We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Kate Appleton, a Naturopathic doctor practicing in Calgary, to the DivaBlog. In today’s guest post Dr. Kate shares six tips on how to bring your period into balance for a more comfortable and positive experience each month. 

Today more than ever, people are looking for natural ways to solve their health concerns. For many women, this means looking for alternative options to help with their periods.

Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are highly educated professionals, trained in bringing your body back into balance and treating the cause of your health problems. We use natural therapies such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition and homeopathy to help our patients. Additionally, NDs are taught that periods are a normal, important part of a woman’s health, even giving insight into your overall well-being.

While it may be common to experience menstrual cramps, bloating, headaches and fatigue, it does not mean you need to be uncomfortable or rely on solutions that can have adverse side effects on your health. In addition to choosing an eco-friendly period care option like the DivaCup, here are some tips about bringing your period back into balance:

Avoid External Sources of Estrogens

Known as xenoestrogens (estrogens not normally found in your body) these chemicals can disrupt your natural hormonal state. This shows up as heavy periods, painful cramps or even skin breakouts. Some common sources of xenoestrogens include plastics, body care products, non-organic meats and air fresheners. The Environmental Working Group has a fantastic cosmetic database that lists thousands of products and rates them according to toxicity. Search for your favorites here.

Embrace Period Friendly Foods

Choose foods that nourish your body and provide nutrients essential to balancing hormones. Foods high in magnesium can help decrease cramping, such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, avocados, figs and dark chocolate. If you already feel bloated during your period, avoid foods that could make it worse, like beans, artificial sweeteners, greasy foods and high amounts of salt.

Choose Pain Relief That Works to Re-balance

Did you know that acupuncture is good at decreasing menstrual pain both during your period and the rest of your cycle? That’s because it works to bring your body back to its normal, balanced state. If needles aren’t your thing, there are lots of different herbs that can decrease pain and balance hormones too.

Keep Moving

Most often, the last thing women want to do during their periods is exercise, but some movement can actually be beneficial. Not only does this get your energy moving it can also release precious serotonin in your brain, also known as the happiness molecule! Nice, gentle exercises to try include yoga specifically geared toward opening up the pelvis. Check out Yoga Today’s Yoga for Your Cycle video for insight.

Listen to Your Body

If you watch tampon commercials, it seems like we’re supposed to be horseback riding or running a marathon during our periods when really, it’s a time to turn inwards and relax. Traditionally, women took this time to rest and reflect on what was going on in their lives. Sometimes just listening to what your body is trying to tell you can help – if moving around increases pain, then allow yourself the space to rest; if movement decreases pain, then go for a light walk.

Choose Better Period Care Products

Trying a reusable period care product like the DivaCup is also very beneficial to your menstrual health and the health of our planet. Reusable and easy to use, the DivaCup offers12 hours of leak-free protection and is made only of health care grade silicone which means you do not need to worry about exposing your body to the chemicals, plastics and dyes found in traditional options.

Our periods are really a message about how balanced we are in our lives. It is our monthly invitation to reflect on what areas need more attention and where we are making progress. Seeking advice from a Naturopathic Doctor can help you create an individualized treatment plan to bring your body back into balance. To find an ND in your area you can visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors or the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Kate Appleton, ND. Vive Integrative Health Group

Bringing your Period into Balance

Dr. Kate is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Calgary, AB. She has a special interest in women’s health, pregnancy, pediatrics and stress management. She organized her school’s Women’s Health Week and was president of their volunteer doula club. Learn more about Dr. Kate today!