What Causes Menstrual Cramps and Breast Pain?
Menstrual cramps are related to your body’s production of excessive pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced by the body that can be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. They are necessary to various body functions including blood clotting, muscle contraction, blood vessel dilation and inflammation. (The body’s healthy inflammation response (Cox 1) is necessary for wound healing. Chronic inflammation due to chronic exposure to toxins and high stress results injures the structures and functioning of the body (Cox 2 type inflammation). Just before menstruation, the body produces prostaglandins from arachidonic acid which flood the uterus. High levels of arachidonic acid are found in dairy products, meat, including chicken, and eggs and contribute to an excessively high arachidonic acid level in the body, leading to menstrual cramps. If your diet includes foods high in linoleic acid, such as sunflower and safflower oil, your body can co
