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 coming from the other reference 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)  

A different study in the National Library of Medicine found that a diet prioritizing fish, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zinc can have a positive effect on menstrual cramp pain. (National Library of Medicine) But again, the study does not identify bananas specifically as a food that would impact cramps. 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/ 

Answer 8

After doing further research on this claim, I do find it to be misleading. While it is true that bananas do contain magnesium, a substance known to regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, I found a lack of evidence supporting that they reduce the reaction of period cramps.

The link in the original claim was written on the Flo app, an app many women use to track their hormonal cycle. While the article does do a great job on informing women what foods to assist their period cramps, it lacks mentioning the sources of food with the highest content of magnesium. The National Institutes of Health mention that the average banana contains 32 grams of magnesium. It also states that roasted pumpkin seeds are the richest in magnesium, containing 156 grams per one ounce. Following that is chia seeds, with 111 grams of magnesium per one ounce. To me, this just makes the Flo article not seem as credible because if they're trying to advertise foods with high magnesium, and not mention the richest magnesium foods, then what else are they not mentioning? 

Probably how period cramps are even created. Period cramps are caused when mass amounts of prostaglandins, an inflammatory chemical, are released into the uterus. The uterus muscles then contract, resulting in a painful sensation for the host. Magnesium comes into play here as it helps relax the muscles of your body. Yet, there is no studies or arcuate evidence that states that bananas reduce the reaction of period cramps all together. In fact, OBGYN Dr. Salena Zanotti states that some claim it does very little, but most say it does nothing at all (Cleveland Clinic).

I was a little disappointed to hear that bananas don't really do much for period cramps, as I know a lot of women who experience mounds of pain due to their period. However, I find this claim to be an exaggeration, and only true to a very little extent. 

Answer 9

The claim that bananas help reduce period cramps is true. The website listed, Flo, is a reliable source and it is an app used to track menstrual cycles. Cramps during your menstrual cycle are when the blood vessels and muscles of the uterus contract. The inflammation can be reduced by taking medications such as ibuprofen are helpful but another way is through healthier diet. Trying to stay away from highly processed foods and red meat is the best way. Bananas are listed as a food option that can reduce period cramps along with lean meats and nuts. Bananas contain potassium and vitamin B6 both of which help reduce cramping and bloating (University of Central Florida Health). However eating just bananas can't fully combat the cramps, you have to pair it with a nutritious, high fiber, low fat diet. The claim that Flo makes is correct that bananas can help somewhat reduce cramps alongside other things to combat the pain.

Answer 10

Bananas are high in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 which can help reduce symptoms and the extreme pains of period cramps. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and magnesium is a mineral that helps relax uterine muscles. These properties can help aid in managing pain as well as reducing bloating, however bananas are not a cure all. They are said to be most effective when included in a rich diet full of fibers, fruits, and vegetables. UCF health published a list of specific nutrients that can help alleviate discomfort, in it was potassium and magnesium which can be found in high concentrations in bananas. Bananas also have natural sugars and carbohydrates that can help improve energy levels and combat the fatigue associated with menstrual cycles. Overall bananas can help ease cramps, improve mood, and sooth bloating due to their nutrient rich content.

sources:

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

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