Staying hydrated and making mindful beverage choices can play a significant role in reducing menstrual discomfort.

Reference

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3. Nuha K, Rusmil K, Ganiem AR, Permadi W, Diah Herawati DM. Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Comparative Efficacy of Dark Chocolate, Coconut Water, and Ibuprofen in Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Aug 21;20(16):6619. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20166619. PMID: 37623203; PMCID: PMC10454194.
4. Febriani, Luky & Wahyuni, Elly & Mizawati, Afrina. (2023). The effect of coconut water on alleviating menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) in teenage women. Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science. 6. 225-234. 10.33024/minh.v6i3.6362.
5. Zhang X, Zhang R, Chen D, Huang R, Tian Y, Zhang P, Zhang J; Shanghai Birth Cohort. Association of tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea among reproductive-age women in Shanghai, China (2013-2015): a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2019 Apr 8;9(4):e026643. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026643. PMID: 30962237; PMCID: PMC6500245.
6. Naraoka Y, Hosokawa M, Minato-Inokawa S, Sato Y. Severity of Menstrual Pain Is Associated with Nutritional Intake and Lifestyle Habits. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Apr 30;11(9):1289. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11091289. PMID: 37174831; PMCID: PMC10178419.
7. Mar-Solís LM, Soto-Domínguez A, Rodríguez-Tovar LE, Rodríguez-Rocha H, García-García A, Aguirre-Arzola VE, Zamora-Ávila DE, Garza-Arredondo AJ, Castillo-Velázquez U. Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Oct 20;57(11):1138. doi: 10.3390/medicina57111138. PMID: 34833355; PMCID: PMC8618064.
8. Mahalakshmi B, Sivasubramanian N, Vaghela P, Ganvanthbhai RD, Rajeshbhai GP, Ramalakshmi G, Prakash D, Ekambaram G. Effect of Beta vulgaris extracts on dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. Bioinformation. 2022 Jul 31;18(7):657-660. doi: 10.6026/97320630018657. PMID: 37313053; PMCID: PMC10259228.
9. Onieva-Zafra MD, Fernández-Martínez E, Abreu-Sánchez A, Iglesias-López MT, García-Padilla FM, Pedregal-González M, Parra-Fernández ML. Relationship between Diet, Menstrual Pain and other Menstrual Characteristics among Spanish Students. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 12;12(6):1759. doi: 10.3390/nu12061759. PMID: 32545490; PMCID: PMC7353339.
10. Mirabi, Parvaneh & Alamolhoda, Seideh & Yazdkhasti, Mansoureh & Mojab, Faraz. (2018). The Effects of Lemon balm on Menstrual Bleeding and the Systemic Manifestation of Dysmenorrhea. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 17. 214-223.
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