Here’s how to keep your hoo-ha healthy and happy:
They Add Heat.
“I put my old-school heating pad on my abdomen. The warmth relaxes uterine muscles and relieves pain.” —Sheeva Talebian, M.D., New York City
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They Skip Chips.
“Salty foods prompt the body to hold more water, which makes PMS symptoms like bloating and aching even worse. So I try to be mindful of my intake—and not reach for the kettle chips I really want.” —Janet Choi, M.D., New York City
They Go Green.
“I avoid sugary foods that spike blood sugar and promote inflammation, and I eat a lot of anti-inflammatory leafy greens, berries, quinoa, and spices like turmeric. When I crave sweets, I stick with dark chocolate; it’s high in magnesium, which can help alleviate cramps.” —Talebian (Get more healthy recipes from Scratch, a cookbook from our CEO, Maria Rodale.)
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They Get Busy.
“Sex, particularly the kind that ends in orgasm, helps relieve cramps. During the big O, the body releases another O, the hormone oxytocin, which works like a natural painkiller.” —Choi