PMS is a normal part of a woman’s reproductive system.
The monthly menstruation cycle can lead to both physical and emotional symptoms of great discomfort such as mood swings, bloating, increased anxiousness and breast tenderness.
Up to 85% of women have several PMS symptoms, but only 8% of them have severe symptoms that interrupt their daily activities. There are various ways of coping with PMS symptoms such as a well-balanced diet.
Some types of foods increase the serotonin levels in your body that give additional energy to work against and cope with PMS symptoms.
How diet helps with PMS symptoms?
- Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of foods from various food groups such as grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins and dairy. For instance, magnesium and calcium relieve breast tenderness and bloating. You can get calcium from dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, and cereals and bread also have sufficient calcium levels.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin B6, which can be found in eggs, potatoes, carrots and eggs. This vitamin allows your body to use serotonin, which again helps to reduce depression.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin E. Sufficient vitamin E levels reduce breast tenderness and headaches, and nuts and green leafy vegetables are also good sources of vitamin E.
- Take multivitamin supplements to get necessary nutrients.
- Consuming foods rich in carbohydrates help to reduce PMS symptoms, and foods high in carbohydrates and fiber help to increase serotonin levels.
- Limit your intake of sugar, salt, alcohol and caffeine as they can worsen PMS symptoms.
