![enter image description here](http://thriftgrok.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10951.jpg)
I am not a Doctor. This is what has worked for me. Hide yo’ kids, hide your man, grab a notebook and settle in. 

**These hacks will change your life!**

A few years ago, I used to literally crawl to the bathroom in agony on the morning of my period. If I had anything planned for the day, I had to cancel it.

I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say I went through a box of pads every 2 to 3 days. Bed sheets were ruined ALL the time.

Then I discovered that you can CHANGE your period. That’s right gals, your flow depends on quite a few factors, and most of them are under YOUR control!

Now I can actually leave the house when my period comes, and function like a normal human.

Get Rid of Cramps the natural way
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Engage in light exercise in order to improve your circulation. This means less clotting, smoother flow, and more ENDORPHINS. Endorphins make you happy and are natural pain relievers! 

Speaking of endorphins, if you have an orgasm during your period (through sex or masturbation), those feel good endorphins will help relieve cramps because your uterus will contract and then RELAX.

Another way to relax that uterus is to apply heat with a heating pad. Better yet, hop in a bubble bath.

Put the kettle on: A study published in the *Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry* found that there might be pain-relieving properties in [chamomile tea](https://amzn.to/2OSLEAP). 

**

The Best Way to Get Rid of Cramps is to Prevent Them Before They Start.
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**

**Here's How**


Take a daily vitamin D supplement and [magnesium supplement](https://amzn.to/37L6WJh), both of which help muscles relax.

Avoid inflammatory foods which make symptoms worse. These include refined sugar and flour, alcohol, caffeinated tea and caffeinated coffee.

**Eat these foods for a healthy menstrual cycle, alleviate PMS, cramps and bloating:**  beets, chives, cardamom, marjoram, onion family, fennel, chestnut, dill seed, radish, mustard greens, ginger, basil, eggplant, mint, tangerine peel, rosemary, peaches, saffron, turmeric, oregano, cumin, and cherries. 

All natural Homeopathic Remedies:
[Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Cyclease Cramp Tablets for Menstrual Cramps](https://amzn.to/35EKLCL)

On a personal note, when I switched from wheat flour to gluten-free flour, the awful diarrhea and cramps that accompanied my periods went away as if by magic!

**According to professional Acupuncturist Maureen Conanct, Choose pads over tampons if you suffer from painful cramping or endometriosis.** “ Tampons disrupt the normal downward movement of menstrual flow and can cause blood stagnation.  “



**Acupuncture:** Researchers from the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Center in South Korea found that acupuncture might have positive effects on menstrual cramps. The study was based on 10 trials with 944 participants. "There was an improvement in pain relief from acupressure compared with a placebo control," according to the study.


Lose the Bloating:
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Bloating is typically caused by retaining water or gas. It sounds counterintuitive, but increase the amount of water you drink and cut back on the fiber during your period, which will help flush everything out.

Eat almonds for protein. 

Avoid “sugar-free” products. Artificial sweeteners cause bloating as do all fizzy drinks including soda.

Avoid salty snacks including deli meats. 

For Smoother, Lighter Flow:
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Eat plenty of vegetables, fresh fruits, water, whole grains and fish. Ditch the potato chips and icecream.

Only eat dairy, eggs and meat in moderation. Personal note, When I became a vegetarian, my period went from “crime scene” to ultra light.

Eat extra potassium. Bananas, sweet potatoes, lentils, yogurt, salmon, and raisins are all high in potassium.[6]

Exercise regularly, even if it’s just walking.

In conclusion, the only way to see if these tips will work for you...is to give them a chance and try them out for yourself. 

Sources:
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Image and Endorphin Info from: http://www.medicaldaily.com/menstrual-cramps-6-home-remedies-247558

Nutrition and Acupuncture info: http://www.fullbloomacupuncture.com/blog/fullbloom/2014/10/31/10-tips-for-a-healthy-menstrual-cycle

Nutrition info: http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/7-tips-for-beating-the-bloat/avoid-carbonated-beverages/

Nutrition info: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Period-Lighter