Stomach bloating and pain are common during period. The changes that occur in the body during this once monthly natural process can affect everything from our weight to our moods. But did you know that lacking essential vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin B12, B6, B3, B1, vitamin D, E, magnesium and calcium can exacerbate your already unpleasant pain symptoms? They sure can, and if you’re wondering “why am I bloated?”, you might want to head for the supplement aisle to treat these lesser known causes of bloating in women.
Okay, nobody enjoys the stomach bloating and pain associated with menstruation, and oftentimes, it seems like it can be hard to relieve. This might be because you are treating the wrong source. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with bloated stomach pain, and as a matter of fact, many people with digestive conditions are lacking this critical vitamin. It is possible then, that your symptoms might be stemming from a lack of this sun kissed nutrient.
Medical research had shown some promising results in treating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with B6 vitamin supplement. B6 can play a role in alleviating such PMS symptoms as stomach bloating, pain, forgetfulness, moodiness, irritability, and anxiety. Interestingly, this is the same vitamin that had shown some success in reducing morning sickness during pregnancy!
We all associate an iron deficiency with anemia, but not getting enough B12 can cause a case of it as well. The effects of a B12 deficiency don’t stop there however as not having enough of this B vitamin can cause a whole host of belly discomfort. You may experience bowel problems, stomach bloating and pain, and also cramping during period if you are not getting enough vitamin B12. Other symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include mood or memory effects, tingling sensations and even a swollen tongue.
According to the doctors at the California’s PMS Menopause Self-Help Center, vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, may be about 90 percent effective in preventing menstrual cramps when taken in doses of 25 to 50 mg for at least 10 days before the start of a period. However, it is recommended to add this cell oxygen-supplying vitamin to your daily vitamin list as it provides more health benefits than only PMS relief.
Finally, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published a study in 2005 that confirmed that taking 400 mg of vitamin E daily may help reduce dysmenorrhea symptoms, or painful period, that affects up to 50 percent of women worldwide!
One of the major causes of illnesses in individuals is deficiency in the nutrients our body needs to maintain its critical processes. You cannot do your job without the tools of your trade whether they be pens or hammers, and likewise, your body can’t do all of its important jobs without its pens and hammers as well. If you’re experiencing stomach bloating and pain that is compounded during period, speak to your doctor or naturopath about your concerns about vitamin deficiency and consider a supplement complex that incorporates everything your body needs to function properly every day, and during menstrual cycles.
However, be aware that even if your doctor tells you that your vitamin levels are normal, most vitamin deficiencies are very hard to diagnose with a simple blood test so your doctor could be looking at the false negative test results. Therefore, taking daily vitamin supplements could still be highly beneficial for your overall health in the long run and may be a better investment than chemical drugs like Advil. Unless you have serious female conditions like fibroids or endometriosis that may first need to be treated medically, taking safe doses of vitamins would likely not be discouraged by your doctor. Note, however, that natural healing takes time and you may not see the positive results with your period cramps, stomach bloating and pain, and other symptoms until a couple of months into your new daily vitamin routine, so stay strong and patient, and it will be worth it in the end! Coupled with a low carb, moderate protein and fat diet, the pain and bloating during your period can be substantially reduced naturally. Read our other articles for further information about the recommended vitamin dosage for PMS symptoms relief.
Women with PMS do not experience completely different symptoms each cycle, such as anxiety with one cycle, depression the next, anger in the following cycle, and so forth. Each woman with PMS has her own personal pattern of symptoms.While one woman might be anxious and tense, another woman might experience PMS as causing her to be depressed and tearful for two days each cycle, and another woman might find that she is easily irritated by problems that she normally considers minor.`
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