4 Foods That Can Help Fight PMS

Can you really eat to beat PMS? Just as there are foods you should avoid to help ward off PMS (caffeine, sugary snacks, salty foods), researchers have shown that actually eating certain foods may also help ease PMS symptoms.

Drink Your Milk. As the campaign slogan said, “It does a body good.” But it may also do your mind some good. It’s the calcium and vitamin D found in milk as well as in other non-dairy options like soy milk that can help relieve the emotional symptoms of PMS like anxiety and depression. Additionally, yogurt, cheese, and orange juice also deliver beneficial levels of calcium and vitamin D.

Please Pass the Whole Grains. High intakes of B vitamins like riboflavin and thiamine can help reduce the occurrence of PMS. Specifically, B vitamins are responsible for the formation of brain chemicals that may play a role in PMS.* In addition to whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, get your Bs by eating green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and lean meats.

Dive Into Salmon. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, and sardines can trigger the production of serotonin, a positive mood-enhancer to help balance out moods during PMS. Spinach and olive oil are also great sources of Omega-3s, as are walnuts and flaxseed.

Go Bananas. The beneficial ingredient in fruits like bananas, cantaloupe, and oranges is the mineral potassium. An essential nutrient, potassium helps maintain the body’s healthy water balance and may help alleviate moderate PMS pain. Avocados are also rich in PMS-fighting potassium.

Try adding these good foods to your plate and use smart nutritional choices to fight PMS. Bon appetit!

*American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.