10 Alternative Ways To Manage Your Period
There are plenty of ways to manage your period that don’t involve using pads or tampons, including using organic cotton or wool products or even making your reusable pads. These alternative menstrual management options can be great to cut down on waste and save you money over time while providing comfort and protection during your period. Here are 10 alternative ways to manage your period!
1) Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are an alternative to sanitary pads or tampons. A menstrual cup is a rubber or silicone cup that you insert into your vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Some women find them more comfortable than tampons and sanitary pads and others prefer their eco-friendliness (as compared to disposable products). Most cups can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, then rinsed with water and reinserted. According to some studies, they may also help improve bladder control over time though experts say more research is needed before drawing any conclusions there.
2) Tampons
Many of us are accustomed to using tampons, but some of us have never considered using period underwear as an alternative. Altering your diet can alleviate bloating, cramps, and water retention associated with your cycle and make for a much more comfortable time of it. Water consumption is important when you’re having your period, because not only does it help flush out toxins in your body, but also helps regulate dehydration. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid feeling bloated or constipated during that time of the month!
3) Pads
Using menstrual pads, which are worn in your underwear during your period, can be messy and inconvenient. But when compared to alternatives like reusable cloth pads and period underwear, they’re still more convenient than a lot of other options. Traditional pads the ones you’re most likely using now are made with cotton, plastic backing, and adhesive to hold them in place. Unlike cloth or special kinds of menstrual cups, they come in a variety of styles to help fit different people’s needs. For example, some have wings or sticky sides to keep them in place (especially if you’re active) while others have liners that are removed after use and thrown away.
4) Exercise
There are plenty of ways to manage menstruation naturally and exercise is at least one of them. While you don’t want to do a super-intense workout during your period, try doing something that still gets your heart rate up (like running, swimming, or cycling) but is slightly scaled back so that you don’t feel as sore afterward. This will allow your body to relax and keep cramps from being worse. And hey, any workout could also help banish stress which often causes menstrual discomfort. When it comes to managing a healthy lifestyle, working out does wonder for mental health struggles!
5) Water Intake
Drinking water helps to flush out excess acids in your body, which is important because a buildup of these acids can put you at risk for certain diseases. Plus, it’s generally good to stay hydrated (and there’s nothing like a cold glass of water when your period is causing you mental health struggles). Most importantly, drinking plenty of water while menstruating will help lessen those awful cramps. Staying hydrated may also reduce excessive mood swings and prevent irritability.
6) Pain Relief Medication
There are many over-the-counter pain relief medications you can take to help with period cramps. These include ibuprofen and aspirin. It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of long-term use of these medications, especially if you already have heart or stomach problems; if you do, it’s best to ask your doctor first. It is also always best to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes in your diet or lifestyle during that time of the month.
7) The Power of Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral. It’s responsible for producing energy, building healthy bones, and activating muscles throughout your body. Because it’s crucial to your health, magnesium has many health benefits for both men and women. Magnesium has been used historically as a remedy for premenstrual syndromes (PMS) symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness. The mineral acts as a muscle relaxant, according to MedlinePlus, which may be why some people report feeling less tense while taking magnesium supplements regularly. Magnesium may also help you stay regular by relaxing your bowel muscles.
8) Acupuncture
According to a 2015 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, women with dysmenorrhea who underwent acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain. The report, which looked at 58 patients with primary dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, found that 50% of subjects no longer met the diagnostic criteria for primary dysmenorrhea after six months of treatment. Results were more encouraging when acupuncture was combined with herbal remedies 75% of participants no longer fit diagnostic criteria. It’s important to note that researchers involved in the study acknowledge that further research is needed before these findings can be considered conclusive. Still, adding acupuncture to your healthy lifestyle arsenal may provide relief from menstrual pain without negative side effects or risks associated with hormonal birth control options or surgery.
9) Diet
Certain foods, such as chocolate, sugary cereals, and dairy products, can worsen PMS. Many women find that a diet high in fruits and vegetables improves their symptoms. Alkaline Diet Foods are known to be better for health than acidic diet foods. Some experts recommend increasing fruit and vegetable intake in conjunction with reducing meat consumption and processed foods during menstruation to improve relief from PMS symptoms. If you have severe menstrual pain or other uncomfortable issues it is recommended to speak with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
10) Relaxation Techniques
Before you buy into a relaxation technique, make sure it fits your personality and lifestyle. Meditation is not for everyone; however, there are plenty of effective techniques out there. Consider yoga, deep breathing exercises, or self-hypnosis to cope with stress during your period. You may also consider looking into alternative ways to manage your period like using a menstrual cup or tampon alternatives that don’t include chemicals, fragrances, or dyes (e.g., organic pads made from natural materials). In addition to potentially easing symptoms of painful periods and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in conventional feminine products, these alternative options can help reduce our overall footprint on the environment by reducing waste sent to landfills and increasing our use of biodegradable products!
Conclusion
When our bodies are in acidosis, and we consume acidic foods, it creates a toxic environment for our bodies. These 10 foods listed above help balance out our alkaline levels which result in good blood circulation, hormonal balance, and healthy weight loss. When your body is balanced with an alkaline pH, you feel good from within! We hope these top 10 Alkaline Diet Foods have helped you navigate what to eat and drink to live a healthier lifestyle during your period and have inspired you to explore other alternatives to improve your overall health and wellness. Remember drinking lots of water throughout your menstrual cycle not only helps cleanse toxins through urination but will also wash away built-up toxins inside of your body as well. So Hydrate that Body!