Caffeine has vasoconstrictor properties which can constrict blood vessels, including those in the uterus, thereby increasing the intensity of stomach cramps during menstruation. In addition, caffeine can also trigger feelings of anxiety and breast pain during menstruation.
Carbonated drinks, caffeine, and aerated drinks should also be avoided during menstrual days because they have high levels of sugar in them, which can cause inflammation and make the cramps more severe.
Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps.
To do this, you can take a warm bath or shower. You can also apply a heating pad or a warm towel directly to the tense muscle. Applying cold is another great way to treat muscle cramps. Once the pain subsides a little after heat application, you can grab an ice pack or a bag of ice and put it on the cramping muscle.
Foods like meat, sugar, and coffee may worsen menstrual cramps, research shows. Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, can cause monthly misery for those who menstruate. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories can provide relief, but long-term use is not advisable, and they do not work for everyone.
Caffeine. Drinks containing caffeine are one of the drinks that should be avoided during menstruation. Reducing the consumption of drinks containing caffeine can relieve pain and flatulence.
Things you should avoid
“Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes. “Avoid drinks like coffee, energy drinks etc as they can cause headaches and constipation.
Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. As bleeding continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the level goes down. This is why pain tends to lessen after the first few days of a period.
Fizzy drinks are great, but not for period cramps. Carbonation can create gas bubbles that can make you feel bloated and even upset your stomach.
A 2016 study in The FASEB Journal showed that during the luteal phase women with higher levels of estradiol (estrogen) reported an increase in carbohydrate and sweet-food cravings, and those with higher progesterone levels reported a slightly increased consumption of sweet drinks.
During menstruation, chemicals called "prostaglandins" form in the lining of the uterus. They cause muscle contractions in the uterus, which can trigger pain and decrease blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. Similar to labor pains, these contractions can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Periods may be very painful because of an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Doctors call this secondary dysmenorrhea. Other people may experience pain for no apparent reason. Doctors call this primary dysmenorrhea.
Mild to moderate cramps for one or two days during your menstrual cycle is usually normal. But many women experience painful and intense menstrual cramps that can feel debilitating and interfere with everyday activities and exercise.
Unfortunately, it is possible for women to experience worse period pain as they grow older, especially in their 30s and 40s. The unbearable pain can come along with other symptoms such as irregular periods, pain during sex, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some conditions also require medical attention.
Several factors, such as birth control use and pregnancy, can affect period pain. Underlying health conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids may cause worsening period pain with age. Treatments like heating pads, hormonal birth control, and NSAIDs help alleviate pain.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Stretch and massage the muscle. Hold the leg in the stretched position until the cramp stops. Apply heat to muscles that are tight or tense. Use cold packs on tender muscles.
In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant people also are more likely to have night leg cramps. Kidney failure, diabetic nerve damage and problems with blood flow are known to cause night leg cramps.