Experiencing cramping? Bloating? All around discomfort? Instead of popping that Midol try these all natural remedies and eat these foods:
- Beans and peas: high in fiber they reduce the symptoms of cramps
- Eat a healthy breakfast: those who skip breakfast tend to have more severe PMS bloating symptoms than those who don't
- Green vegetables: high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium they help relieve and prevent cramping and reduce irritability
- Dark green vegetables: help to prevent excess bleeding
- Take 500 mg of calcium each day or eat foods high in calcium like eggs, broccoli, and milk
- Pineapple: one of the richest manganese foods and high in bromelain it will help prevent cramping and increase menstrual flow leading to decreased menstrual discomfort
- Fish Oil: helps
- Tea: another source of manganese, avoid tea with caffeine which can lead to discomfort. Ginger tea helps with nausea and bloating and chamomile can relieve anxiety and irritability
- Water: drink a lot of water, it will help to alleviate cramps
- Cut down on the salt, it will decrease bloating
- Whole Grains: will help to combat fatigue, tension, and menstrual discomfort
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, they will worsen cramps and bloating
- Dark chocolate: eat some dark chocolate with 60 percent or higher cacao bean, during your period will help sooth cravings and boost your mood
- Vitamin E can help eliminate some PMS symptoms so try some avocado or egg yolk
- Vitamin C during your period is especially important to prevent iron-deficient anemia , try citrus fruits, bell peppers or melons
- Avoid refined sugars in chocolate or candy bars, while we often gravitate towards these items during our periods, they will actually leave you cranky
