Relieve Your PMS Symptoms With These Diet Changes

Approximately 85 percent of women experience at least one symptom of PMS during their monthly period. With PMS may come a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue or difficulty sleeping, mood changes, aches and pains, memory or concentration issues and other symptoms. There are a variety of medications and other techniques available to treat PMS, and many are effective for most women, but simply dietary changes may help you find some relief from your PMS symptoms. Here we will discuss these diet changes and how and why they may be beneficial to you during that time of the month.

Calcium-Rich Foods

Don't deny yourself that ice cream or small glass of chocolate milk just yet because calcium-rich foods may be helpful for PMS symptoms. Also, women need to make sure they get adequate amounts of calcium anyway. Of course, you should strive to get your calcium from healthier sources like skim milk and yogurt, but a little ice cream should be fine too. The calcium may help to alleviate emotional changes, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Skipping Meals

Do not do this. Just don't. I admit, I am often guilty of forgetting to eat meals or just skipping them because I am busy, but I have been working hard to eat regularly. I find it easier to not skip meals if you eat at nearly the same time everyday and write your meal times down on your schedule with your other daily activities. Eating meals is just as important, if not more important, than the majority of our daily errands and activities after all. Also, eating regularly will keep your blood sugar stable which will help with your mood and energy levels when PMS strikes.

Healthy Foods

You know those whole grains, fruits, vegetables and leans proteins you always hear about and try to eat, but sometimes don't? Yes, those. It is best to eat these regularly all month, of course, and not just during PMS, but eating healthy during PMS will often help to alleviate your symptoms.

Sugar is Not Your Friend

This does not mean you cannot indulge a little bit because during PMS many women crave sugar because our wonderful hormones cause us to. However, if we give in, we could be taking in hundreds of extra calories that we do not need. So, if a sugar craving hits, try a piece of hard candy or one of those small fun-size candy bars. This will satisfy your sweet tooth without too many extra calories. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth with something sweet, grab some fruit.

Beat the Bloat

PMS often causes that "must lie down on the bed to button our pants" sensation. It is definitely not fun and definitely puts a fork in our fashion. However, there are some ways to help cut down some of the bloating. First, watch your intake of salt. If you are consuming too much, you are just adding to the water retention and will just stay bloated or add to your bloating. Second, drink plenty of water to help rid your body of the excess sodium. Third, watch your intake of alcohol.

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References

The National Women's Health Information Center: Premenstrual Syndrome