According to Anne Price, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, an average woman experiences PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome 450 times in her lifetime.
While hormones play a part in these biological changes, there’s a way how to manage it, according to a sanitary pad brand, by avoiding these food items that are likely to alleviate the symptoms.
Trans fats and hydrogenated fats
Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are unhealthy by-products of a chemical process called hydrogenation. Manufacturers alter the fats to solidify liquid oils and lengthen shelf life and flavor of oils and foods that contain them. Go for saturated fats found in coconut or the healthier monounsaturated fats like olive and avocado oil.
Food allergens
Food allergies cause digestive issues and skin breakouts that are obvious signs of a possible hormonal imbalance. Those who have no idea which food they are allergic to can either have themselves checked by a doctor or try an elimination diet. This diet is a three- to six-week eating plan that eliminates potential food allergens and then reintroduces them one at a time to identify which ones the body does not tolerate well. Top eight foods that belong to the food allergen camp are milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
High fructose corn syrup and refined sugar
High fructose corn syrup is a chemically produced sugar found in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks, while refined sugar is the ones usually stored in the pantry. The difference between these and the natural sugars found in fruits is that the former has empty calories with no nutritional value while the latter is loaded with fiber and other nutrients that the body needs especially right before the shark week.
The absence of fibers makes an individual digest these artificial sugars rapidly resulting in insulin and blood sugar increase. The result? It fuels mood swings and worsens headaches and difficulty concentrating. Experts suggest going for dark chocolates, dates, raw honey, and stevia or coconut sugar as healthier alternatives.
Salt
Bloating and swelling are caused by hormonal changes that cause water retention. Swapping salty food with nuts and loading up on fruits and vegetables are good choices to reduce the accumulation of water weight due to a high sodium diet.
Caffeine
PMS is usually associated with fatigue, mental exhaustion, and depression. A lot of women try to counter these by increasing caffeine intake. But because caffeine is a stimulant, it causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, which consequently leads to tension, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, and exhaustion. Its diuretic nature also increases urine production and triggers dehydration. Try herbal teas and decaffeinated liquids instead while going through PMS.
Alcohol
When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it alters the brain function that produces serotonin. Serotonin is called the “happy hormone” as it contributes to a person’s stability and well-being. It regulates mood, social behavior, appetite, sleep, memory, and sexual desire functions. It is also responsible in mood alterations and disorders. And like the previous item, it is also diuretic. It will rob a person of much-needed bodily fluids that will lead to prolonged dysmenorrhea. That said, abstaining from drinking alcohol during this time is strongly encouraged.
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