Painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, affect up to 80% of women. The pain often comes and goes in waves and many women describe it as an intense squeezing and/or burning feeling. Some women also feel the pain in the lower back and thighs.
The pain usually starts the first day of bleeding and typically lasts up to three days. For many women the pain is bad enough to have a significant impact on their lives; up to 50% of women report missing at least one day or school or work because of painful periods.
Painful periods are the result of hormones, called prostaglandins, released from the lining of the uterus during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea can also be a sign of a medical condition endometriosis (a condition where the lining of the uterus grows in the belly) or adenomyosis (the lining of the uterus works it’s way into the muscle of the uterus). These conditions are more likely to be present when the pain lasts more than five days.
While traditional Western Medicine, such as birth control pills and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, can be helpful many women want to avoid pharmaceuticals and hormones in particular. Here are six non-pharmaceutical options for painful periods:
Exercise – aerobic exercise releases natural painkillers, like endorphins and opioids. It also improves blood flow and oxygen delivery, both of which are helpful in improving pain.
Heat – a heating pad can be very effective. Don’t go higher than 39 degrees Celsius and remove the heating pad every 15 minutes to avoid burns
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – a device that sends an electric current through the skin to reduce pain. Electrodes are placed over the area of the pain (the lower back or abdomen) and hooked up to a small battery powered unit that controls the strength and the frequency of the current. A TENS should only be used under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Magnesium – a vitamin that is important for muscle health (remember, the uterus is simply a muscle). It also affects the way nerves send pain signals to the brain.
Fish Oil – contains high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and may work by reducing the inflammatory storm of painful periods. The major side effect is fishy indigestion – you also have to muscle past the smell of the capsules.
Vitamin B1 – thiamine, a vitamin important in maintaining nervous system health.
Vitamin E – helps reduce breast pain in addition to treating dysmenorrhea
If the pain lasts more than five days a consultation with your doctor is recommended. It is also wise to talk with your doctor before starting any therapy, even vitamins and minerals.
Painful periods don’t have to be a rite of womanhood; there are many options to consider.
Author: Jennifer Gunter
Jennifer Gunter is an examiner from San Francisco, California. You can see Jennifer’s articles on Jennifer’s Home Page.
There are a number of things that can affect the health of our eyes, some of which are out of our control and others that we can try and avoid. Some things that potentially increase the risk of eye problems include age, obesity, smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, and even gender.
Whilst some people will be more at risk than others when it comes to poor eye health, it has been proven that nutrition does play an important role in the health of our vision, and this is therefore that should be taken into account if you’re interested in preventing age related deterioration.
Studies have shown that certain foods contain antioxidants that can are particularly beneficial for our eyes. However, not everyone manages to eat as much fresh produce as they should to get these benefits. Often a busy lifestyle or other factors can affect the ability to eat a balanced diet. However, the wide range supplements that are on the market today have made it easier for consumers to get their recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, although those taking supplements should still try and eat as well as they can in order to maximize the benefits.
Some important supplements that have been identified in relation to eye health are vitamins A, C, and E. These are the antioxidant vitamins.
Vitamin A is well known for its’ role in night vision, but it is also important for preventing night blindness is pregnant women, and the health of our skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is found in animal products like liver, whole eggs, and milk.
Vitamin C helps reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Bioflavanoids are available in combination with vitamin C in some supplements, and this is because they help the body absorb it. Vitamin E also helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Other supplements that contribute to eye health include beta carotene, lutein, zinc oxide, selenium, and cupric oxide. Lutein is not known as some other supplements, but it is central to eye health. It is found in the retina, eye lens, and macula. People who smoke should be careful they get enough lutein, as smoking can affect its’ levels.
Smokers should also be aware that some studies have found that some of those participating who took beta carotene supplements and smoked were at risk of several diseases. These were only small studies however, but care should still be taken.
Regular doses help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes
By Donna Gray, For Neighbours
Two well-known, affordable, and accessible vitamins have long been touted as being the means to a healthier body and boosted immunity to colds.
