Loving your Lady Bits: 4 Ways to Detox your Period

At Kolya Naturals, part of what we love to do is help people find healthy and effective alternatives to conventional products. If you haven’t already done so, you’ve probably considered switching up your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, makeup, and even your toothpaste for a cleaner product. Since these are items you use on the daily, they are the most obvious ones to switch up. But what about the products you use on a monthly basis, in a very intimate way? Yes, those products. These items are easy to overlook, mostly because they are less frequently used but also, it doesn’t seem like they are any other options. I know when I started my period, for years I thought the only options were pads or tampons, Midol or suffer through the pain. Most girls will begin to menstruate between 10-15 years old, sometimes, as young as 8. Beginning your period can be an overwhelming new world and for the most part, you just follow what your mom, big sister, or friends advise you to do. But are these always the best options?

It wasn’t until I was older and figuring out my body that I decided to look into alternatives for my cycle. And am I ever happy I did! I no longer dread the days leading up to, or surrounding my period. Here are four ways that I changed my relationship with my monthly cycles and cut down on the chemicals I put into my body and the environment.

The Diva Cup

I can say with confidence that switching to a menstrual cup has been the thing that has most dramatically improved my period. In the past, I would use tampons; they worked for me but as soon as the 4 hours had passed, I was scared to death that I would suddenly drop dead from toxic shock syndrome (I know I am not the only one who had this irrational fear!). Unlike tampons, you can leave the Diva Cup in for up to 12 hours. The Diva Cup is made in Canada, and is the only menstrual cup that is approved for sale in Canada. The silicon used is proven to contain no chemicals, plastics, or dyes. The cup is soft and malleable for easy insertion and comfort. Once it is in properly, you forget it’s even there! It’s extremely comfortable and perfect for someone who loves sports and traveling. One of my favorite parts about using the Diva Cup is how environmentally friendly it is. Did you know the average women will go through roughly 240 pads or tampons per year? That is a whole lot of waste going into our landfills and oceans. The Diva cup is a cost-effective way to incorporate a reusable product into your monthly routine.

Organic Cotton Products (NaturCare, Organyc products)

Tampons have been the go-to for many women. They are discreet, easy to carry with you, and control the flow.  Most brands of tampons that line the shelves at the grocery or drug stores are made with non-organic cotton and rayon that has been bleached with chlorine. Rayon is material that is known to be extremely absorbent, hence why it is used in products like tampons. However, along with menstrual blood, it also absorbs the natural protective mucosal lining of the vagina. This can cause itching, dryness, discomfort during sex, and a higher risk of infection. The skin in and around your vagina is extremely permeable so using products that are free from chlorine, fragrance, dyes, and plastics, just makes sense.

Reusable Pads (Luna Pads)

Following the same idea as above, reusable pads are another option that your body, our wallet, and the environment will love. These are a great option for the ladies who prefer to not use anything internally for their cycles. Reusable pads are made with organic cotton to avoid chemical irritation. They come in a two- part system- a leak resistant base and a removable insert. Pads are machine washable and even come in a variety of cute patterns. YAY for customizing your period supplies!

Magnesium (CanPrev, John’s Magnesium, Ancient Minerals Topical)

Heat packs, baths, massage, fetal position- you name it, I’ve tried it. The first day of my period used to kick my butt. And although it would have been great to get a day off every month just to wallow in pain… it just was not an option. I used to believe that my only way of getting through the day was Advil or Midol and I really, really didn’t like to take those. So I would grit my teeth and go through my day doubled over in pain. Then I discovered magnesium. Nicknamed the “Miracle Mineral”, magnesium has over 300 metabolic roles in our bodies. One of the best-known roles is its impact on muscle tone and function. The uterus is one of the biggest and strongest muscles in a woman’s body. During menstruation, a variety of hormones cause the uterus to contract and shed its inner lining. Having a lack of magnesium in your system can cause more intense muscle cramping; I found taking a good quality magnesium, starting 2-3 days prior to my expected cycle until I was no longer menstruating, made a huge difference in pain. I loved knowing that I could take something to help dull the pain without harming my liver or stomach like other over-the-counter alternatives. An added bonus about taking magnesium is its positive impact of mood. Magnesium is needed to make “happy hormones” like serotonin, which let’s face it, we could all use a little more of around that time.

*Tip- try using a topical magnesium throughout your period. These products can be rubbed right onto the uterus for targeted relief.

It is important to note that debilitating menstrual pain, called dysmenorrhea, stem from hormonal imbalance, therefore the best way to resolve this issue is bringing your body and cycles back into a state of harmony. You can learn more about how to do so with natural techniques here and here.

I truly believe that all females can benefit from getting to know their bodies and cycles more. Becoming “in tune” with yourself and your own rhythms is an empowering experience. These are some simple ways to make your period a time of learning how to nurture your body, because after all, you deserve it.