Have you ever thought “is orange juice good for menstrual cramps”? Maybe it’s crossed your mind or maybe you’ve heard it from someone else about its anti-inflammatory properties for period pain. Orange juice can be a powerful aid with menstrual pain and cramping. Among its many health benefits it’s one of the best juices for making your cycle less painful while also boosting you full of essential nutrients.
Natural ways to relieve muscles spams has been a growing trend with ideas such as a heating pad(s), period diets and essential oils as well.
So let’s dive into can orange juice stop your period cramps?
This article is not providing medical advice, please speak to a medical professional/ healthcare provider about your overall health and menstrual symptoms.
Why Orange Juice?
So you’ve likely heard of different natural remedies for periods, such as doing this particular period stretch, or drinking this period tea. While these can offer folks relief, some orange juice does the trick too. But why? What makes orange juice special in reducing menstrual cramps? Is it the pulp? The orange color? Is it because it’s a citrus fruit? Is it because it’s considered a healthy fruit? Let’s dive into why orange juice is different for helping with your time of the month.
Do other fruit juices help period cramps as well?
Can they, yes they can. However not all fruit juices are as effective as orange juice is for period cramping. For example, apple juice is good for helping combat pms fatigue, however is less effective at helping with monthly period cramps. Aloe vera juice is another great juice like orange that can help with reducing and calming pain intensity. How so? It is full of vitamins and antioxidants which helps with reducing pain. Plus it ensures your body is full of healthy vitamins and essential nutrients your body can lose during blood loss. Pineapple juice can help with its anti-inflammatory properties to help with curbing painful periods. A leafy greens smoothie and celery juice can help with menstrual periods and reducing period pain. It’s a great way to get lots of vitamins and supplements, however it can be tedious and time consuming to make and prep for compared to a glass of orange juice.
What causes period cramping pain?
What causes those awful period cramps we all dread? Well during your monthly cycle your uterine contractions cramp as they expel your uterine lining. Iron levels drop, as well as blood sugar levels can increase in dramatic fluctuations. It’s not uncommon for women to carry excess way, and not consume enough water during this time. Foods with high sugar content such as sugary drinks, and fatty high sodium food items can make painful cramps worse. These are considered inflammatory foods and reducing or cutting them out can make a significant difference in your period muscle spasms. Including in your diet some high fiber snacks and super hydrating fruits is a great way to help with period cramping.
Vitamin C & Period Cramps
Foods that are rich in vitamin C are great to consume for good menstrual health before, during and after your period. Vitamin C has been known in some people to reduce blood loss and play an important role in helping reduce inflammation which can help with muscle cramps. A low amount of vitamin C can also affect your mood, mood swings can be more common during this time. Keeping up your vitamin c levels and a healthy diet can help with reducing those pesky mood swings that come with your menstrual cycle. You can get vitamin C from fruit juices, herbal teas and citrus fruits.
How to use orange juice for period cramps
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of using orange juice as a natural remedy for period cramping let’s dive into how to use it. Incorporating more orange juice into your diet doesn’t need to be hard, difficult or tough to build into your routine. My top tip is to plan ahead with your grocery shop for the best foods with vitamin c. The week before your period is planned to come, be sure to add high vitamin C items in your grocery shop. For example, here are some fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C to help with period symptoms.
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Bell Peppers
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Cauliflower
- Papaya
- Kale
You can simply put these foods on your grocery list, or begin to incorporate them into your meal plan for the upcoming week. You can also use these fruits to make healthy juice such as carrot juice to help with additional pain relief with adding multiple foods in one drink. If you’re feeling nauseas from stomach cramps smoothies and blended fruits can be the best drinks for this.
Simple ways to add Vitamin C & Orange Juice to your week
So your looking for some simple ways to add vitamin C to your week. A good idea is stocking up on a carton of orange juice the week before your pms symptoms appear. Try to avoid orange juices with added sugars as these can limit the benefits and actually contribute to more cramping. You can introduce oranges in your balanced diet each week with including them as a snack food. It is also though of by some that oranges and high vitamin c diets can help aid in the absorption of iron and decrease water retention. Another good choice is to include orange juice in your morning fruit smoothie. You can include some orange slices with whole grains such as oatmeal or cereal.
Orange juice is also full of vitamin B which can help with energy levels so it’s great to incorporate into your morning routines. As well it gives your body a added immune system boost that can be helpful during cold and flu season.
How many oranges to eat?
It is recommended to eat 1-2 oranges a day. I would recommend including oranges into your diet a week before your period is scheduled to appear to help with preparing for your menstrual flow, and giving your body the necessary vitamins it needs to help. This can help with reducing down severe pain for some. It is recommended if your drinking orange juice to limit yourself to 2 cups a day.
Summary
Overall orange juice is a great addition to your menstrual cycle health. It helps with adding in vitamin B and C which can the next time period cramping strikes. Natural at home remedies can be great for period pain and utilizing orange juice in your menstrual weeks is a simple and effective way to help give your body the extra boost it needs. Our bodies go through a lot during our cycles, why not give it the best chance to tackle spasms. Add in some orange juice with your coconut water, dark chocolate and ginger tea for your period kit.