Expanded research is also proving that regular doses of Vitamins C and D will also help treat and prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis and even multiple sclerosis.
Last year, an American research project became the talk of the industry, revealing that 1,200 women who took a Vitamin D supplement regularly reduced their chances of cancer by 60 per cent than those who didn’t take the supplement.
Two years ago, a league of investigators with the National Institutes of Health in the U. S., found that (read more…)
Perhaps one of the greatest concerns of those who utilize herbs and supplements to support their overall health is that supplements will one day be regulated in a way that will limit access to these powerful tools. Since the US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was passed in 1994 which gave us the right to freely buy supplements, many have wondered if this would truly be the end of the battle.
Part of the concern comes from the fact that other countries do not have the same rights to supplements as people living in the US. The Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Food Supplements, as developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), has challenged other people’s rights to supplements throughout the world.
About two years ago there was a bit of an uproar over the FDA “reclassification” of vitamins, supplements and herbs, but it turned out to be a false alarm because it was determined that the new reclassification did not specifically propose any new federal laws beyond those already in place. However, that doesn’t mean that our health freedoms will always be protected. Make sure that you stay informed! Head here to join the National Health Freedom Action (NHFA) mailing list to make sure that you always have the latest information!
Information on diet, nutrition, vitamins and supplements can be overwhelming and conflicting for anyone trying to get or stay healthy.
So what’s up with vitamins and supplements and do we really need to bother if we are already committed to eating a healthy diet?
Well, the answer isn’t black and white, but there is an important place for vitamins and supplements in the diet, particularly for certain groups.
"Vitamins and supplements are never a replacement for a healthy diet," says naturopathic physician Joanne Menard. "However, the recommended daily intakes established are (read more…)
Obesity, in the most basic terms, is an excess of body fat. Anyone who is over the normal weight for their age and height by 20% or more is considered obese. This is the clinical definition, and no matter how you try to get out of it, being 20% over the norm when it comes to weight makes anyone clinically obese. This is different from being overweight. Being overweight is subject to interpretation, and being slightly over the norm may be just how you are. Obesity is a medical condition and for health reasons should be treated as such. This is because anyone who is obese runs quite a few health risks.
Those who are obese are more likely to experience kidney trouble, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, complications of pregnancy, and psychological problems. Some of the causes of obesity are glandular malfunctions, malnutrition, emotional tension, boredom, bad habits, and love of food. The most important cause of obesity with regards to vitamins and supplements is the issue of (read more…)
Environmental toxins such as lead, mercury and dioxin are serious hazards to human health. Fortunately, there are ways to both minimize your exposure to and lower the quantity of toxins in your body.
* Do not ingest toxic or synthetic substances, including artificial colors in foods.
* Avoid living or working near hazardous sites such as reclaimed landfills or toxic waste dumps.
* Seek employment that does not involve contact with chemicals or chemical solvents.
To reduce toxins that have accumulated in your body:
* Drink plenty of pure water.
* Have regular bowel movements - eating a diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables can promote healthy digestion.
* Breathe clean air deeply.
* Sweat - a sauna, steam bath or vigorous exercise can help to promote sweating.
* Try milk thistle (Silybum marianum). This herb may have beneficial, detoxifying effects, and supports optimal liver function. Look for extracts standardized to 70-80 percent silymarin, and take two capsules twice a day or as the label directs.
More Environmental Support
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that addresses oxidative stress from environmental challenges such as smoke and pollution.
Superior Natural Supplements!
We create unique, safe and effective products that help people supplement their lives. We are proud to offer a wide range of 'high demand' natural supplements made only from the finest pharmaceutical grade ingredients available.Click Here Now For A One Of A Kind Experience!
Your Own Vitamin Store Business!
Need a Second Income Stream without the costly Start-Up fees? Imagine your own online store selling over 100 of the most popular health & beauty products
Click Here For More Info!
Mail this post
Feed
