The Ouch Factor: How to Deal When Cramps Attack

Most, if not every women, experiences a bit of discomfort during her menstrual period. So here are some tips and tricks to dealing when cramps attack.

Take Care Ahead Of Time

Taking good care of your body is something we should all practice regardless, but taking a little bit more mind to your daily habits can be a help during that time of month.

· Exercise: Such as walking, swimming, going to the gym can actually help reduce the severity of your menstrual cramps and their symptoms. By keeping your body healthy, fit and active you will be surprised how it will simply benefit your body over all.

· Plenty of nutrients: Drinking plenty of milk and eating yogurt, especially during the week post your cycle, supplies your body with calcium that is strengthening. Taking vitamins with Zinc and B daily throughout the month are also equally as beneficial. In the long run they can even prevent bloating.

· Watch it: Limit your intake and consumption of salt, sugar and caffeine during the week can actually lessen the severity of your cramps and help with bloating. This one can be a bit of a challenge seeing as though these are the flavors most individuals typically crave.

While in Season

However, despite the most preparation, you still have to combat the pain.

· Nip it in the bud: At the first sign of cramping and I would suggest a day or two prior, take the necessary medications to prevent and lessen the pain. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, Naproxen, Midol, Pamprin, or anything else that combats your symptoms. Headache, Cramps, Fatigue or muscle pain and bloating.

· Stretch it out: Light stretching can actually help relieve the tightening and contracting pelvic muscles and the tension in your lower back as well.

· Warm it up: using heating pads can actually relieve the cramping muscles. And if you don't have a heating pad, just take a hot towel and apply it instead. Also an old tube sock or stocking filled with rice and heated in the microwave is a suitable substitute.

· Bathe: taking a warm bath can also be an excellent remedy for cramps, and a clean one too!