5 Delicious Foods That Help Cramps

5 foods I tried to help me with cramps 

Flax seeds 

Recently we shared a blog on seed cycling. In this blog and Insta Live, we learnt so much from Bia Seeds on how eating different seeds might help with cramps, irregular cycles, hormone balance and even fertility.

One of the seeds on the list was flax seeds. Flax seeds are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects thanks to the omega 3 fatty acids found in them. 

You can add seeds to smoothies, salads, porridge and basically anything! 

I love adding a daily dose of seeds to oats. Or if I’m baking something like flapjack or granola then flax, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds will always make the recipe. 

Bananas 

Bananas are a high fiber food. This is ideal for helping with bowel movements – you don’t want constipation and bloating adding to your discomfort of cramps! Bananas are also high in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that may help to reduce those aches and pains. 

I probably don’t need to tell you how to eat a banana (though I avoid an awkward public banana) but you might want to try getting creative with it. Banana bread, banana muffins, banana pancakes – bananas are a great way to sweeten bakes without adding heaps of sugar. Absolute win.

Salmon

Salmon is another food that is rich in possible pain relieving omega 3s. It also contains vitamin D and B6 which may help mood and breast tenderness. 

I like the idea of steamed salmon with green beans and new potatoes sprinkled with flax seeds for an ultimate omega 3 party. 

Calcium rich foods

So, good news. There is science behind why you should eat ice cream when you have cramps.

Studies have found that calcium helps to reduce cramps and PMS symptoms, such as low mood and tiredness.

Other calcium rich foods are full fat yoghurt, a cheese board or glass of milk. If I’m not feeling the dairy I’ll go for dark leafy greens, but mostly there is always a fancying for ice cream!

Oats 

There is nothing like a morning bowl of porridge. Whatever the weather, you’ll find me tucking into porridge. I usually team mine with a banana and some seeds (absolute cramp beater!!)

Oats are rich in fiber which, in theory, will help keep me full up too. They contain zinc and magnesium as an added bonus. We know from the banana chat that magnesium does wonders for cramps by relaxing blood vessels. Might also help you feel happier too.