Foods high in magnesium are always essential, but can be particularly beneficial for getting rid of cramps. Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, founder and medical director of the UltraWellness Center, notes that depleted levels of magnesium can contribute to period cramp pains.

"Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral," he says. "Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy and stiff -- whether it is a body part or an even a mood -- is a sign of magnesium deficiency."

High-magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit and dark chocolate. Aim for about 300 milligrams a day. Buh-bye cramps, hello relaxed muscles.

How do you get rid of cramps naturally? The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) advocate acupuncture for the relief of menstrual cramps.

One study, published in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, evaluated acupuncture on women who couldn't get pain relief from ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medications. They found that acupuncture provided significant pain reduction without any of the negative side effects associated with taking drugs, such as intestinal sensitivity.

Taking birth control pills, either cyclically (for 21 days) or continuously (for 28 days), prevents ovulation, so it's no surprise that while on the pill you will no longer have the hormonal triggers linked to cramps and pain. However, check with your doctor before using birth control pills to get rid of menstrual cramps. These pills can cause blood clots in women over age 35 or in those who are overweight, and there are other factors you may want to consider.