Date Added: July 19, 2012 03:58:05 AM

Let's face it! Having your period is far from a picnic. It comes along with plenty of assorted pains and discomforts including bloating, cramp pain, and irritability. When you really look at what's involved in the cycle of a period, it's actually not hard to see why. Menstrual discomfort is the result of hormonal changes that first prepare your body for the possibility of pregnancy and then reset themselves so that the period cycle can start again. It's a natural process, of course, but that doesn't mean that you have to take the pain and irritation lying down. Here are some things you can do to ensure your period is as pain-free as possible.

Turn to a Good Pain Reliever

One of the first things a woman needs to know about periods is how to manage the pain of the cramps that come with it and that can best be done via NSAIDS like ibuprofen. NSAIDS help neutralize the prostaglandins your body produces during your period cycle, thus reducing the associated discomfort. Many women say that they see best results when they start taking ibuprofen a couple of days before their period and continue as directed until the bleeding has stopped.

Get Some Exercise

While many women say that the last thing they really feel like doing during their period is exercising, it's important to understand that that's actually one of the best things for you at that time, especially if you tend to have a painful or uncomfortable time of it. Exercise helps produce endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. It also helps minimize the effects of period symptoms like water retention and fatigue. Plus, the fresh air really helps to lift your spirits and boost your moods. As with the taking of painkillers, making it a point to get active a couple of days before your period can really help minimize the discomfort you'll feel during it.

Eat Healthfully and Avoid Junk Food

You are what you eat… and this is the case during your period just as surely as it is during any other time. While many women tend to get the munchies, it's important to eat right and to avoid junky foods, especially those high in salt or sodium. Ditch the tortilla chips in favor of raw veggies instead. While carrot sticks may not sound as good as nachos do, they are much less likely to contribute to the problems of water retention, bloating, and irritability. Be sure to nourish your body with plenty of vitamin-rich, nutritious food. Take vitamin supplements and drink plenty of water. Your body will thank you for it!

While "that time of the month" is never going to be something we look forward to as women, it's infinitely easier when you know how to take the edge off of the discomfort it can bring. Ultimately, it's about managing symptoms effectively and taking the time to be truly kind to yourself.

Libra is the go-to brand for all things period. For all you need to know about your period and products, visit our website at www.lovelibra.co.nz