Time of the month? Adding These Vitamins can help.
Your period is a gift and a curse. It's a sign of creation, renewal, empowerment, all that good stuff. But it also causes immense physical discomfort at times and can wreak havoc on your mental and emotional states. If the meaning of life is to find balance, sometimes that's hard depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Your body could be missing out on some vital nutrients based on which phase you are in.
There are 4 phases you go through, all with different effects on the body. They are theMenstruation, Follicular, Ovulation and Luteal phases.The main hormones that affect your period areEstrogen and Progesterone.We've rounded up some supportive herbal supplements to help you along the way as you go through these phases. OurTravel Aid patch is known as an anti-nauseant and has active ingredients that are all great support to you during your cycle, particularly during the physical discomfort of menstruation. The ingredients include aniseed, chamomile, ginger root, peppermint and the almighty vitamin B-6. The combination of herbs in this patch are great supporters because they act as anti-inflammatories to your body.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a great drink to have when you have cramps. This tea is anti-spasmodic and the cooling effects on your body are a nice way to calm the inflammation you feel in your ovaries. “The cooling effect of menthol (found in peppermint) has been explained by its direct effect on the “cold receptor” TRPM8, a distant relative of the vanilloid receptors thatsense pain and noxious high temperatures.”
Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant and is great to have on hand in your cupboard for anytime you feel sick to your stomach, period cramps or otherwise. There are a lot of ways to get a dose of peppermint, including ourvitamin patch.
Chasteberry (Vitex)
The savior if there ever was one. This magical plant, also referred to as the chaste tree, is native to the Mediterranean and Asia.The name "chasteberry" may reflect the traditional belief that the plant promoted chastity. Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire. It has proven effects as a hormonal balancer, working to aid PMS symptoms, help infertility, clear skin and more. All of these issues, of course, are derivative of hormonal imbalances in the first place. Finding supplements in-store or online is quite simple now, but discussing dosage with a medical professional who knows your scenario is advised.
Vitamin B-6
Speaking of, the hype around B-12 is notable, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. But have you heard about B-6? The mood regulator, B-6, is involved in producing the neurotransmitters that shift them around, so it can be assumed that during your PMS part of your cycle, taking vitamin B-6 is a worthy addition to your daily routine.
Vitamin B-6 is proven to benefit depression sufferers, primarily when related to your menstrual cycle. Found in meat like B-12, but chickpeas, oats, and bananas are excellent sources. If you are taking a supplement, be cautious of overdosing. You don't need too much for optimal effects.
Evening Primrose Oil
This oil found most commonly in capsule form, is a natural source of Omega 6 fatty acids and is great to takebeforeovulation. It's an effective supplement for hormonal skin health. Specifically, it is said tohelp with PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, feelings of depression, irritability, and swelling and bloating from fluid retention.
A bonus if you are struggling with eczema, it's another good supplement. Inflammation is correlated with skin issues and hormonal imbalances, so often, the supplements recommended will have other positive side effects!
Chamomile
The tiny little flower that packs a powerful anti-spasmodic punch. Chamomile Tea is an incredible sootherand it’s also known to help you fall asleep because it’s such a natural relaxant. Going caffeine-free during your period may seem like a wild concept to some, but coffee in particular is known to bring on cramps and trigger more anxiety. Drinking the likes of chamomile tea will help tobring you balance. Sip on it to help modulate your dopamine and serotonin levels, the happiness chemicals. If you tend to feel more depressed before or during your period, chamomile could be a great help to boost your mood.
Flax Seed
Have you ever heard ofSeed Cycling? Flax Seed is a great Omega source, high in fiber, and part of the first 14 days of your menstrual cycle when it comes to seed cycling.
Pop quiz! What are the phases in the first half of your cycle? If you chose menstruation and follicular without scrolling back in the article, you win!
Flax is usually paired with pumpkin seed, while sunflower and sesame are traditionally the seeds cycled in the latter half. But why does Flax make it to this list? They contain compounds called lignans, which have phytoestrogens. Those tiny brown seeds that get caught between your teeth have the power to balance out your estrogen levels.
Pro-tip: Get your flax seeds ground (or grind them yourself in your coffee grinder) for optimal nutritional effects. Keep them in the freezer to prevent them from going rancid, and pop them in smoothies or salads to sneak them into your diet.
Being aware of how your menstrual cycle affects your life is essential. Get to know your body better and how you can better support it naturally today! Often women overlook their reproductive help and go on autopilot without realizing they can take control of their health this way.
Last but not least, your well-being is fundamental. And making sure that your job doesn’t overtake your life and burn you out is just as important as setting home boundaries so you don’t underproduce. Thankfully, this blog and others like it can point you in the right direction and help you create a balanced and fruitful atmosphere during your work-from-home career.