| Sarcoidosis can be a debilitating disease that | | | | Natural anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, |
| causes recurrent inflammation in the body. Areas | | | | turmeric, deep sea fish, pineapple and pawpaw |
| affected can include the lymph glands, lungs, liver, | | | | may also be of benefit during sarcoidosis |
| skin, heart, brain and eyes. | | | | treatment to reduce period pain. |
| Sarcoidosis treatment needs to address the | | | | Chinese Medicine has a long history of use for the |
| hormonal balance of the body. The hormones | | | | management of painful periods and PMS |
| produced during a woman's cycle can flare up | | | | symptoms like fluid retention, sore breasts, |
| pre-existing inflammation and pain in the body, | | | | headaches, mood swings and abdominal bloating. |
| particularly during the period. Pain can range from | | | | The herbs Dong Quai, Evodia, Ginger and |
| mild to debilitating and can be accompanied by | | | | Cinnamon can all assist in managing menstrual pain. |
| nausea, loose stools, headaches and back pain. | | | | Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, cycling and |
| Prostaglandins are the hormones which trigger the | | | | swimming can help during sarcoidosis treatment |
| lining of the uterus to shed. They cause the | | | | by improving circulation to the uterus. Exercise |
| menstrual flow to start, which is why pain and | | | | keeps the pelvis aligned and mobilised. If you |
| cramping is worst at the start of the period. As | | | | suspect your pelvis is out of alignment then |
| the prostaglandins taper off, so does the | | | | seeing a good chiropractor or osteopath is a good |
| cramping. | | | | idea. |
| Prostaglandins will increase inflammation and pain | | | | You can ease period cramping with isometric |
| throughout the body. If you have pre-existing | | | | exercises that free up the pelvis and improve |
| inflammation from a condition like sarcoid then | | | | circulation. For example, get on all fours and arch |
| you will probably find this inflammation and pain | | | | your back up and down like a stretching cat. |
| flares up during period time. Inflamed areas | | | | Repeat a few times in order to relieve period pain. |
| commonly include the lungs, joints, liver, lymph | | | | When cramping starts, you can also lie on your |
| glands and skin. Fluid retention and puffiness may | | | | back with your knees bent and feet flat on the |
| also occur. | | | | floor. Ask a friend to hold your knees together |
| Sarcoidosis treatment should aim to minimise this | | | | whilst you try to prise your knees apart. Do this |
| cycle of inflammation. A healthy diet is crucial. A | | | | at least three times then do the exercise in |
| good intake of the essential omega 3 fats plus | | | | reverse. |
| fresh foods rich in the B vitamins, vitamin C, | | | | The application of heat and massage has also |
| magnesium and zinc are important during | | | | been trialled with positive results for period pain. |
| sarcoidosis treatment. Enough calories need to be | | | | Even a hot bath can bring fast relief. The addition |
| consumed as a healthy body fat percentage helps | | | | of Epsom salts (2 cups to a hot bath) is even |
| maintain good hormonal balance including that of | | | | more effective as the magnesium in Epsom salts |
| the prostaglandins. | | | | acts as a muscle relaxant. |