Menstruation is coming: Can drinking brown sugar water relieve menstrual pain?

Every timemenstrual crampsMany women suffer from abdominal pain, and the saying "drinking brown sugar water to relieve pain" is a common folk remedy. But can brown sugar water truly relieve menstrual cramps? Is there any scientific evidence to support its mechanism of action? This article will analyze its ingredients, physiological effects, and scientific perspectives to help women gain a more objective understanding of the relationship between brown sugar water and menstrual cramps.

First, regarding its ingredients, brown sugar water is made by boiling and concentrating sugarcane, retaining some of its minerals (such as iron, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins. Its primary ingredient is sucrose, which quickly replenishes the body with calories. For some women, menstruation can cause fatigue, chills, and other discomforts due to blood loss or physical exertion. Drinking a cup of warm brown sugar water during this time not only relieves abdominal tension through the warmth of the hot drink, but also quickly replenishes energy, subjectively alleviating physical discomfort and indirectly alleviating the emotional tension caused by the discomfort, ultimately reducing abdominal pain.

However, from a scientific perspective, brown sugar water itself does not have a direct "pain-relieving" pharmacological effect. Menstrual pain is mainly divided into two categories: "primary" and "secondary":Primary dysmenorrheaIt's often linked to excessive prostaglandins released by the endometrium during menstruation. Prostaglandins trigger strong uterine contractions, leading to vasospasm and hypoxia, which in turn trigger pain. Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. The sucrose and minerals in brown sugar water can't directly inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, nor can they treat gynecological conditions. Therefore, its effectiveness in relieving severe dysmenorrhea caused by elevated prostaglandin levels or medical conditions is generally limited.

It's worth noting that some women may mistakenly equate "subjective comfort" with "analgesic effect." For example, the abdominal warmth provided by a warm drink can promote local blood circulation and alleviate uterine cramping caused by ischemia and hypoxia. This physical soothing effect is unrelated to brown sugar water itself; drinking warm water or warm ginger tea can also achieve a similar effect. Furthermore, while the sugar in brown sugar water can quickly replenish energy, excessive intake can cause blood sugar fluctuations. Women with poor blood sugar control or those at risk for diabetes should consume it in moderation to avoid adding burden to their bodies.

So, besides drinking brown sugar water, what other scientific and effective methods are there for relieving menstrual cramps? First, during menstruation, local warmth (such as using a hot water bottle or a uterine warming patch) can promote blood circulation in the abdomen and reduce uterine contractions. Second, moderate light exercise (such as walking or gentle stretching in yoga) can help relax muscles and relieve cramps. If the cramps are severe, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can be taken under a doctor's guidance. These drugs directly inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, achieving effective pain relief. Furthermore, maintaining a regular sleep and rest schedule and a balanced diet (including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins) can also help regulate endocrine function and reduce the frequency and severity of menstrual cramps.

In summary, drinking brown sugar water during menstruation can bring a subjective comfort experience through the warming sensation and energy-boosting effect, and may have a certain effect on relieving mild menstrual cramps, but there is no scientific basis for direct pain relief, and it cannot replace regular medical treatment. If menstrual cramps recur and seriously affect your life, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to rule out the possibility of secondary menstrual cramps, and choose the appropriate relief method according to the doctor's advice to achieve better results.Effectively protect menstrual health.