stop struggling, reclaim your period
Suffering from your period is not cute. And unless you have underlying conditions (such as endometriosis) that require medical treatment, there are natural ways to relieve every single common symptom you're experiencing.
I’ve adopted methods that have been life saving for my menstrual cycle. Gone are the days where I’m tirelessly aching from cramps or experiencing elevated PMS symptoms that feel out of my control. Through research and self-practice, I feel like I've finally cracked the code.
Here are my do’s and don’ts to support a healthy period -
Ditch The Tampons
As an athletic girly, and a girl who just doesn’t like feeling wet, this was HARD for me. But for the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my period pains and the actual length of my periods (from 5-6 days with two days of heavy flow, to no more than 4 days with first day heavy flow) when I made the switch to alternative methods.
What caused me to make the switch? Initially, it was the changes in my body that caught my attention. As I delved deeper, I discovered research that validated what I had been experiencing…and it was disturbing.
“...Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead,” said Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management. The 2024 study, led by Shearston, uncovered 16 metals in 30 different kinds of tampons from 14 different brands, both organic and non-organic. No category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals. Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons but arsenic was higher in organic tampons. (Elise Proulx, publichealth.berkely.edu, July 2024) You can read the full paper here.
As an FYI, lead is not our friend. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified lead as a probable human carcinogen. And we already know about arsenic from every Snapped episode…
However, there is hope!! Specific brands of pads and period cups are good alternatives, but the most effective and non toxic method I’ve found is a form of free bleeding into period underwear. Though there are no documented studies yet, but there have been many testimonials from women on how free bleeding has reduced their cramping and led to a lighter flow…including my personal testimonial.
Some great period underwear options are ModiBodi (they also make period swimwear) and The Period Company, I’ve linked my favorite pair here. I never feel wet, unsanitary, or bulky when I wear these, I’ve found it to be a great alternative to any and all tampon products.
DRINK YOUR HERBS
Nettle leaf plant, great for women’s health
One of my favorite ways to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle and experience is by utilizing the powerful constituents of herbs. My favorite tea is actually postpartum tea, and though I don’t have kids, I’ve quickly discovered that anything geared toward maternal health is usually great for overall feminine health in general. The Tisane tea from Ebi is a sustainably sourced blend of effective ingredients that do wonders for the female body.
One of my favorite ingredients, nettle leaf, is rich in iron, which is essential for healthy blood flow during periods and can actually relieve excessive heavy flow. Nettle tea has also been shown to help regulate hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods and alleviate PMS symptoms, such as bloating and breast tenderness.
The chamomile included is also an antispasmodic herb, which means it helps relieve cramps or spasms.
Other Antispasmodic Herbs You Can Incorporate are -
Peppermint
Fennel
Cramp Bark
Ginger
These herbs are great to focus on if you’re in a pinch and have to get a single leaf, store bought tea!
Maintain a Whole Foods Diet
Food is your friend, but maybe not in the way you’ve been consuming it. Now, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself! But part of that also means making the smart decision for your body, not just your tastebuds.
“Specific foods may affect your energy levels and mood and may even help alleviate certain period symptoms,” says Valerie Agyeman, R.D., a women’s health dietitian and host of The Flourish Heights Podcast, in a 2023 Forbes Health article. “Keeping your body nourished with nutrient-dense foods all month long is the way to go. Include whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes in your eating routine.”
The recent trend of eating according to your cycle phases can be very helpful. But let’s face it, it’s hard enough to track responding to my emails, let alone what foods I need to eat while keeping up with what phase my body is in. Instead, focusing on unprocessed foods, organic options, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, reducing dairy, and avoiding refined sugars and alcohol can lead to the benefits of a well-rounded diet that will reflect in your menstrual cycle.
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
The author of this blog is not a licensed medical professional and does not claim to be one. Any actions you take based on the information provided in this blog are strictly at your own risk. The author and the blog assume no responsibility or liability for any consequences that may arise from following the information provided herein.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 immediately.
