What You Should/Shouldn't Eat During PMS

Ah, the PMS – that one-week stretch leading up to your period that feels like a rollercoaster ride through mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. While we can't completely figure out the mystery behind PMS (it's like a hormonal enigma), we suspect hormones and brain chemicals like to play a little game during this time. But hey, here's the good news – what you eat and drink can actually make a difference in easing (or, heaven forbid, exacerbating) those PMS symptoms. So, without further ado, let's serve up five tasty tidbits of nutritional wisdom that might just leave you feeling like a PMS superhero.

1- Get ready to embrace some calcium-rich foods. Think low-fat dairy, cheese, yogurt, and if you're rocking the vegan lifestyle, opt for nuts, leafy greens, and dried fruits as your trusty alternatives.

2- Hormonal changes during PMS can mess with your appetite. To keep those fluctuations in check, aim for frequent, smaller meals, and whatever you do, don't skip meals. Remember, a drop in blood sugar can turn you into the not-so-friendly neighborhood PMS monster.

3- Sugar cravings? We've all been there. Satisfy your sweet tooth with whole grains. There's a plethora of healthy dessert options out there, so you don't have to bid adieu to your sweet indulgences.

4- Kicking salt to the curb might be a difficult task, considering it's lurking in almost everything that comes in a bottle, packet, or box. But don't worry, you can reduce your intake. Less salt means less bloating. And if you can't cut back enough, guzzle down some water, because hydration can help flush out excess sodium.

5- Watch your beverage choices, too. Reducing alcohol and caffeine might just be your ticket to taming breast tenderness and bloating. And speaking of drinks, water is your best friend during this time – it's the ultimate mood lifter in a glass.

Bonus tip: Don't forget those mineral and vitamin supplements, especially magnesium – they can be your secret weapons against PMS!