What Are The Best Snacks For Period Cramps?

Just as your PMS strikes, you will notice cramps, bloating, and mood swings that only get severe with the onset of your periods. And with all the changes that are going on in your body, you can’t help but turn to your favorite munchies to get you through the week.

You would have heard that these processed foods aren’t the best option when you menstruate. But we get it, deciding on whether you should eat this food or that is the last thing on your mind when dealing with discomfort and pain. So, we are here to make the dietary shift during your periods a whole lot easier!

Our list below compiles the best snacks for period cramps that can be easily found in your local convenience store. Simply stock up on these nutrient-rich foods during your monthly menstrual cycle and munch your way to better and more manageable periods.

Try these best snacks for period cramps

Bananas

Yes, our first snack on the list is a fruit! This is because:

• Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6, magnesium potassium, all of which help reduce menstrual cramping.
• These fruits are also high in fiber which works to promote good digestion and make you feel less bloated.
• Bananas work as one of the best period snacks because they are easily found in almost every convenience store and are quite cost-effective too.
• Whether you choose to consume it as is, in a glass of smoothie, on an oats, or dessert bowl, this fruit is your best friend when it comes to relieving period pain.

Pumpkin or Flax Seeds

You might be surprised to know that the tiny, crunchy pumpkin seeds can supply your body with over 75% of its daily magnesium requirements.

• Magnesium can help reduce water retention and bloating, while also regulating your mood which often tends to dip due to hormonal changes.
• Flax seeds, on the other hand, are a brilliant source of omega-3 fatty acids which can have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce lower abdominal pain.
• You can have these seeds as toppings to your morning bowl of oats or smoothies, making it an ideal breakfast for period cramps.

Alternately, you can add them to savory dishes like soups and salads for a fun crunchy treat. Pumpkin seeds available in stores can also be lightly roasted for a binge-worthy snack.

Dark chocolate

Don’t stash away your chocolates just yet! Satiate your cravings for cocoa goodness during periods, with a good helping of dark chocolate.

• You’ll be stoked to know that dark chocolate is not just melt-in-your-mouth delicious but is also one of the best period snacks as it is high in iron and magnesium.
• Iron is essential for those who experience heavy periods as it can help reduce weakness due to anemia.
• Magnesium works to relax your uterine muscles, regulate your mood and give you a good burst of energy.

Enjoy your dose of dark chocolate as a hot chocolate drink, as chocolate chips or chunks in your breakfast bowl, or in its original and classic form, as delicious bars!

Oranges

Do you love the burst of sweet, citrusy flavor that a slice of orange gives you? Then stock up on these vibrant fruits as healthy snacks for period cramps.

• Citrus fruits like oranges are known to contain good amounts of Vitamin C, which is essential for your body, especially during periods.
• When you menstruate, you can lose a higher amount of red blood cells than your body can create. This depletes your body’s iron reserves and can lead to fatigue and dizziness. Thus, Vitamin C helps increase your body’s iron absorption abilities.
• Apart from this, it also supplies your body with a good dose of magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin D to alleviate period pain or cramps.

Peanut Butter

Why should cramps have all the fun? Fight them with 1 (or more) delicious spoonful of peanut butter, one of the best foods for menstrual cramps.

• That’s right, your beloved breakfast treat contains Vitamin B and magnesium, nutrients that help alleviate several symptoms during PMS and periods like cramping, pain, etc.
• Magnesium is also known to have a positive effect on your mood, as it regulates serotonin, the feel-good hormone.

So, get your spoon, and munch on a couple of spoons of peanut butter as you unwind with your favorite show or hobby. But ensure that you opt for low salt or unsalted variants as higher sodium content can cause bloating.

Speaking of peanut butter, we must mention that nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and even dry fruit like raisins have proven to be good snacks for period cramps.

• Cashews and almonds contain Vitamin E while walnuts are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
• These nutrients provide relief to period symptoms like sore breasts, cramps, and other symptoms.
• Most nuts and dry fruits also supply the body with protein and magnesium, helping alleviate bad period pain.

Avoid these snacks for period cramps

We have covered some of the best foods to snack on during your periods to get that much-needed relief from cramps and satisfy your cravings.

But there are also foods that you need to stay away from so that you don’t experience increased bloating or pain.

Highly processed foods

These contain a high amount of sodium which increases bloating and can cause discomfort during your periods.

Sugary foods

High-sugar foods are one of the worst snacks for period cramps. They cause an imbalance in your body’s natural sugar levels, leading to mood swings and increased pain. However, having sugar in moderation is alright.

Spicy foods

You might be able to handle your spice, but your stomach will not be able to during periods. Spicy foods can upset your stomach and cause diarrhea or acidity.

Fried foods

Who among us hasn’t reached for that pack of fried or slice of pizza during our periods? But the truth is, fried foods can increase inflammation in your body, leading to more severe period cramps.

Conclusion

Menstrual cramps or period pain is an unfortunate part and parcel of our monthly flow. However, with just the right dietary adjustments, you can easily manage period pain and say goodbye to uncomfortable cramps.

Remember, it's not just about satisfying your hourly hunger, but about choosing the right snacks that can truly alleviate your discomfort and help you bid farewell to those dreaded period pains.

So, when your hourly hunger strikes during your periods, don’t forget to stick to our list above and give your body the best snacks for period cramps.