Luckily, during my internship, I read an article on the use of nutrition to treat breast cysts. I was intrigued, and during the next few years, I began to test a simple self-care program on myself. I was amazed at the results. It's certainly one way, though there are other approaches, depending on the type of cramps. Called dysmenorrhea, cramps are classified as primary or secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea can be either spasmodic or congestive.
Spasmodic cramps are characterized by sharp pains caused by constriction of the uterine muscle and vessels that supply the uterus with blood. In addition, overabundance of certain types of the hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins may intensify cramping and pain, although other prostaglandins relax muscles and relieve cramps. Fatty acids in foods cause prostaglandin production in the body. So, you can see how food choices affect your body. Congestive cramping is usually characterized by a dull ache in the low back or pelvis, often accompanied by bloating, breast tenderness, headaches and irritability.