Menstrual Cramps

[kedamak]

Any recommendations for dealing with period cramps. Mine can be fairly debilitating. I'm only a week into my Whole30 program so my body is still detoxing. I normally take 2-3 Aleves but I read somewhere on here that Aleve and other NSAID were not Whole30 compliant. Aleve is the only thing that works for me. Any suggestions would e helpful. Thank you!

[Sally_Oh]

Do you take magnesium? It's been almost 20 years since I had a cramp (big plus for menopause), but mag keeps my other bodily cramps at bay. I use mag oil, which you can make. My recipe is here: http://bit.ly/mag-oil. Scroll down till you see the bottle of mag oil on the right. I do 10 sprays at night on my inner thigh (fatty areas). Works for me -- good luck with that!

[Ifjewel]

Don't hate me for this, but try a fairly strenuous hike or jog. Really. Cut back on caffeine if you can. The Whole 30 plan is nice and anti-inflammatory, right? but it may take some time.

[kedamak]

I took 2 Aleves. It was that or stay in bed unable to move and seeing as I had things to accomplish today, staying in bed wasn't an option. I now just need a moderator or someone to tell me if I need to re-set my Whole30 experiment? My hope is no because I am already seeing results but just want to know for sure. Thanks all

[Maeva]

I use a warm castor oil pack on my pelvic area. You can buy organic castor oil and clean wool cloth at most heath food stores.

Just soak the cloth, place it on your skin with a layer of plastic over it, and a hot water bottle or warm flax seed pillow over that, and then lay down for 30 minutes (or more).

Castor oil is sticky stuff, but a very good topical anti-inflammatory. It works for inflamed joints also.

Feel better!

Maeva

[jhmomi]

I took 2 Aleves. It was that or stay in bed unable to move and seeing as I had things to accomplish today, staying in bed wasn't an option. I now just need a moderator or someone to tell me if I need to re-set my Whole30 experiment? My hope is no because I am already seeing results but just want to know for sure. Thanks all

Here is a link to a post from Robin (moderator) regarding someone that took Excedrin and wondered about restarting...

http://forum.whole9l...ch__1#entry6032

And I found a nice explanation on an orthopedic website explaining how NSAIDs work. FYI - Tylenol is not an NSAID.

"NSAIDs work by preventing an enzyme (a protein that triggers changes in the body) from doing its job. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, or COX, and it has two forms. COX-1 protects the stomach lining from harsh acids and digestive chemicals. It also helps maintain kidney function. COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed.

Traditional NSAIDs block the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they can cause stomach upset and bleeding as well as ease pain and inflammation."

Link to full article... http://orthoinfo.aao...fm?topic=A00284

Best of luck with the rest of your Whole30! I also saw a post from Tom (moderator) when someone asked about Motrin and he said medicines get a pass for the Whole30. For a mild headache, I always suggest drinking a bunch of water first before taking meds since dehydration is sometimes the cause. But for your symptoms, I would totally have done what you did. No point in suffering.

[kedamak]

I use a warm castor oil pack on my pelvic area. You can buy organic castor oil and clean wool cloth at most heath food stores.

Just soak the cloth, place it on your skin with a layer of plastic over it, and a hot water bottle or warm flax seed pillow over that, and then lay down for 30 minutes (or more).

Castor oil is sticky stuff, but a very good topical anti-inflammatory. It works for inflamed joints also.

Feel better!

Maeva

Thanks for the suggestion Maeva. I will have to give that a try for sure.

[kedamak]

Here is a link to a post from Robin (moderator) regarding someone that took Excedrin and wondered about restarting...

http://forum.whole9l...ch__1#entry6032

And I found a nice explanation on an orthopedic website explaining how NSAIDs work. FYI - Tylenol is not an NSAID.

"NSAIDs work by preventing an enzyme (a protein that triggers changes in the body) from doing its job. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, or COX, and it has two forms. COX-1 protects the stomach lining from harsh acids and digestive chemicals. It also helps maintain kidney function. COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed.

Traditional NSAIDs block the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they can cause stomach upset and bleeding as well as ease pain and inflammation."

Link to full article... http://orthoinfo.aao...fm?topic=A00284

Best of luck with the rest of your Whole30! I also saw a post from Tom (moderator) when someone asked about Motrin and he said medicines get a pass for the Whole30. For a mild headache, I always suggest drinking a bunch of water first before taking meds since dehydration is sometimes the cause. But for your symptoms, I would totally have done what you did. No point in suffering.

Thanks for the info. This is the only time I take meds typically so hopefully it will be okay. Thanks again

[Megan Claydon]

I took 2 Aleves. It was that or stay in bed unable to move and seeing as I had things to accomplish today, staying in bed wasn't an option. I now just need a moderator or someone to tell me if I need to re-set my Whole30 experiment? My hope is no because I am already seeing results but just want to know for sure. Thanks all

Like Robin suggested, I wouldn't start over unless you felt a personal need to do so. Looks like you reduced your dosage and hopefully over time you will be able chunk the bottle completely.