3 Foods That Fight PMS
You can ease annoying symptoms by eating like this.
1. Skip fast food and processed food.
Burgers, fries, and packaged products, such as soups and frozen meals, tend to be high in sodium, which makes the bloating you're prone to during your PMS week much worse.
MORE: Tips for how to look amazing on lousy days
2. Add more olive oil, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
They're rich in vitamin E, which has been shown to reduce breast tenderness.
3. Load up on fruits and veggies.
These help cut down on the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in your body that cause menstrual cramps. Also, they have lots of fiber, which will keep you regular, so you won't suffer the diarrhea many women get on the first day of their flow.
PLUS: Your Most Pressing PMS Q...Answered!
A:"Why do I get insane cravings when I'm PMS-ing?"
Q: Blame the brain chemical serotonin: Levels of this natural mood stabilizer plunge during the days before menstruation. "As a result, your body strongly desires certain foods -- particularly those high in carbs -- to help pump up your serotonin supply," explains Judith Chamberlain, MD, member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Thing is, many women tend to reach for nutritionally deficient high-fat carbs like ice cream and cookies, which quickly boost -- and then sink -- serotonin levels, leaving you jonesing for even more junk grub. A better idea: Satisfy your cravings by munching on low-fat complex carbs, such as whole-grain crackers and pretzels.
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