Bananas help reduce period cramps

Question

Period cramps are so painful and can sometimes be unbearable. There are many supplements you can take to reduce period cramps, but if your looking for a natural and healthy alternative, bananas have been proven to reduce the severity of period cramps.

In an article by Flo Health states, " Bananas also contain a lot of magnesium, which is known to reduce the severity of period cramps." This is really helpful for those pesky period cramps.

Answer 1

After reading around, bananas are a great food to eat to help reduce period cramps. UCF Health says that during a period bloating can add to the discomfort of period cramps because “Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and reduces bloating.” Bananas are one food that is rich in potassium. Post Oak Er says that not only does bananas help with bloating and cramping, but it can also help with your digestion because they are a good source of fiber. Health matters mentions that trying to eat healthy during your  menstrual cycle is the best idea.  Try not to eat a lot of processed foods and foods high in sugar. Instead you can make foods yourself, possibly using bananas to substitute oils. 

https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/lifestyle-medicine/best-foods-that-help-with-period-cramps/ 

https://postoaker.com/foods-that-help-relieve-menstrual-cramps/

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-to-eat-during-your-period-foods-that-help-reduce-cramps-and-foods-to-avoid/ 

Answer 2

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals would likely help with menstrual cramp pain, but there isn’t strong evidence suggesting that bananas on their own will help with cramps. The Flo article references an NIH article about magnesium intake helping decrease menstrual cramps (National Institutes of Health). This NIH article is likely where Flo generated their claim about bananas from, since they are high in magnesium, however the article never actually mentions bananas specifically. A more factual statement from the references that Flo used would be that an “increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as the sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as fish and milk and dairy products have positive associations with less menstrual pain.” (National Library of Medicine)  At most, the Flo article is mildly misleading in their exaggeration of the benefits that individual foods have on their own. I do believe Flo is a reliable resource for health recommendations, but not for health facts.

Answer 3

As I was researching I found a few mixed views but mostly the claim is true! It depends on the person and their individual hormones but overall it works for most individuals. Bananas are a great source of fiber and minerals which help reduce pain in period cramps. As I was researching I found an article from Flo health. I use their app to track my periods and know it is reliable. They said, " They are rich in fiber and will help you have easy bowel movements. As a result, you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall. Bananas also contain a lot of magnesium, which is known to reduce the severity of period cramps". I then did an even deeper dive into who wrote the Flo article and it was written by Andrei Marhol who has written a few articles published in the Journal of the Grodno State Medical University. An article from health.com said, "A medium banana has over 400 milligrams (mg) of potassium. Bananas contain other electrolytes to help you reduce your risk of muscle cramps, including sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Bananas are also a great source of fiber, healthy plant compounds, and vitamins like A, B6, and C". Health.com agreed with Flo and mentioned that the electrolytes are also beneficial. Although it might not work for every women, bananas seem like a good way to reduce period cramps.

https://www.health.com/foods-that-prevent-muscle-cramps-7973949

https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/cramps/foods-for-cramps-relief

Answer 4

In the original article, it says that bananas are “rich in fiber” resulting in “easy bowel movements,” so “you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall.” They also state that bananas have magnesium which is “known to reduce the severity of period cramps.”

Upon research on this claim, I found that magnesium can help some people feel less period-related pain. It works by relaxing the muscles of the uterus, but there are no large studies that actually prove or disprove this. It may work for some and not for others. 

https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/magnesium-and-the-menstrual-cycle#:~:text=Taken%20daily%2C%20magnesium%20may%20prevent,pain%20(1%2C8). 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/magnesium-for-period-cramps 

It is widely suggested that for magnesium to have any sort of effect, women need to take at least 300 mg. A typical large banana only has about 37 grams of magnesium, meaning it might be more effective to just take magnesium pills. 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-dosage 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-foods-high-in-magnesium#:~:text=9.-,Bananas,DV%2C%20in%20one%20large%20banana. 

Thus, this claim isn’t completely false, but there is not substantial evidence to prove that it is true. Bananas may help some women with period cramps, but it also might not help at all. 

Answer 5

This claim is true. It is shown that eating a neutral healthy diet is very helpful when combating period cramps. The potassium is proven to help with muscle cramps and fiber helps move your bowels to reduce bloating. But it's not just bananas that help, it's an overall naturopathic diet. By eating in a more natural way, less processed foods and animal fats leads to a thinner lining. With a thinner lining, you have less to shed which causes less pain and a shorter period. By eating for your body and understanding what your body needs will help lessen the pain of a period. While bananas can help it's not the only factor that leads to a more bearable period.

(https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/using-foods-against-menstrual-pain, https://naturopathic.org/news/692843/18-Foods-To-Add-To-Your-Diet-When-You-Start-Feeling-Bloated-.htm)

Answer 6

This claim appears to be true. According to this article from Physicians at University of Central Florida, “Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and reduces bloating. During menstruation, bloating can add to the discomfort of period cramps. Therefore, eating potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, avocados and oranges, can help support the body’s fluid balance and potentially reduce bloating during the menstrual cycle.” https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/lifestyle-medicine/best-foods-that-help-with-period-cramps/

This article https://wellbeingnutrition.com/blogs/listing/foods-that-help-with-period-cramps-dark-chocolate-ginger-banana-orange-berries-flaxseed-chamomile-broccoli-prunes-herbal-teas-conclusion?srsltid=AfmBOopwShiaRh9pEacAE4aPMsCVHaJ12oLing3ppBu_evfjtdsj7a1B also states facts about how bananas can aid in reducing period cramps. It says “Bananas… Packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber.. aid in muscle relaxation and hormone regulation, easing menstrual discomfort” the same article also says that “potassium [helps in] preventing muscle cramps and spasms. Additionally, vitamin B6 helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces pain perception. Moreover, the fiber content in bananas aids in digestion and promotes gut health, which can also have a positive impact on reducing bloating”

Based on these articles, adding bananas to your diet very well could help in reducing period cramps but should not be a sole contributor. These articles list lots of other foods that also have benefits for period cramps. If your cramps are bad it may be wise to start including more of these foods and vitamins in your diet but you should also be aware that it’s not a magical cure.

Answer 7

Yes, eating bananas is a sure way to reduce period cramps. I fact checked this by reading an article in ‘health shots’ wellness newsletter. This newsletter included input from a real gynecologist named Dr. Pratbiha Singhal, which gave it more medical credibility. It describes how the B6 nutrient in bananas regulates hormones, which helps alleviate the triggering of painful cramping and mood swings. This idea of eating certain nutrient-rich foods to help with cramping is also backed up by Women’s Health magazine.  

Check out these sources:

Bananas for period pain: 6 ways to alleviate menstrual cramps 

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g43710577/foods-that-help-with-period-cramps/