How to Cope with your "Aunt Flo"

It's that time of the month again whether your Aunt Flo arrived early, on time, late as usual or forgot to show up! In this article, we will share 6 tips on how to cope with your Aunt Flo!

1 - Avoid Toxic Period Products

Tampons, menstrual cups and pads are all common examples of TOXIC period products we SHOULD be avoiding. Rather than using products that can be detrimental to your health, people can use reusable period products as an alternative such as reusable pads and reusable panties. These products have been tested to ensure that the fabrics are free from toxins such as silver particles, titanium oxide, and nanoparticles. Also, they last for up to 5 years! What can be more better than this? This economical approach is not only beneficial to the environment, but to our bodies as well. You can check out our line of products that are made for an eco-friendly and budget friendly approach here.

2 - Drink Plenty Water & Tea

According to the Mayo Clinic "Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Our bodies depend "on water to survive." It is suggested for men to consume "about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day" and for women to consume "about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day" (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012).  Although the article is almost a decade old, the fact that it still applies in the current state of today speaks volumes! This is why it is pertinent that we make sure that we are replenishing the water that is exiting our bodies throughout the day to ensure that we are properly hydrated.

Drinking tea is often sought out as a remedy for period pain. Teas such as "ginger tea, green, and fennel, can relive period cramps." (Heger, 2023). As a female myself, I can vouch and say that ginger tea is the best drink to consume especially during the first two days of your period! It helps relieve bloating, reduce inflammation and even subsides those awful period cramps! Just like water, tea helps us to keep our bodies hydrated. For those who do not like the taste of plain water can add flavored packets to their water such as Crystal Light. There are other healthy alternatives such as Aloe Vera Juice, Carrot Juice and even fruit and vegetable smoothies, which all contain water anyways! 

3 - Gentle Movements

During Aunt Flo's visit, which was extended without notice by the way, can cause us to feel lethargic and even low on energy. It is best to take our time with certain movements as we do not want to put too much strain on our bodies. Yoga, pilates, light stretches, walking and even light cardio and light weights can all be considered during your time of the month. I know you must be thinking "I do not want to even move during my period!" Well, all of these suggestions can be used to help alleviate period cramps and pain such as headaches, migraines, back pain and etc. from Aunt Flo's visit!

4 - Epsom Salt Baths - Ahhh

I personally have never taken an Epsom Salt bath as I have always been afraid due to my sensitive skin, but I may give this one a try! Studies have proven that "Epsom salt is an ingredient used in a soak to treat minor aches and pains" (Whelan, 2023). This means, taking an Epsom Salt bath during your period will help alleviate your cramps and make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated again! Its purpose is to serve as a pain reliever and stress reliever in one! Other alternatives instead of Epsom Salt baths are just sitting in plain hot water in a tub or adding essential oil drops to a plain hot water bath such as Lavender or Patchouli. 

5 - Taking Herbs & Supplements

Herbs and supplements such as magnesium have been proven to "reduce menstrual pain" greatly (Benninghoven, 2019). Magnesium can be ingested by eating magnesium rich foods such as bananas, avocados, dark chocolate, corn, potatoes, yogurt, almonds and even water! Although these options are not in pill or capsule formed, these are natural alternatives to intaking magnesium. There are over the counter magnesium capsules that can be purchased at your local supplement store near you such as GNC. 

Chasteberry is another supplement that is a primarily a fruit used medicinally to "reduce inflammation and balance hormones" (Khan, 2023). Chasteberry can be found in different forms such as gummies, capsules and even as tea! Chasteberry "reduces PMS symptoms, relieves menopause symptoms", and even helps to "improve fertility and conditions such as Endometriosis, PCOS, and Thyroid disorders" (Khan, 2023). Please consult with your doctor before taking and/or ingesting any herbs or supplements.

6 - Rest

This one might seem the most obvious compared to the other 5 that were listed, but making sure you get an ample amount of sleep is pertinent to staying on track to having healthier periods. Listen to your body - If you are tired and need to take a quick nap, DO IT. If you are exhausted from the everyday grind and need a few minutes of quiet time - lay your head and relax for a few minutes. Life is too short to ignore your body and cause more strain on yourself than you should! Take your time of the months seriously! As humans, our bodies are made to work and also made to rest. If we do not take the time to rest, it could lead to serious health risks and/or issues in the future. During our time of the months, we undergo more stress, imbalanced hormones, and intense mood swings than any other time. Your periods should be a time for you to heal and regroup yourself. After your cycle ends, you should feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle tasks you were not able to when your Aunt stopped by for a few days - or maybe more like a week. 

References:

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “How Much Water Do You Need to Stay Healthy?” Mayo Clinic, 12 Oct. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256.