Food and Exercise Dos and Donts to Help with PMT


If you experience pre-menstrual tension, also known as PMT or PMS, know that you are not alone. Usually, the symptoms begin a week or two before you start bleeding and can include cramping, irritability, depression, and a whole host of other negative symptoms. If you are one of the one in three who experience PMT, there are ways to take care of yourself and make it easier to get through your period.

* Reduce Sodium Intake  Most of the pain associated with your period really has to do with the bodys inflammatory response. If you reduce your sodium intake, you will also reduce your pain. 

* Eat High Water Content Food  Eating food that has a lot of water will also help you reduce inflammation. Eating things like melons and salads, and drinking a lot of water will do more for you than you realize. You may even reduce your food cravings.

* Eat Dark Chocolate  Find organic dark chocolate with low to no added sugar. Dont go nuts but do enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate occasionally to help with your mood and cravings.

* Eat Bananas  Bananas have a lot of magnesium and potassium, which can act as a muscle relaxer and help cut down your pain. Try a banana with melted dark chocolate drizzled over it.

* Avoid Caffeine  Its hard to do this when you are tired, but caffeine can make you feel even more tension and anxiety. Instead, try a brisk walk to bring some energy into your mind. Plus, caffeine will dehydrate you.

* Take OTC Remedies  To help with your back cramps, headache, or tender breasts, using acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help. Always check with your doctor before taking any new medication for the first time.

* Do Slow Exercises  Careful exercises like swimming, yoga, Pilates, and so forth can help you learn to deal with your cramps and pain and lift your mood. You want to do exercises that help you with your breathing to relax and center you.

* Avoid Alcohol  One of the worst things you can do if you have PMT is to drink alcoholic beverages to try to deal with your feelings. You may end up getting drunk faster due to having lower blood volume, and it might even make the flow stronger due to its blood-thinning effect.

* Avoid Spicy Food  If you have severe cramps and a heavy flow, its important to really differentiate between natural and organic spices found in fresh chili, compared to junk food. You don't have to give it all up if its natural and organic. 

Its important to eat regular meals, drink plenty of water, and keep moving when you are experiencing PMT. However, its also perfectly fine to baby yourself right now and give yourself a little extra love when youre feeling out of sorts. 




