Most women experience some level of cramps during ‘that time of the month.’ While it is something women mostly need to learn to deal with, there are ways you may be able to reduce the severity of the cramps you experience.

One way you may be able to reduce the severity of the cramps experience is through your choice of diet. Fibre-rich foods found in plant sources like whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruit, vegetables, and now South Australian Gourmet Food Company Fruit Custard with Added Fibre may be the missing link.

Fibre may help reduce your period pain and each pouch of South Australian Gourmet Food Company Fruit Custard with Added Fibre gives your body 10.9g of dietary fibre and is a convenient and tasty way to increase your fibre intake.

Fibre is your best friend when it comes to reducing the severity of cramps by helping to lower the levels of circulating oestrogen in your blood. It does this by blocking its reabsorption of oestrogen in your gut.

Oestrogen promotes the growth of the lining of your uterus and higher levels of oestrogen circulating in your blood. It also promotes a thicker uterine lining. When your uterine wall sheds during your period, a thicker uterine wall means your body makes more prostaglandins, making cramps more severe.

If your diet is out of balance without enough fibre as is in the case with 70% of Australian adults, the amount of circulating oestrogen in your blood may be higher than what you want it to be for your lowest levels of cramps.

Try swapping an animal-based protein like beef for legumes or tofu. Add a South Australian Gourmet Food Company Fruit Custard with Added Fibre into your cereal for a fibre boost at breakfast. Or try sprinkling a handful of nuts and seeds onto your pasta or salad as a garnish.

Take home message:

Fibre may help reduce your period pain. Make ‘that time of the month’ easier to deal with. Enjoy fibre throughout your day and remember to bring a South Australian Gourmet Food Company Fruit Custard with Added Fibre in your bag as an easy go-to snack.

References:

1. Aubertin-Leheudre M, Gorbach S, Woods M, Dwyer JT, Goldin B, Adlercreutz H. Fat/fiber intakes and sex hormones in healthy premenopausal women in USA. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2008;112:32-39.
2. Nagata C, Hirokawa K, Shimizu N, Shimizu H. Associations of menstrual pain with intakes of soy, fat and dietary fiber in Japanese women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005;59:88-92.