During their menstrual period, many women experience irritability, low mood, and the "torment" of dull abdominal pain. People around them often advise drinking brown sugar water. However, this method does not actually alleviate menstrual cramps.
Women Suffering from Menstrual Cramps Should Avoid Blindly Drinking Brown Sugar Water
First, drinking warm brown sugar water can warm the body, boost energy, invigorate qi and blood, and accelerate blood circulation, potentially facilitating smoother menstrual flow. Women experiencing irregular periods or lower abdominal bloating and pain may find this method helpful.Adding ginger juice while boiling can further tonify the middle qi, nourish blood, and support liver health (according to TCM, the uterus is connected to the liver meridian), enhancing the warming and meridian-opening effects.
However, brown sugar is inherently warming and can easily cause internal heat. For women with weak constitutions, cold-dampness, blood deficiency, or qi and blood stagnation, it may increase internal heat, alleviating menstrual pain caused by coldness and blood stasis.Conversely, if you have a fiery constitution—characterized by excessive internal heat or rising false fire—consuming highly drying brown sugar water is like adding fuel to the fire. The body, unable to tolerate excessive false fire, may release internal heat through bleeding, potentially causing excessive hemorrhage.It can help postpartum women alleviate uterine contractions, but for menstruating women, its benefits are limited. Overindulging in sweets may even heighten anxiety. Therefore, preventing dysmenorrhea also requires maintaining menstrual hygiene, avoiding exposure to cold during menstruation, and strictly avoiding spicy or irritating foods during this period.
What to Eat During Menstrual Cramps
1. Tea
Tea is another primary source of manganese. According to researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, women should avoid caffeinated teas during menstruation, as caffeine can exacerbate period discomfort. Ginger tea is an exception, however, as it helps alleviate nausea and bloating.Additionally, chamomile tea can eliminate muscle spasms, relieve tension and discomfort, and reduce menstrual cramps and period-related discomfort.Dark green vegetables are also rich in vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.What foods can help eliminate menstrual cramps? One way to inhibit prostaglandin secretion is by consuming salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who regularly favored omega-3-rich foods experienced fewer menstrual discomfort symptoms compared to those who rarely consumed such foods.
4. Pineapple
Research indicates that young women with insufficient manganese levels experience menstrual blood flow 50% heavier than those with adequate manganese. The study's researchers recommend increasing manganese intake to alleviate menstrual discomfort.Fruits are rich in manganese, with pineapple being the most abundant source. Pineapple contains high levels of bromelain, an enzyme that helps relax muscles and prevent menstrual cramps.
How to ease period pain?
1. Stay warm. When sitting or lying down, use a hot water bottle for warmth, but avoid applying heat to one spot for too long. Gently massage the area. If no hot water bottle is available, use your hands to gently rub your lower abdomen. If possible, take slow walks. Though it may hurt at first, walking gradually eases the discomfort.
2. Take vitamin supplements: B vitamins, especially B6, are highly effective for premenstrual tension. They stabilize mood, aid sleep, and reduce abdominal pain. Of course, women experiencing unrelieved menstrual cramps should seek timely gynecological consultation.
3. Maintain a balanced diet: Increase intake of vegetables, fruits, chicken, and fish. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid raw, cold, spicy, or highly stimulating foods.
4. Increase physical activity: Especially for those with weaker constitutions, combine dietary improvements with light exercise like walking.
5. Use Chinese herbal remedies to alleviate menstrual cramps. There are many herbal dietary therapies available. For example, lamb stewed with angelica and astragalus is suitable for those with qi and blood deficiency. It is best to seek guidance from a licensed herbalist.