How To Manage Menstrual Health Naturally: Every year on 28th May, ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’ is celebrated with the aim of making people aware about how hygiene can be maintained during periods. Menstrual health is very important for overall well being. According to UNICEF, approximately 1.8 billion women in the world have periods. Of these, 80 percent women have to face menstrual pain and 30 percent have severe period cramps. Due to irregular menstrual cycle, 14 to 25 percent women have to face problems in their reproductive age.
Why do problems occur during periods?
There can be many reasons behind such problems, including stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and hormonal balance. However, due to lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products and education, many women today face various health problems like PMS, UTI, PCOS and PCOD which are ignored and left untreated. This is why it has become necessary to spread awareness at the global level.
Ways to manage menstrual health
In Ayurveda, menstrual wellness is considered an important part of overall health. In this, menstruation is considered a natural purification process in which toxins and impurities are removed from the body. According to Ayurvedic expert Dr. Pooja Kohli, we can manage menstrual health naturally in 5 ways.
1. Make friends with fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids in the form of herbal teas and warm water can help you stay hydrated. This will effectively help your body flush out toxins and waste. Avoid stimulant drinks like caffeine, soda, and alcohol. Also, drinking ginger tea or cumin seeds in warm water can help reduce bloating and cramps.
2. Eat simple and nourishing foods
The more you crave for processed and fried food, the more problems you may face during your period. Menstruation is a time when things have to be kept simple. Eat light, warm and fresh food. This includes lots of seasonal vegetables. While cooking any recipe, add as little spices as possible.
3. Move, stretch, and rest
Women’s bodies usually work harder during their periods to shed the uterine lining, which can cause fatigue. The purpose of this is to provide the body with adequate sleep so that the body can recover and recharge. There is no benefit in lying in bed all day, so keep doing some physical activities, which include light walks, yoga stretches. Doing this can relieve pain and can also improve the mood.
4. Maintain hygiene
It is very important to maintain good hygiene during periods. You have to change your pad or tampon every 4-6 hours. Also, avoid using scented products as they can irritate the affected area. Taking a hot shower is another good way to maintain hygiene as well as relieve muscle cramps.