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

I choose this claim because it was relativity interesting. As I further searched this claim I found that it's true that bananas are a good food to help relieve yourself from having cramps. They are filled with lots of fiber, easily accessible, and contain a lot of magnesium which helps us decompress. Bananas would help feel less bloated and experience less stress overall. I look at other studies to confirm and I found another article that was written by New York Health Matters and they also confirmed that eatings fresh fruits and vegetables were recommended. these articles make me realize there is more types of food available to help during menstrual cycles and be more aware of them.

sources:

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

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

Answer 2

This claim seems to be true and while bananas are not treating the cramps, they're rather reducing the cramps. According to GoodRx, they elaborate on how fruits are high in fiber and most contain vitamin C. They are anti-inflammatory foods that may help ease period cramps.

Additionally, the University of Central Florida states that there are many nutrients that help with period cramps. These include magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, E, C, and potassium. Bananas are high in potassium and will therefore reduce bloating and maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

My sources contain credible information as GoodRx's information is typically reviewed by licensed medical professionals and I've gotten some medicines from this website, which always fixed my problem. The University of Central Florida publish in peer-reviewed journals, which undergo independent expert review before publishing.

GoodRx - https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/menstrual-pain/foods-that-help-with-period-cramps?srsltid=AfmBOoqQpyvIk-yBDlVYkzZjcIydKKkrgv9D2LwrH_QLpaknVknwexqz

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

Answer 3

Bananas can help reduce period cramps because they’re rich in magnesium, which is a mineral that helps relax the uterine muscles and reduce pain. Magnesium also lowers the production of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause cramping. There are not many studies on magnesium and period cramps, but experts agree that there is no harm in eating bananas in an attempt to ease discomfort. Bananas also contain fiber, which can reduce bloating and may make you feel less uncomfortable during your period. So yes, bananas can help reduce period cramps

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

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

Answer 4

This article makes many claims about different foods being good for relieving menstrual pain, but the one being focused on in this investigation is the claim that “Bananas are great for menstrual cramps.” Because this article focuses on different claims, the amount of evidence given to support this specific claim is pretty minimal, but succinct and accurate when cross referenced with other reputable sources on the internet. Speaking of credibility, not only is Flo Health’s information supported by reputable health sources like GoodRX, Post Oak ER, and UCF Health, Flo Health also has a very accessible and strong section of their content review principles including peer and source review methods, a medical board, and specialized female health scientist team with many research participants to test and produce accurate information. My only criticism of the evidence supporting this claim is that I believe it would be even stronger to include test results or statistics showing the correlation between banana consumption and less menstrual pain, especially considering Flo Health’s developed content review principles. This would provide better support for the strong language used in the claim of bananas being “great” for menstrual cramps in a website that prides itself on its scientific competency.

Sources:

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

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/menstrual-pain/foods-that-help-with-period-cramps?srsltid=AfmBOoph9DEqqLi0lxdIwS9sgSsRKx9Tc1Ha1c2SPGFb29J9wp1ARz7G

Answer 5

Bananas are a known food source to help with cramps around the world but they can also help with the female PMS system. This study did an experiment on 60 women and only 30 changed their diet to eating to eating 100 grams of bananas per day for 3 months to see how and if it would have any effect on the PMS system. The research founded was that the group of women who took the 100 grams of bananas per day had a significant decrease in PMS symptoms than the group who didn't consume the bananas. However there is still more research needed to be done because it was only within a small group of females.

https://www.nursingpractice.net/archives/2024.v7.i2.A.170?utm_source=chatgpt.com

This other study shows on why bananas can help the PMS system because bananas have a vitamin called B6 which can help the PMS system. The study reviewed 9 trials reviewing 940 women to see how it would affect their body. The studied showed that the B6 vitamin overall benefited the women which it changed their mood swings and depression which are common PMS symptoms. Although this study isn't directly correlated to bananas it just shows how a vitamin inside a banana can affect a women's PMS system.

https://www.bmj.com/content/318/7195/1375?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Bananas can help the PMS system before it even happens, this passage from Health Digest shows how effective bananas can be during and leading up to the period. Bananas carry potassium  and Vitamin B6 which can help sooth and reduce water retention, this helps reduce bloating which can be uncomfortable for most. Potassium can help the PMS system by balancing levels to prevent cramps and relaxing the muscles in the body.

https://www.healthdigest.com/788849/the-unexpected-effect-bananas-have-on-your-period/

Answer 6

 Bananas are all around very good for our bodies. They have also been provenly good at helping with period cramps. On a Website titled Flo they say that bananas are very rich in fiber and will help you have an easier bowel movement. This is importnsnt because having a helathy bowel movement during your period can help reduce bloating, pressure, and abdominal discomfort. It will overall just make you more comfortable. In addition, I found information from USF and they say that bananas are rich in potassium and, “Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and reduces bloating” (USF).So by eating more bananas they say it can help reduce your bloating and help keep you comfortable. Also I found another source titled Medical News Today condcuted a study from Unverisity students in Spain found that, “vegetarian diets and eating more fruits and vegetables corresponded to fewer cramps and reduced menstrual pain” (Medical News Today). They said this was true in many studies they conducted. To add on, The Physicians Committee said that eating fruits like bananas can help decrease inflammation in the body. This is because of the fruits high number of antioxidants and plant chemicals that help womens bodies fuction optimally. Lastly, from Post Oak ER they state that fresh fruit, “provides natural sweetness along with fiber and vitamins” (Post Oak ER). This source also proves that bananas do help with period cramps because they provide a good source of viber and vitamins which are essential for everyone but especially women who are on their periods. Therefore with all this information taken into account I believe that this claim is true and that bananas are a good choice to help with period cramps.