Try this anti-inflammatory natural period pain relief smoothie to help soothe the cramps and discomfort.
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Period cramps can be anything from just annoying to downright debilitating.
Growing up, my period cramps were never that bad. They ered more on the side of annoying. But, my sister had them so bad that she had to stay home from school at least one day each month.
And since having my second child, my period cramps have become worse and worse. Each month, the pain seems to increase and my overall mood and drive, decrease.
And, as a self-proclaimed smoothie connoisseur, I have set out to create a morning smoothie to ease period pain and discomfort.
But, to understand the science behind why this smoothie works, I also want to share what causes period cramps and why they can be mild or severe.
What Causes Period Cramps?
Period cramps often occur a day or two before your actual period. This happens because your body starts to produce more prostaglandin.
Prostaglandin is a hormone that causes your uterus to contract so that it can shed its lining. The cramps come from the contractions and the inflammation that occurs as a result of the contractions.
But, there are other factors that can affect how severe your cramps are.
Factors that may causes severe period cramps:
- Smoking
- You are 20 years or younger
- Irregular periods
- Heavy periods
- You started menstrating before the age of 11
- Having a family history of painful periods
Along with the above factors, there are more serious complications that can cause painful period cramps. These include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical stenosis [Mayo Clinic].
So, in order to address the pain associated with your monthly cycle, this smoothie is packed with superfoods and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Natural Period Pain Relief Smoothie
While also having amazing health benefits, this smoothie is also thick, creamy, and delicious.
It’s packed with anti-inflammatory properties from spinach, blueberries, pineapple, and avocado. And it also includes vital omega-3 fatty acids from hemp hearts and superfood properties from matcha powder.
You can start drinking this a couple days before you expect to start your period. If you notice that you are still having severe period cramps, you can add a second smoothie later in the day.
You can also include some other natural period pain relief techniques if your menstrual cramps are still bothering you.
Try using a heating pad on your lower abdomen for 15-20 minutes at a time. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can also soak in a hot tub.
The heat helps to relax the muscles of your uterus and also increases blood flow to the area.
Another amazing way to relieve period cramp pain is to do yoga. Try this 15-minute yoga routine to ease period cramps.
Natural Period Pain Relief Smoothie
This smoothie contains anti-inflammatory properties and superfoods to reduce the pain associated with your period and PMS.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/4 - 1/2 medium avocado*
- 1 tsp. matcha powder
- 2 tbsp. hemp hearts
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk/ milk of choice
Instructions
Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
*The more avocado you use, the thicker and creamier your smoothie will be
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If you liked this recipe, please be sure to share it with your friends on social media and check out this Detox Tropical Turmeric Smoothie Recipe as well.