I hate to be the bearer of gross news, but ladies, you likely have cramps for one very common reason: You’re constipated.

Yup. Constipation. Think about it: Your uterus is expanding and contracting, leaving your friend in the back with less room for its own stuff… so when you do need to poo, it’s difficult to do so. Have you ever noticed having cramps and going to the bathroom is a difficult process, only made better when you can actually poo once again?

Listen, ladies, it’s true. The Cleveland Clinic says so. PopSugar isn’t the greatest scientific resource and I’ll never get over the video they did about washing your hair with Coca-Cola right after they said that washing your hair with baking soda would make your hair fall out……… but they agree with me.

An increase in progesterone combined with the cravings for mac & cheese you had during PMS incites bloating, gas, and, unfortunately, constipation. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your period cramps is to poop, seriously. I remember back in middle school, our biology teacher told us that you can relieve cramps by going to the bathroom. I thought she was crazy, and she still might be, but she was right about this specific thing. Anyway, here are a few things that might help you with those cramps:

1 – Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa (Actaea racemosa) Foster purchased 2008

Black cohosh is a flower tincture that helps the uterus expand and contract. Get some here for $16. Do not use while pregnant.

2 – Food-Grade Bentonite Clay

PIG25_BentoniteClay_A_500
Bentonite clay has a plethora of healing benefits, especially if you ate some poison, something you’re allergic to, or you need a good cleanse of some sort. One of its greatest powers includes clearing your digestive tract, aka, it will make you poop. I recommend if you feel bloated, to take a tablespoon mixed in a glass of water and drink quickly. Don’t use metal. The clay is kinda hardcore and it will absorb whatever it touches, so you’re supposed to use plastic. Idk. Get some here for $26.

3 – Psyllium Husk

psyllium
Known for its laxative, stool-softening effects, psyllium husk is full of fiber and great for your colon. Aside from its helpfulness when you have a hemorrhoid or other shitty situation, it’s great for period cramps! Yep, when you have cramps, try putting a tablespoon in water (you can use a metal spoon this time if you want) and mix. It will turn gel-like if you leave it for too long. It feels weird to drink, but it’s not as difficult to drink as bentonite clay. This will ease constipation and make it easier for you to go poo. Highly recommend. A container also lasts a really long time, so you’ll get your money’s worth. Get some here for $14.

4 – Papaya Enzyme Tablets

papaya_purple
As one of my favorite must-haves, papaya enzyme helps your gut digest food. That’s really it… not much else to it. I usually take some after I eat a meal and I have some indigestion. It’s probably not your ideal solution, but it’s a good thing to have nonetheless. Buy some here for $13.


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Some of the links in this post may be affiliated links and The Barefoot Aya may receive a percentage of the item purchased. This does not mean that any company supports The Barefoot Aya nor does it mean that I do not fully recommend these products. I would never link to a product unless I fully recommend it.

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Featured Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash