Many women around the world experience painful periods or “dysmenorrhea” every month. Detox helps reduce menstrual pain
Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps, in other words, pain during menstruation. Not all women suffer from painful periods in the same way, statistics show that 60% of women of childbearing age are affected by it.
There are two different types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common, usually lasting for one or two days and consisting of pain, discomfort, and cramps throughout the period. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, or other reproductive organ issues.
What causes the pain and premenstrual symptoms?
During the menstrual cycle, the uterus contracts and releases prostaglandins, substances that play a role in pain and inflammation, triggering uterine muscle contractions.
Prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid through a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme “cyclooxygenase.”
Low-grade acidosis that promotes hormonal imbalances, food intolerances (acid-forming foods), liver and/or colon inflammation, also contributes to menstrual pain. And stress is the icing on the cake.
What Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, menstruation is directly related to the liver, and menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms are related to liver Qi stagnation.
The dominant element of the liver is wood, and it is responsible for storing blood and keeping the pathways (Qi, blood, and emotions) open to ensure smooth flow and prevent stagnation. Therefore, when the pathways become blocked, menstrual pain and other symptoms appear.
A good detox helps reduce menstrual pain
Today, I propose a highly effective holistic approach to prevent and treat menstrual pain:
Alkaline and Anti-Inflammatory Detox Diet
This aspect is crutial, primarily focusing on avoiding acid-forming foods that cause inflammation and contain arachidonic acid such as animal fats and viscera (liver), eggs, meat, poultry and fish.
Implement an alkaline and anti-inflammatory plant based diet, loaded with fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins. Also, consider drinking high-quality alkaline water. Include daily foods that help maintain hormonal balance (estrogens) and keep “aromatase” in check, such as broccoli (all cruciferous vegetables), berries, onions, black grapes, sesame seeds, and mushrooms.
Add ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon to your dishes and herbal teas to reduce inflammation and pain. Chamomile and sage (amenagogue) can also be beneficial.
Liver and Blood Detox
As mentioned earlier, liver health plays a crucial role in menstruation. A clean and detoxified liver will help you avoid both premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea.
Consider using Hephatic Care to gently cleanse the liver and facilitate the elimination of excess estrogen.
Add liquid chlorophyll that oxygenates and purifies the blood and organs wich will help you avoid painful periods.
Additional Supplements and Techniques
Evening primrose oil capsules (gamma-linolenic acid Omega 6) can help control estrogens, progesterone, and prolactin throughout all stages of your period and especially will prevent the formation of clots during menstruation, which can cause discomfort.
Try acupuncture, yoga, conscious breathing, and meditation, all ancient techniques that balance your hormones and menstrual cycle.
If you follow all of these steps, you will notice a significant difference and feel much better.
