Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, shared in an Instagram post on May 21, “As a pain doctor, I’ve had many patients ask if there’s anything they can do naturally to manage cramps beyond medication. As a man, I can’t speak from experience but only gather existing research that has been found to work.” Also read | Caffeine during periods? Here’s what you need to know
Cramps are common — but they don’t have to be dismissed as something to ‘just deal with’, according to Dr Sood. He said, “During menstruation, the body produces prostaglandins, compounds that cause the uterus to contract. Higher levels are linked to more intense pain. These evidence-backed strategies work by targeting that root cause.” He added, “These approaches are safe, accessible, and supported by research.”
Dr Sood said, “A heating pad or hot water bottle increases blood flow and relaxes the uterine muscles. In fact, one study found heat patches worked just as well as ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain.”
He added, “Teas made from ginger, chamomile, or fennel have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. Ginger, in particular, has been shown to lower pain severity and is often as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — but with fewer side effects.”
According to Dr Sood, “Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions and may reduce prostaglandin production. Vitamin B1 supports nerve function and energy metabolism. Clinical trials have shown both can reduce the intensity and duration of period cramps when taken consistently.”
He said, “Found in fatty fish and supplements, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce cramp severity and support mood stability throughout the cycle.”
“Light activity like walking or yoga stimulates circulation and releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. Even gentle stretching can make a noticeable difference,” Dr Sood concluded.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, shared in an Instagram post on May 21, “As a pain doctor, I’ve had many patients ask if there’s anything they can do naturally to manage cramps beyond medication. As a man, I can’t speak from experience but only gather existing research that has been found to work.” Also read | Caffeine during periods? Here’s what you need to know
Cramps are common — but they don’t have to be dismissed as something to ‘just deal with’, according to Dr Sood. He said, “During menstruation, the body produces prostaglandins, compounds that cause the uterus to contract. Higher levels are linked to more intense pain. These evidence-backed strategies work by targeting that root cause.” He added, “These approaches are safe, accessible, and supported by research.”
Dr Sood said, “A heating pad or hot water bottle increases blood flow and relaxes the uterine muscles. In fact, one study found heat patches worked just as well as ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain.”
He added, “Teas made from ginger, chamomile, or fennel have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. Ginger, in particular, has been shown to lower pain severity and is often as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — but with fewer side effects.”
According to Dr Sood, “Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions and may reduce prostaglandin production. Vitamin B1 supports nerve function and energy metabolism. Clinical trials have shown both can reduce the intensity and duration of period cramps when taken consistently.”
He said, “Found in fatty fish and supplements, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce cramp severity and support mood stability throughout the cycle.”
“Light activity like walking or yoga stimulates circulation and releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. Even gentle stretching can make a noticeable difference,” Dr Sood concluded.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution
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