Food and Your Period

So many people have questions about that dreaded time of the month. I thought this might be helpful...

Food and Your Period

Okay, as women there are just some things that we typically associate with our periods. Chocolate, sweets, greasy comfort foods. But did you know that these foods actually can make your PMS symptoms worse?1 Check out the dish on the foods to avoid and the grub to go for during your period. It may surprise you!

Foods to avoid during your period :

Caffeine elevates estrogen levels that increases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Cutting back on caffeine, which is found in tea, coffee, colas and chocolate, can relieve breast tenderness during your period.

Alcohol increases premenstrual depression and headaches. Try to avoid it during your period.

Sugar causes rapid swings in blood sugar levels, triggering mood swings. Avoid candy and sweets when you can.

Salt increases water retention, which leads to bloating. Foods you should avoid include fast foods or anything else with more than 50 mg of sodium, like most chips.

Avoid fatty and greasy foods such as beef, lamb and pork and eat fish and poultry instead.

What to eat instead:

To beat your sweet tooth, eat complex carbohydrates like pasta, rice, beans, cereal and whole grains.

Vitamins A and D help you steer clear of pitfalls like acne and oily skin. Good sources include cantaloupe, raw carrots, cooked sweet potatoes, spinach, enriched milk and cereal.

Vitamin B6 helps relieve premenstrual cravings, fatigue, mood swings, fluid retention and bloating. You can find it in fish, eggs, nuts, bananas, potatoes, and the white meat of turkey and chicken.

Make premenstrual stress a thing of the past by eating broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, cranberry juice and cantaloupe, which are all rich in vitamin C.

Reference

1 Watson, Stephanie, “How PMS Works: Treatment for PMS: Diet,” (2006).