Celery juice, who knew?

Let me preface this with a little background information. When I turned 13 years old and the “big change” happened in my life, I began having excruciating period cramps. I thought that having babies might help with this situation, but the opposite proved to be true. Since having my last baby, my cramps have intensified beyond what I thought possible. I spent the first day of each cycle curled up on the couch, or bent over walking around. My heating pad is my constant companion for at least the first two days, usually three.

I didn’t even think about juicing having an effect on this part of my life. Then I had my period three days after completing our juice fast. I waited for the cramps to take over as they usually do. I got my heating pad out and plugged in, ready to go. I wondered when my craving for brownies would kick in. The waiting turned out to be in vain. I did experience some cramps the first day, and even put the heating pad on that evening, more out of habit than anything else. But something was different. I wasn’t moody, my cramps were significantly less intense, and I had terrific energy. On top of that, I didn’t crave chocolate like I usually do. I packed and cleaned and kept right on juicing and going about my day.

After delving deeper into juicing and menstrual cramps, I found that there are many foods that have been proven to help ease the pain: pineapple, beets, celery, fennel, ginger, and leafy greens that contain magnesium. Because I had been juicing beets, celery, and a whole lot of leafy greens, my cramps were all but diminished. I even cut up a pineapple on the second day of my period, without knowing that it was probably helping me! Someone should have enlightened me 10 years ago.

Juicing is turning out to be something that is changing our lives. I know that sounds dramatic, but I feel things changing; I can tell I’m becoming healthier and more vibrant, and I don’t want it to stop. If juicing can help with my cramps, I will welcome the change with open arms! I will keep a close watch from month to month, as I try to incorporate those foods during my period. I’m interested to see if I can make this a permanent change.