How to Beat PMS with Food
Cramping, bloating, headaches, and irritability. It must be that time of the month again. Before you reach for a bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever, try this healthy, nutrient-rich diet for PMS. These foods can help you beat PMS symptoms now and reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms in the future.
5 Foods That Decrease PMS Symptoms
- Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious, wholesome food that eases PMS symptoms by giving your body a healthy dose of calcium. Increased calcium intake during that time of the month can keep irritability, bloating, and menstrual camps at bay. Depending on the type of yogurt you eat, it can also provide a hearty dose of protein to help keep you fuller longer by balancing your blood sugar. Chobani’s Greek yogurt is perfect for this as it contains 14 grams of protein per serving.
- Wild-Caught Fish
Wild-caught fish such as salmon and mackerel is a great food to beat PMS because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning your body cannot produce them on its own. This nutrient helps fight the inflammation that causes bloating and pain while also supporting your mood. Fish is also rich in vitamin D, which can help stabilize mood.
- Beans
Beans are another excellent food to beat PMS because they have a high protein content that keeps you full and satisfied. They are also rich in magnesium, which helps cut down on water retention while boosting “feel-good” serotonin levels in the brain.
- Hummus
Hummus is a dip made from mashed chickpeas. It is loaded with protein, B-vitamins, and magnesium to help boost mood and decrease the water retention that causes that uncomfortable bloating.
- Organic Dark Chocolate
You’ll be pleased to know that chocolate is also on the list of foods to enjoy during your period. You just have to choose the right kind. Organic dark chocolate with at least 75% cacao content is best. Chocolate is loaded with magnesium to help calm irritability and ease water retention. Don’t load up on an entire bar though. Instead, enjoy a few squares of chocolate with a cup of tea or four-ounce glass of red wine.
What to Avoid Eating During PMS
Just as important as knowing what to eat during that time of the month is knowing what to avoid. Fast food, salted food, fried food, soda, candy, cookies, and donuts should all be off the list. Processed food is bad for you anyway but during your period, it only makes that cramping, bloating, and irritability that much worse because it’s devoid of nutritional content. Furthermore, processed food is loaded with chemicals, dyes, and other additives that can make cramping and irritability much worse.
You don’t have to change your entire diet to deal with PMS symptoms but adding these foods can help calm your cravings, relax your mind, and help ease that terrible bloating. They’ll also provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong every day of the month, even in those hard days.
