How to Reduce Menstrual Bloating

Bloating around the time you get your period can make that time of the month so much more uncomfortable for you and more fatigued than usual. Menstrual bloating can be caused by hormonal changes during a woman's cycle and is also affected by diet.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce salt intake. Sodium leads to water retention, which leads to bloating. Starting around a week before your period, you may be craving chocolate, chips and other sugary or salty snacks however this is the time you should most avoid them.

• 2

  Exercise. When you do a hard workout, you can sweat off some of that retained water weight. It will help you feel lighter and more energetic.

• 3

  Natural Diuretics. Diuretics can lessen bloating, but it is probably healthier to try natural diuretics rather then rushing to the pharmacy for an over the counter med. Natural diuretics to try include:
  Green Tea
  Cranberry Juice
  Apple Cider Vinegar (can be used as salad dressing)
  Dandelion Leaf Tea
  Nettle and
  Fennel
  Foods with a high water content also act as a natural diuretic and include:
  Asparagus
  Brussel Spouts
  Beets
  Oats
  Cabbage
  Carrots
  Lettuce
  Tomatoes
  Garlic
  Artichokes
  Cranberries
  Celery
  Parsley

• 4

  Drink MORE water. You may think that seems counter intuitive, but the more water you drink, the less your body will retain and hold on to water weight since it will not be dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but assists your body in flushing out toxins.

• 5

  Try to consume 1,200 mg of Calcium per day. This can alleviate many of the annoying menstrual symptoms, including bloating.

• 6

  Eating several small meals throughout the day rather than 3 large meals can also reduce bloating and keep cravings in check.