Here we will continue our conversation about lifestyle adjustments to try if you are working to feel less period pain.
Four: Let’s talk about hydration!
It may sound simple but it can actually be a little more complex nowadays. To start, the first consideration is that hydration isn’t just about drinking water.
First we have to consider the quality of water. You’ve probably heard of many types of filters—activated carbon, reverse osmosis, distillation etc.
Reverse osmosis and Distillation are the best for removing impurities especially in areas that have serious heavy metal contamination. This issue is in addition to the impurities it also removes all the natural minerals. This is essentially dead water and it actually can dehydrate and deplete minerals.
Even though many filters include a remineralization step, they often don’t add minerals in sufficient amounts, and they usually only add magnesium and potassium and not much else.
So, if this is your case, or if you have any other type of filtration system, I recommend adding a little quality seawater. At the moment I have been using Quinton isotonic water, I add a vial to 1.5 liters container of water and drink that each day. Minerals are essential for cellular function. There are communication channels in your cells called proton pumps that require minerals and water (h20) to work.
Five: Fasting
This one’s very simple, and it’s not foundation, more if you are if you’re in A LOT of menstrual pain and you’ve had just about enough. DON’T EAT.
When you’re inflamed from the physiological process of menstruation, and especially if you have intestinal adhesions or endometriosis near your intestines the digestive system gets so inflamed that it shuts down. Often it stops moving, and gas builds up which can be so painful. That’s where the term “ENDOBELLY” comes from. So honestly sometimes the best thing to do is to give the system a rest and limit the solid food you consume. I recommend that the day before your period and the first day of your period, try to stick to drinking veggie broths, green juices. Avoid cold drinks unless that helps you feel better, it depends on the person. Have herbal teas, and things that are super easy to digest, like you’re feeding a baby. This will prevent fermentation, reduce bloating, and the pain will significantly decrease.
Six: Cycle Phase Awareness
This is essentially being aware of where you are at in your cycle and treating yourself accordingly. Each phase of the cycle has its unique energy, that’s why women are so amazing. If you take advantage of your energy intelligently, you will shine in life. Our society is not designed to respect the cyclical nature of women, however once you learn about it you can learn to ride the waves and really optimize your life.
Here are the four basic phases:
- Follicular Phase, from End of Menstruation to Ovulation
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase, from Ovulation to The Start Menstruation
- Bleeding/Menstrual Phase
Here are some things to consider for each phase:
- Follicular Phase: Time to organize, invent, create ideas, think about projects etc.
- Ovulation: Show off! You can speak in public, hold work meetings, etc.
- Luteal phase: This is where you put your plans into action.
- Period time: Time for introspection and enhanced intuition, stay at home, it is time for a blanket, warm mat and a good book, put on some candles at night.
Just start to tune into this and you often will see that taking care of yourself in this cyclical way translates into many things including less period pain.
Check out Part III for more tips!