Do you suffer from menstrual cramps, pain, increased acne, bloating etc.?
I am! When it's my time of the month I get the worst pains and cramps possible, to the point where I wouldn't be able to go to school for the first day or two. Before I got into the holistic lifestyle I tried all medications possible, even trying my parent's pain killers (which are next level powerful). Pain killer's obviously worked but only for a couple of hours which felt like I was taking them all day, this didn't feel healthy. Now, knowing the negative effects they have on your body and liver when taken continuously I try to avoid them when my time of the month comes and look for natural remedies to help relieve the pain. Read below for my favorite ways to help relieve the symptoms you get when your on the time of the month!
First off...
You may be wondering.. Why do I get such bad cramps? Why do I get so moody? Or maybe you have some similar questions.
Well this all comes down to how well your hormones are functioning. Female hormones are produced by the endocrine system, hormones like estrogen are produced in the ovaries! When this system is out of balance, the hormones which are being released can become out of balance as well.
The liver also plays a large role in your menstrual cycle by processing/filtering the hormones that are related in your cycle.
If your liver is not be detoxifying hormones properly it can lead to all different type of symptoms that women have to suffer from when our time of the month comes. The key is to be supporting your liver to make it healthy and strong, plus a few extra nutrients can help during your cycle.
A few things I take during my cycle...
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is essential for life. It is involved in our metabolism (energy production from the food we eat) and needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Unfortunately it's one of the most deficient minerals since it's depleted from our soil/food and gets even more depleted when we are stressed. Plus there is a high demand for it in the body! So it's usually the first thing I recommend to everyone!
Magnesium is considered the "natural tranquilizer" since it has relaxing effects on the smooth, cardiac & skeletal muscles and the nervous system.
In my own experience it helps relax the muscles that cause cramps and relaxes my mind when I am overthinking the pain etc.
Magnesium can be taken daily to help with your menstrual cycle symptoms. One of the best absorbed forms is magnesium bis-glycinate like pictured above.
EPSOM BATH
The chemical name for Epsom salts is Magnesium Sulfate.
Epsom salts are Magnesium! This is why your muscles feel so relaxed when coming out of a Epsom salt bath. What better way to relax your menstrual pains then soaking your whole body in Magnesium!
I always have 1-2 baths when I'm on my cycle. I add a few drops of my favorite essential oil, like eucalyptus, bergamot or lavender for extra relaxing benefits!
HERBS
Our hormones are produced by the endocrine system (adrenal glands, thyroid, hypothalamus etc.) and what's neat is how certain herbs have properties can help support the endocrine system and hormonal function.
Some herbs also contain anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help calm and soothe the muscles!
2 Herbs I always recommend to help support the endocrine system are:
Ashwagandha: classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years. They help the body deal with stressors, mental fatigue and support a major stress gland - the adrenals which produce the hormone cortisol.
When this gland is out of balance it has an effect on all of the other glands in the endocrine system.
Schisandra: classified as an adaptogen. I've been using this herb for a few years now and I personally love it! It's similar to Ashwagandha by supporting the adrenal glands but it also works on the liver. Several studies have shown Schisandra has effects to cleanse the liver and support detoxification.
HEAT
I find that heat has a extremely relaxing effect with my cramps and lower back pain. I use either a heating pad or a hot water bottle before I go to bed, this helps with the pain the next morning as well!
ESTROSMART
Estrosmart is one of my favorite supplements by Lorna Vanderhaghe!
I'm not affiliated/promoting this product but I feel like I have to share with you because of the amazing results I have had using it. It has decreased my pain drastically over the months I have been taking it.
Estrosmart works to reduce PMS, painful cramps and those awful symptoms you may experience!
It maintains a healthy estrogen to progesterone balance by removing excess or potentially toxic estrogen in the body. Lorna recommends this is a great supplement for those with irregular cycles, PCOS and ovarian cysts.
This is not a supplement to take for pain like Advil or Tylenol.
It's meant to be supplemented up to 2 weeks before you start your cycle to help reduce symptoms. Do some research on Estrosmart, check it out online and see if it could be for you!