Premenstrual syndrome is a common yet burdensome occurrence that many women experience every month. The Weston A. Price Foundation states that premenstrual syndrome is actually a collection of different symptoms such as bloating, headaches, digestive problems and cramps. These symptoms usually occur about a week before a woman gets her menstrual period. While some women struggle with severe PMS, other women face very moderate side effects. The Weston A. Price Foundation states that while poor nutrition can exacerbate the symptoms of PMS, proper nutrition can reduce symptoms.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a good choice for women to eat just before or during premenstrual syndrome. The Weston A. Price Foundation explains that the vitamin B6 found in brown rice acts as a diuretic, flushing out excess water weight and relieving bloating associated with PMS. Brown rice also has pantothenic acid, which can help to relieve stress.
Salmon
Salmon is a good choice for women who want to prevent and ease the symptoms of PMS. It contains calcium, which helps to reduce stress and minimize painful cramping. The essential fatty acids found in salmon have anti-inflammatory qualities which may reduce swelling and pain associated with a woman's period.
Yogurt
The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends that women get at least 1,500 mg of calcium per day to combat the effects of premenstrual syndrome. They state that calcium can help to promote proper muscle contractions, which may reduce cramping and stress. Columbia University's Go Ask Alice health answering service explains that women who do not get enough calcium experience worse PMS symptoms. Therefore, women may want to eat yogurt once a day during the week or two weeks before their period.
Pecans
The vitamin E found in pecans can relieve soreness of the breasts by stabilizing hormone levels, according to the Weston A. Price Foundation. They state that foods with vitamin E, like pecans, also reduce crankiness and depression that women often face during PMS. Additionally, pecans contain fiber which can reduce constipation women sometimes get before their period.
