Menstrual Cramps: Painful For the Body and the Brain


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

New Period Cramps Research

Oh, great. Not only are menstrual cramps uncomfortably painful, they also cause actual changes in the brain. According to new research, period cramps cause structural changes in areas of the brain associated with pain and emotion. The study followed 32 women with an average of 10 years of painful cramping associated with their periods and 32 who did not. Researchers found no difference in total Read more

Another Reason to Love Omega-3s: May Reduce Menstrual Pain


Updated 10/26/08 12:59 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Another Reason to Love Omega-3s:  May Reduce Menstrual Pain

There are so many reasons to love omega-3 fatty acids. They have anti-inflammatory and mood stabilizing properties, and they have been found to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. New studies reveal that Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the kind found in fatty fish, seem to block the production of prostaglandins, too! Prostaglandins are Read more

Yoga Poses for Dysmenorrhea


Updated 11/10/11 8:37 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

Yoga Poses for Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea. A big word meaning severe aching and throbbing menstrual cramps. About 50% of women have painful periods (no wonder we're all so unhappy). These cramps can be sharp, constant, intermittent, or dull, and women feel them in their lower abdomen and back. They are caused by uterine contractions, and can be aggravated by emotional stress. These piercing pains may come right before Read more

A Body Check That Won't Hurt: Tips For Proper Running Form


Updated 04/23/12 10:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Form Tips

Running is all about stepping one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is incorrect, you'll end up with aches, strains, and injuries that could prevent you from lacing up your sneaks at all. Make sure to avoid these running-form mistakes the next time you hit the treadmill, trail, or pavement. Head: It sometimes feels good to close your eyes and relax Read more

Yoga No-Nos For Pregos


Updated 04/15/12 2:56 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

What to Avoid in Yoga When Pregnant

Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room — three different times during a workout! — makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. Read more

How to Deal With PMS Symptoms and Still Work Out


Updated 04/10/12 3:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Fitness Tips For PMS Symptoms

From pimples to bloating, cramps to spontaneously bursting into tears, PMS and period symptoms not only have the ability to ruin your day, but they can also put a damper on working out. Since exercise actually alleviates many of these uncomfortable feelings, here are some of the best ways to handle common PMS symptoms while working out. Bloating: Swelling in your lower abdomen doesn't always Read more

Battle PMS With These Foods


Updated 03/12/12 4:46 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Best Foods For Fighting PMS

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar! Are you plagued with period pain, fatigue, or other symptoms that turn you into a zombie for the week? Get relief by upgrading your diet. Here, experts share the foods that can boost energy, beat cramps, banish moodiness, and more. Iron-Fortified Whole-Grain Cereal Many women, especially those who consume Read more

10 Bad Habits of Tech Users (and How to Break Them)


Updated 03/28/12 10:52 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Bad Tech Habits of Geeks

As we get overwhelmed with work, kids, school, extracurricular activities, and social events, it's easy to forget about the maintenance and health of our tech . . . and ourselves. Since Spring is the time to refresh your home, it's also the perfect time to refresh your habits where your tech is concerned. Are you guilty of these 10 bad habits? Find out what they are, and how to turn things around Read more

PMS — Why Do My Boobs Hurt?


Updated 02/19/12 4:02 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 36 comments

Why Breasts Hurt During PMS

PMS is a party and a half, isn't it ladies? We break out, have crazy mood swings, crave sweet and salty treats, become exhausted, get major menstrual cramps, have headaches and backaches, and one of my personal favorites — bloating. Some women experience sore breasts too, but why is that? A week or so before Aunt Flo arrives, your body begins producing oodles of estrogen and progesterone. Read more

7 Foods to Help Ease an Upset Stomach


Updated 02/09/12 6:24 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Foods That Help With Stomach Issues

Having an upset stomach blows — especially when it leaves you doubled over in pain. Add to that cramping, nausea, or diarrhea, and it becomes near impossible to deal with day-to-day tasks. While it's a good idea to keep your diet simple during these periods (think clear broth and saltine crackers), certain foods can actually help soothe the stomach. If you often find yourself having Read more