Foods Rich in Omega 3 and 6 Help Relieve Dysmenorrhea

Women who experience dysmenorrhea should eat nuts or foods rich in omega 3 and omega 6 at least two or three weeks before her menstrual visits, according to medical expert.

Dr. Rey Salinel Jr., Infectious Disease Specialist and Family Medicine Practitioner, said eating nuts, seeds or essential fatty acid rich in omega 6 which has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieving pain discomfort caused by dysmenorrhea.

Accordingly, various nuts and seeds, almonds and walnuts, butter, margarine, beans, whole-grains, cereals, baked goods and wheat germ are rich in omega-6.

Fish is the best food source of all for omega 3 fatty acids.

He also suggested eating chocolates, which has a mood circulating effect, to divert the attention from one’s menstrual pain.

“Alternate hot or cold compress, or putting of liniment oil may also be done as basic remedy for pain,” Dr. Salinel added.

Dr. Susan Nagtalon, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, who accompanied Salinel Thursday in Bistro Marinero, Intramuros, Manila, who talked about pain management and women related health concerns, suggested exercise as one way of addressing mild menstrual pain.

However, if pain persists, one can take pain reliever drugs, such as Cortal SQR, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

“Women experience specific types of bodily pain associated with dysmenorrhea and PMS (premenstrual syndrome), cystitis, urinary tract stones, musculoskeletal pain and post-delivery pains, can take in anti-inflammatory drugs,” Nagtalon said.

(source: Manila Bulletin)