Menstrual Cramps (Period Cramps): What to Eat for Pain Relief

Top foods to relieve menstrual cramps (period cramps)

Best Foods for Period/Menstrual Cramps (Besides Painkillers)

Menstrual cramps (period cramps) can affect both teenage girls and women until the menopause period. Some foods may help alleviate menstrual woes, although more thorough research is still required.

A normal menstrual cycle should last between 21-35 days and averages 28 days (counting from the first day of menses to the first day of the next menses). Bleeding should be for no longer than 7 days.

Menstruation symptoms include:

Bloating
Water retention
Poor concentration
Irritability

Top foods to relieve menstrual cramps (period cramps)

"While painkillers may be effective in eliminating any pains, there are five foods that have been found to help alleviate menstrual woes, although more thorough research is still required," says Ethel Lim, Dietitian from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group.

1) Calcium

Calcium is found to reduce cramp pains, reduce bloating and water retention. Calcium is present in substantial amounts in:

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese
Fish with edible bones, and
Calcium-fortified soy milk, beancurd/tofu

Dairy products

2) Fibre

Fibre maintains regularity of bowel movements, thus making you feel less bloated. Aim for two servings of fruits and vegetables daily and opt for wholegrain products (refer to the HPB My Healthy Plate diagram below for portions). To prevent constipation, do not forget to increase your fluid intake too!

HPB My Healthy Plate

3) Magnesium

Magnesium is found to reduce symptoms such as headaches and cramps. Magnesium can be found in foods such as:

Dark chocolate
Avocados
Dark green leafy vegetables
Almonds
Wholegrain products (see below)

Wholegrain foods

4) Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12

Used in combination, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 have been found to be more effective than just having adequate omega-3s alone. Some good options to consider including in your diet before your period are:

Seafood
Eggs
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Chia seeds

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

5) Vitamin E

For reduction in menstrual pains, studies that have shown improvements included up to 500 IU of vitamin E daily. Foods that are high in vitamin E include: