Does Chocolate Help With Cramps?
Many women are familiar with the popular chocolate candy that is typically eaten during the girl's nights out. It seems that when women have their monthly periods, that they must consume the sweet, bitter, and spicy chocolate in order to feel better. This popular indulgence may actually trigger the body to release an excessive amount of blood into the system. This too can cause an imbalance and a cramp or two.
Some women experience more severe menstrual cramps that they consider too debilitating to even mention. However, these women do not have to eat chocolate in order to feel better. They have a simple solution to getting relief from their menstrual cramps. A great alternative is a liquid nutritional supplement. It is specifically formulated to balance and regulate hormones, ease uncomfortable bloating, and even offer relief from period pain.
There are several hormones that control a woman's menstrual cycle. The estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all essential to women's everyday function. When one or any of these hormones are imbalanced, a woman can experience cramps. It is important that when a woman has her period, she consumes the recommended amount of chocolate each day in order to keep her body in balance.
The chocolate contains an enzyme that helps to balance blood sugar levels. It is interesting to note that the enzyme is located in the same area as the human brain. This enzyme helps to regulate how energy is used by the body. If the levels of this enzyme are unbalanced, women will find that their energy and mental clarity are negatively affected.
Another common question that women ask is, "Do caffeine and chocolate affect the menstrual cycle and cramps?" Research has shown that it can. Caffeine and other stimulants can interfere with hormone levels and cause discomfort during a woman's period. On a lighter side, it has been noticed that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate each day can help to reduce period pain and discomfort. Some women prefer to eat it while watching television rather than having a cup of hot cocoa!
Many women wonder if eating chocolate helps relieve period pain because of the various nutrients that are contained within the chocolate. It does, however, contain several ingredients that are beneficial to the body. For example, theobromine, a type of caffeine, has been found to be an effective treatment for menstrual cramps. It also contains high amounts of magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus, which play a role in maintaining hormonal balance.
In addition to helping to alleviate period pain, chocolate can also help improve blood flow throughout the body. The cocoa in the chocolate contains flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals from the body, as well as block harmful chemicals from damaging cell membranes. This helps to boost the overall health of your immune system. As a result of the antioxidants found in cocoa, the skin, heart, and digestive tract feel a renewed glow.
Although there are many benefits associated with chocolate consumption, it is important to avoid it when experiencing period pain due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine can act as a mild stimulant, which means that you can easily overdo it. If you notice that you experience cramps very often when you have consumed too much chocolate, you should limit your intake. Also, if you suffer from allergies to chocolate, or any other allergies, you should definitely avoid it. Overall, chocolate does help relieve period pain and is worth a try in your efforts to relieve menstrual cramps.
Another benefit of chocolate is the fact that it can help to prevent cancer. It contains flavonoids that play a role in reducing tumor growth. This is most notable in cancer of the cervix. Many women, who suffer from monthly pain due to menstrual cramps, report a significant reduction when they begin to consume more dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is also beneficial for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. So even if you don't suffer from menstrual cramps, this delicious treat is a great addition to a healthy diet.
If you eat a lot of chocolate, you should be aware that eating too much of it can cause fatigue and headaches. This is why you should consume less than four ounces a day. Even though it is good for your health and has certain beneficial effects, you shouldn't overdo it! Consume your chocolate in moderation. You can also add it to your favorite ice cream or to your morning cereal.
If you have any questions about the impact of chocolate on menstrual cramps, your doctor is the best person to ask. He or she will be able to tell you what amount is safe for you to eat or drink each month. Although this tasty treat may provide relief from pain and other symptoms, too much of it is never a good thing. So make sure that you are consuming your limit at just the right amounts!
What foods help with period cramps?
What foods help with period cramps? It's a question asked by many women who suffer from monthly menstrual pain. The fact is, there is no "cure" for this pain and it is not a condition that will disappear over night. However, there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms and improve your ability to manage period pain.
First off, find a good diet supplement. There are many options out there. Consider taking a high-quality multivitamin along with a special herbal remedy, such as black cohosh, pomegranate, or wild yam, which are all known to help support healthy menstrual cycles.
Secondly, consider eliminating caffeine from your diet. Many women experience pain from their period because of it. If you add caffeine to your diet, your body will begin to think it needs it more than it actually does. Caffeine has the ability to become fat in your body and store it. So if you have too much, cut it out or try drinking green tea instead. Studies show that it can help reduce discomfort and increase your ability to manage period pain.
Third, try to eat many more foods that are rich in folic acid. Women sometimes get cramps because of iron deficiency. But, most of us don't know that iron can be lacking in many women even without menstruation. Iron is found in green leafy vegetables and fruits. You can also get it from fortified cereal and tinned products, like spaghetti sauce and cereals. But, you may want to consider increasing your intake of leafy greens, bok choy, carrots, red and black pepper and corn.
Fourth, keep a food diary to track what you are eating on a regular basis. It's not only a good idea to keep track of what you are eating, but also what you're drinking. That's when you'll see that there may be food groups that you are deficient in. Eating more foods rich in iron can help you overcome this and can increase your energy. Also consider drinking extra water, since water helps to dilute blood and keep your menstrual flow going.
Fifth, learn how to relax. Most of the time, period cramps are caused by anxiety and stress. So, learning how to calm yourself down can help a great deal. Look for simple, guided breathing exercises or meditation to help you calm your nerves.
Sixth, consider taking an herbal supplement. Two of the herbs that have been shown to help with period cramps are Black Cohosh and Echinacea. You can find these products at health food stores or online. But there are many more herbal supplements that can help with the discomfort and bloating associated with period cramps. Before you give them a try, make sure to do your research and talk with your doctor.
So, if you suffer from period cramps, you know what foods help with period cramps. What if you don't? There are foods that are excellent for helping to reduce bloating and reduce period pain, too! The important thing is that you know what foods help with period cramps so that you can take care of the discomfort and inconvenience. And if you don't get relief soon, see your doctor as soon as possible.
One of the most important things to remember when you're trying to figure out what foods will help you, of course, is that you need to make sure that they are all-natural. Nothing can be worth more than your health. Even if something works for other women, it may not be right for you. And you never want to take any kind of medications without talking to your doctor first.
If you're worried about bloating and how to relieve your cramping, try eating more fiber-rich foods, such as brown rice, whole grain bread and dried beans. Also, drink lots of pure water to help flush your system and to keep yourself hydrated. Another idea for what foods help with period cramps and your bloating is to try drinking more herbal tea. There are many different teas that are excellent for relieving cramps. One popular herbal tea is chamomile tea, which has a very soothing effect and is also good for calming your stomach.
You may also want to consider taking a high-fiber diet. This means cutting back on foods like white bread, sugar, and processed food. Instead, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and stick with healthy fats, such as olive oil, butter, and avocados. The combination of all these factors can make a great diet for alleviating what foods help with period cramps. You'll find that it works quite well!
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