Bloating, abdominal cramps, irritability, hunger cravings…I’m looking
at you chocolate, and crying at the drop of a hat—UGH—it’s that time of
the month, yet again!
If you one of the unlucky women who suffer extremely uncomfortable
pre-menstrual syndrome aches and pains, the following ten foods may help
you suffer a lot less each month when “Aunt Flow” comes to visit…
1. Whole Grains
While simple carbohydrates, like white breads and pastas, will cause
an energy crash—carbohydrates of the complex variety actually soothe
premenstrual hunger pangs, irritability, and fatigue. This is because
whole grains—like oats, quinoa, amaranth, barley, and buckwheat deliver a
hearty does of serotonin, known as the “feel good” and “sedative”
neurotransmitter.
2. Beans
While low serotonin levels caused by refined carbs will cause sleep
depravity, energy lulls, and exacerbated PMS symptoms. Foods high in
protein and complex carbohydrates—such as kidney beans, black beans, and
navy beans—will ward off irritable and achy PMS-related ailments.
3. Chocolate
It turns out that you crave chocolate “that time of the month,”
ladies and now you have an explanation that you can stand by and use to
justify to yourself why you’re elbow deep in a pint of rocky road.
Studies show that chocolate emits soothing endorphins throughout the
body in times of stress. Plus, a few squares of dark chocolate are rich
in magnesium—to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
4. Yogurt
Reach for a creamy cup of yogurt the next time you feel achy PMS
symptoms rearing their ugly heads. Why? Dairy foods are high in calcium,
which staves off mood swings, bloating, irritability, and even painful
cramps. In fact, many women who suffer painful PMS symptoms are
calcium-deficient.
5. Canned Fish
If you regularly pop a can of tuna, sardines, or salmon, make sure
you’re eating the little bones too. Not only is canned first a great
source of calcium, the little bones give the meat a calcium-rich boost
to replenish lagging hormones that can plummet and worsen PMS symptoms.
6. Almonds
If you eat almonds to ward of PMS-related woes—like moodiness,
bloating, and cramps—make sure to munch them with the skins intact. It
turns out that the majority of the magnesium in almonds is retained in
the skins.
7. Chickpeas
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, should be considered PMS-fighting,
super heroes. These little legumes are the trifecta of nutrients:
magnesium, which lessens water retention and bloating; vitamin B6, which
eases breast and muscle soreness; and manganese, which soothes
irritability and depression; and manganese.
8. Leafy Greens
Spinach, arugula, and kale…oh my! Leafy greens such as these are
powerful sources of magnesium, which eases tension in the body—a great
perk if you suffer from PSM-related headaches, muscles aches, and
abdominal cramps!
9. Water
Good old H20, not only do you ease painful bloating by flushing out
excess sodium the body that causes inflammation; foods high in water
content, like watermelon and cucumbers provide a healthy, nutritious,
and detoxifying snack before and during menstruation.
10. Avocados
Avocados are a rich source of vitamin E, which is great news if you
suffer from painfully, tender breasts before and during your period.
Taking regular vitamin E supplements can also help reduce the instance
of cysts inside breast tissues.
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