Viagra eases menstrual cramps, but here are 5 better abuela-approved remedies

Do you suffer from severe menstrual cramps every month? Then you'll be glad to hear that scientists have discovered that Viagra may be able to give you some relief. Shocker right? The little blue pill that's intended to help men with erectile dysfunction has proven to have an ingredient that may end that dreaded monthly pain once and for all.

Could this be too good to be true?!

Read more ¿Qué más?: 7 Ways to make sex during your period more comfortable

Battling through those painful cramps can be brutal for some women, so this discovery is a godsend. The study conducted by Penn State University gave women ages 18 through 35 a placebo and a pill with the ingredient sildenafil citrate, normally found in Viagra. Scientists learned that when the drug was applied vaginally, cramps reduced drastically. This was compared to when it was taken orally by women who complained of headaches. 

It's still unclear why the sildenafil citrate eases these cramps, but scientists believe that it may be a solution for women who suffer from them in the future. Before we get excited and start purchasing bottles of Viagra, you should know that there are BETTER ways to ease your PMS symptoms.

In fact we came up with a list of natural remedies that can ease your ailments in a matter of minutes. Sometimes it's better to go the safer route than taking a pill with unknown side effects. Trust us, abuela would approve and your body will thank you later. Check out some of our solutions below!

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Reduce these foods in your diet

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During your period the last thing you want to do is be a PMS mess. Make sure to reduce your salt intake during the month, avoid processed foods, and cut back on alcohol and caffeine which only worsen PMS. Also eliminate processed sugars because when you crash later, they make you even more tired and irritable.

Exercise

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Make sure to exercise daily because this allows estrogen to circulate easily in your body and won't cause the fluid retention that normally happens this time of the month.

Ease cramps with fruit

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Drink pineapple juice to reduce cramps instantly. Cramps occur when the uterus contracts to shed the monthly uterine lining. The enzyme bromelain found in pineapple can actually help relax your muscles.

Eat magnesium packed foods

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Foods such as whole grains, peanuts, bananas, and spinach are heavy in magnesium and reduce appetite cravings and mood swings. It regulates your serotonin levels which increase PMS symptoms if they are low.

Take a calcium supplement

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Calcium is supposed to reduce any pains you have and reduce bloating. You can either take a supplement of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams or eat calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, and cheese.