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Eat and Drink Right to Reduce PMS Symptoms

Most women have experienced PMS at some point in their lives. Controlling the symptoms is a constant struggle, with some months worse than others. Women end up planning their personal lives around the cramping, bloating and mood swings as they know for about one week out of the month, they are not at their best. They deal with cravings and take pain relievers and wear their "fat pants" because the bloating prevents them from zipping or buttoning up. There is a way to control some of the symptoms so that the PMS experience goes a little less painfully.

Kick the Salt Habit

When bloating is a major problem during PMS week (extended stomach and/or swollen breasts), cut salt intake. Salt or sodium increases bloating and makes the body retain water, providing that uncomfortable full feeling. The week leading up to a period as well as the first day of the period is the best time to reduce salt. Of course, identifying the primary sodium culprits in the diet can be tough. It is easy to recognize sodium in chips and French fries but processed foods like lunch meats and frozen TV dinners are items that rely on salt for its taste so watch out!

Caffeine Troubles

Caffeine is a stimulant that works in short bursts and can alter moods. Guess what happens if PMS hormones are in full swing? That caffeine can intensify the mood swings, enough so that some people don't recognize themselves during PMS time! During pre-period time, caffeine should be kept to a minimum. This means cutting out caffeinated sodas, teas and coffees. Chocolate is a no-no too. Substitute water, 100% juices, herbal teas and decaffeinated teas.

Exercise

Exercise may be the last thing anyone wants to do while experiencing PMS symptoms but it does help alleviate some of them and take the edge off of others. Walking, light aerobics, swimming and dancing are all great symptom relievers. Exercise releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that are released through physical activity, and these help alleviate some of the pain from cramping. The hardest part of incorporating exercise into a PMS routine is making that first effort but after starting, it gets easier.

Start the Day Right

PMS symptoms will definitely rule if the day is not started off right with a nutritious breakfast and daily multi-vitamin. Breakfast provides the fuel to get women through until the next meal and can cause PMS symptoms to be less intense. Vitamins provide the essential nutrients that may be missing from a diet and could also help.

Overall, adopting a new eating plan that contains less salt and caffeine and healthier items like fruit and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy can greatly improve overall health and alleviate PMS symptoms. It may take a few months to get accustomed to a new way of healthier living but if the reward is banishing those PMS symptoms, more and more women should jump on that bandwagon. Every aspect of life can be greatly improved with diet and exercise.