Period Health: How To Feel Better On Your Period
Everyone hates getting their period. It’s an inconvenience and a blocker to do daily tasks. But since becoming an ambassador for the organic tampon company Daye, I’ve learnt to find a little bit of appreciation for this week (or in my case two) of the month.
Here’s a little bit about Daye before we start:
Daye are an affordable tampon company which aim to improve the quality of sanitary products women have access too on a daily basis. They recognise that the one size fits all healthcare model doesn’t work. There is no one way to be healthy. They go with the flow by delivering convenient, high-quality products that fit your needs and lifestyle, without compromising on your values. Daye see privacy and continuity as the bedrock of being your own health advocate and owning your health record—the central purpose of our digital platform.
Daye believe that the consumer should be able to make educated choices. This can only happen if brand commit to complete transparency. They want to lift the veil on the supply chain na manufacturing process so the community know exactly what’s happening and the love thats gone into making the product.
Medical research should also be accessible for all. Which is why they make their own research and related scientific studies available for everyone in an easy format, through their blog, vitals.
I recently became an ambassador for Daye and after my second consecutive month using them, I know I’ve made the right choice switching brands. Like most women, my periods aren’t exactly perfect, but this has been the closest I’ve got to a smooth period in about 10 months.
I highly recommend you check them out! If you do, don’t forget to use my discount at checkout for money off your first order.
Discount code: amb-502U
Since partnering with the brand, I’ve tried to combat the taboo against periods on my blog through informative posts and the occasional hacks.
This time, I want to talk about ways to soothe your period pains:
Period pains are a perfectly normal part of every cycle. They are caused by muscle contractions within the uterus due to the release of hormones. While some people experience mild symptoms, others can experience severe symptoms like nausea, headaches and dizziness. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, I definitely recommend consulting your doctor as it might be a sign of something more severe.
If your symptoms are mild, there are some at home period hacks that may help alleviate period cramps and reduce period pain:
Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen or lower back
Take a warm bath
Place a hot water bottle on lower abdomen or lower back
Massage your abdomen
Ask your doctor about using an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug
Do an easy exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming to help increase blood flow
Alleviate Bloating
The period bloating - another common symptom you can experience throughout your cycle, making you feel like a slug or give you a tight and swollen tummy. While there’s not a perfect cure, there are a few hacks which can help bring down the bloat.
Water is your friend: It might seem odd that you need to drink more water when you're feeling the most bloated, puffy and full, but the more water you drink, the better. There’s no specific recommendation of how much water each unique person should drink but a common guideline is to drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. If you’re on-the-go, be sure to carry a water bottle with you and try to fill it up several times throughout the day.
Eat Healthy Foods: If you’re looking for what kind of food to eat on your period, then try reaching for healthier snacks like fruits and veggies or other low sodium foods that won’t make you balloon. Avoid eating processed foods and too much salt, your belly will thank you later. Processed foods can contain high amounts of salt and contribute to increased bloating, no thank you! Other safe bets for healthy eating are proteins like fish and chicken and healthy fats, like nuts and avocados. If you want (need) a little something sweet, consider dark chocolate – it's a good source of magnesium, which can help regulate serotonin and elevate your mood.
Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine can also irritate your stomach and give you that achy, crampy, bloated feeling, so it's best to limit your intake on your period. In addition to caffeine, it’s a good idea to avoid sweet and carbonated drinks that can also increase bloating. A good caffeine-free drink option is herbal tea. Get a cup of hot tea (i.e. ginger, green tea, peppermint, chamomile, raspberry leaf) to reduce bloating and feel better on your period.
Get in some exercise: Yes, this is probably the last thing you want to do. We get it. But, light exercise during your period can help increase your blood flow which can help alleviate period symptoms like bloating.
Catch plenty of ZZZs: Period fatigue is real and it can be further impacted by period pain. If you’re feeling tired during your period, getting good rest can help your body and mind repair. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, especially while on your period.
Consider the Pill: Birth control pills and hormone treatments are often used to reduce the effect of prostaglandins, say hello to hormone stability and hopefully less menstrual cramps. As always, talk to your doctor about what’s best for you and your body.