Alleviating PMS Symptoms with Proper Nutrition

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For many women, controlling PMS symptoms is a monthly struggle. They keep a heating pad and pain relievers close by, give in to cravings for sweets and salty food, and avoid wearing any pants with a zipper. But believe it or not, the things you eat just before your period can keep PMS at bay and your favorite jeans from feeling too tight.

The Problem with Salt

If your stomach or breasts feel huge and heavy right before or during your period, reduce the amount of salty food you eat during the week before and on the first day of your period. Salt causes water retention and increases bloating. There are the obvious sources of salt that you may crave before your period – pretzels, potato chips and French fries – but there are also hidden sources, like frozen dinners and lunch meats, that don’t seem too harmful but can contain a lot of sodium.

Kick the Caffeine

Caffeine in any form can seriously alter your mood, especially if your hormones are already in high gear. If you want to bring your pre-period moodiness to a minimum, try replacing your favorite coffee or espresso drink with a decaf version. Take a week off from sodas, chocolate and caffeinated teas, too.

Water, 100 percent fruit juices and caffeine-free herbal tea are better beverage options right before and during your period. Many drugstores and health food stores even sell special “PMS tea.”

Make Healthy Eating Part of Your Lifestyle

Food Pyramid

Don’t wait until that time of the month to eat well. If you make a healthy diet and exercise part of what you do every day, it won’t seem so hard to keep up during your period. A nutritious diet is also more likely to alleviate your worst PMS symptoms. Just give it a try it for three months. That’s all the time it takes for all sorts of good benefits to start showing up and for your junk food cravings to subside.

Have a Good Morning.

Along with a balanced breakfast, consider a multivitamin as part of your morning routine. Look for a vitamin with all of the recommended daily allowance of the vitamins most necessary in your diet. Multivitamins specifically formulated for women are also available.

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