Dysmenorrhea is a common concern for many women. When menstruation arrives, it brings significant discomfort, with several days each month marked by unpleasant sensations. Try these four fruits to ease menstrual cramps: 1. Longan (Longan) — Warming and Cold-Dispelling Longan is a warming food and should not be consumed frequently or in large quantities, as it can easily cause internal heat.However, for those with chronic constipation, cooking longan with angelica root, walnut kernels, and sesame seeds can help replenish qi, nourish the kidneys, moisturize dryness, and enhance brain function.
Individuals with excessive eye discharge may add goji berries and white chrysanthemum flowers to the mixture, which further supports kidney health, nourishes essence, and improves liver function and vision. For those experiencing menstrual cramps due to uterine coldness, moderate consumption can help dispel cold and alleviate symptoms.
2. Apples — Relieve Cramps
Containing phytoestrogens, apples help balance estrogen levels, preventing excessive menstrual flow or painful periods caused by hormonal imbalances.
One apple contains over 30mg of flavonoids. These bioflavonoids regulate blood lipids, improve serum lipid profiles, dilate blood vessels, and relieve spasms.
3. Red Dates — Nourish Blood and Qi
China's herbal text "The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica" records that red dates are sweet and warm in nature, affecting the spleen and stomach meridians. They tonify the middle energizer, nourish blood, calm the spirit, and moderate the effects of other herbs.
Modern pharmacological research reveals red dates enhance blood oxygen levels and nourish cells throughout the body, acting as a mild yet potent tonic.
4. Pears — Prevent Dryness and Promote Circulation
While pears are widely known as a cooling fruit that reduces internal heat and soothes the throat, few realize that menstrual pain weakens immunity, often leading to heatiness or colds. Pear soup is ideal during such times. For wind-heat colds or heatiness, pear juice moistens the lungs, clears heat, and promotes circulation without causing coldness.
Foods to Avoid During Menstrual Cramps
1. Avoid raw, cold, or cooling foods, especially if you experience cold-type menstrual pain.
2. Snails
Though snails have cooling properties to clear heat, they are unsuitable during menstruation due to their cold nature.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate can trigger emotional instability and sugar cravings. Beyond causing weight gain, it increases vitamin B requirements. Its sugar content depletes the body's vitamin B reserves.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate can trigger emotional instability and sugar cravings. Beyond contributing to weight gain, it increases the body's demand for vitamin B. Sugar consumption depletes vitamin B and minerals, making one more prone to sweet cravings.Consuming high-sugar sweets does not alleviate menstrual discomfort. Instead, it causes unstable blood sugar levels, disrupts hormonal balance, and intensifies menstrual cramps. Therefore, chocolate is one food to avoid during menstrual pain.
4. Sichuan pepper, cloves, and black pepper
During menstruation, focus on light, mildly flavored, and nutrient-rich foods. Avoid highly stimulating spicy foods, as they can trigger blood vessel dilation, leading to early menstruation and heavier flow.Sichuan pepper, cloves, and black pepper are all spices. While they can be added to dishes during cooking to enhance flavor, women should avoid these pungent, stimulating foods during their period. Otherwise, they may cause dysmenorrhea and increased menstrual flow.
How should women with dysmenorrhea care for themselves daily?
1. Pay attention to and maintain menstrual hygiene. Avoid consuming raw, cold, or spicy foods during the premenstrual and menstrual periods.
3. Regularly engage in physical exercise, especially if you have a weak constitution. Also focus on improving nutritional intake and actively treat any chronic illnesses.
4. When pain occurs, symptomatic relief can be achieved by taking oral painkillers. Atropine tablets, belladonna tablets, or diazepam tablets can also alleviate discomfort.