|  | Conditions Treatments | PMS

Cures for PMS Bloating

The week before your period may bring on a host of unpleasant symptoms: mood swings, cramps, fatigue and headaches. Bloating, another symptom of PMS, happens to many women and can cause them to feel uncomfortable and even fat. Caused by water retention, bloating can make some women so uncomfortable that they spend this part of the month avoiding bathing suits and form-fitting clothing. Luckily, there are some things you can do to prevent and treat bloating before and during your period.

  1. Avoid Salt

    • The best bet for reducing bloating during PMS is to watch your salt intake. Sodium causes the body to retain a lot of water. Though you may be craving them, try to stay away from salty foods in the week before your period. Make sure you check nutrition labels too, because there are a lot of high-sodium foods that you might not expect. Foods like breads and pretzels, certain meats and sauces can contain high amounts of sodium.

    Drink Water

    • One surefire way to prevent water retention is to drink more water. Does this sound confusing? Bloating often occurs when the body does not have enough water and the cells do all they can to retain enough water for survival. Drinking more water actually allows the cells to flush out excess water since they don't need it as much anymore.

    Natural Diuretics

    • There are some foods that you can eat that naturally have the ability to flush water from your body. Several fruits and vegetables, including celery, onion, eggplant, asparagus, watermelon and lemon, can have the same effect. Caffeine is a diuretic, so drinking caffeinated coffee and tea can help. Be careful though, because caffeine can also aggravate cramps. Taking a magnesium or a calcium supplement may also help with bloating and other menstrual symptoms.

    Over the Counter Relief

    • There are, of course, many over the counter medications that claim to relieve bloating. Pain relievers that are marketed specifically for PMS symptoms include brands like Midol and Pamprin. They contain ingredients like diuretics and caffeine that help ease the bloat. They also have pain relievers that help cramps. Medications are also sold that are specifically for bloating. They work by ridding your body of sodium and excess water and make you produce more urine. Do not rely on these pills for long term use because they can have negative effects on your health. They can cause problems with electrolyte levels and even lead to kidney disease.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Sometimes just some simple changes in diet and exercise habits can make a big difference in PMS symptoms like bloating. Besides skipping on the salt, try eating a lot of fruits, vegetables and fiber in your meals. Also, exercise is a great deterrent for water retention. Sweating can help your body excrete excess fluid and toxins.

PMS - Related Articles