Inflammation is one of the root causes of period and abdominal pain. It can be fully responsible for pain and cramping or it can exacerbate issues that already exist. Inflammation can be responsible for causing some period symptoms such as cramps, migraines, sickness and nausea.
There are several lifestyle causes of inflammation which I discuss in the videos below.
Inflammation Caused by Fatty Acid Ratio Imbalance
Our consumption of omega 3 fatty acid and omega 6 fatty acids change the ratio of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in our bodies which impact our inflammation.
Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids: cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, anchovies, seabass, black cod, trout and sardines. Other seafood such as oysters, shrimp and caviar. Also certain nuts and seeds including flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and hazelnuts.
Sources of Omega 6 Fatty Acids: sunflower seeds, pecan nuts, almonds, cashew nuts and pistachio nuts. Also many processed foods.
Note that oils of these foods are also inflammatory if they have turned rancid.
How Your Gut Health Affects Inflammation & Periods
The health and integrity of our gut and the bacterial community within it can contribute to inflammation and even auto-immune diseases.
Stress & It’s Impact on Inflammation & The Menstrual Cycle
In this video we explore how stress can cause inflammation and how this impacts our menstrual cycle.
Please do know that it is possible to get on top of these issues and have periods that feel enriching and nourishing rather than painful.
If you want to get your inflammation under control, you can get my my quick and easy recipe quick start here.
