Premenstrual syndrome: 3 foods and products to avoid

If, like many women, you suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), you know just how painful it can be. To reduce its negative effects, reduce or cut out the intake of these three products before your period.

For many women, PMS is a painful experience, involving irritability, depression, cramps, bloating, food cravings, breast pain and headaches.

• In others, the troubles begin when menstrual periods have started and are manifested by heavy bleeding and cramps.
• For many, ibuprofen is a blessing.
• There are also solutions to be found on the food side, as some help tobalance hormone levels, improve mood and prevent water retention.

Here are three products to avoid:

Salt encourages water retention, which increases bloating and breast pain.

• Salt is hidden in the most unexpected foods, including those that are generally considered healthy, such as soups and canned vegetables. It is of course also found in pizza and chips, as well as in ketchup, barbecue sauce and other condiments.
• Therefore, even if there are less dirty dishes to wash, you may find yourself consuming more sodium than you think. Be sure to read the product labels before purchase.
• The recommended daily intake is 2,300 milligrams, or that found in five grams (one teaspoon).

Sugary foods cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, and therefore also mood and energy swings. Thanks to their fibre, fresh fruits and dried fruits satisfy cravings for sweets without having the same effect on blood sugar.

• As for saturated lipids in fatty meat and cheese, they encourage the production of prostaglandins in the uterus, hormone-mimicking substances that have the effect of stimulating the muscles and possibly cause cramps.
• However, as meat is a good source of iron, if you have a heavy flow of blood, you must ensure that your needs are covered by eating oysters, beans, spinach or other sources of iron.
• Finally, a high intake of sugar and fat usually results in weight gain, which can contribute to menstrual disorders. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that among overweight women, the risk of persistent pain was twice as high as in those who were thinner.

As it is a stimulant, caffeine can cause anxiety and mood swings, which can only worsen menstrual symptoms.

• As for alcohol, it increases the duration and intensity of cramps.

Are your PMS symptoms making your life difficult? Dramatically reduce your intake of salt, sugar, fat, caffeine and alcohol.