If you experience severe PMS symptoms and excruciating pain during periods it’s time to make some changes to your lifestyle. Don’t let periods put the brakes on your life. Take charge of your health and follow these simple tips for comfortable and pain-free periods.

Saffron

Kesar or saffron is excellent for reducing PMS symptoms and period pain. Also, known as sunshine spice, saffron helps boost mood by increasing serotonin level, which goes down before periods. It is suitable for treating headaches, cravings, and period pains too. Just soak a few strands in the water at night and have it in the morning. Do this a week before your period date.

Raisins

Raisins are a storehouse of nutrients and a must for women during their reproductive years. It is suggested that you have soaked raisins and Kesar first thing in the morning for a week before your periods. This will help reduce period pain and mood swings.

Banana

Another great way to avoid period pain is by regularly having bananas. Rich in potassium and fibre bananas help reduce menstrual cramps and bloating. Besides yellow bananas, also add unripe green bananas to your diet.

Legumes

Legumes are a great source of protein and rich in potassium, magnesium, and iron. Add legumes like chickpeas, kidney beans, small yellow lentils (mung dal), red lentils (masoor dal), black-eyed pea, etc. in your diet every day. Have sprouts for breakfast or snack. Enjoy your pulses with rice for a complete healthy meal.

Sweet potato

This sweet-tasting vegetable is low on the glycaemic index and loaded with antioxidants and fibre. Add sweet potato to your diet to maintain healthy muscles tissue for a pain-free period.

Besides these foods, it is vital that you take a calcium supplement also. Regularly taking calcium supplement helps to really ease menstrual pains. Calcium helps to maintain muscle tone and thereby prevent period cramps. The body absorbs calcium citrate form easily, so regularly take it at night. Along with these foods, it is essential to exercise regularly. Just these few simple tips can ensure that you have smooth and pain-free periods.