Health Home > Weight Loss > Balanced diet and PMS

Balanced diet and PMS

Healthwise
By Sandy Jocoy, RN

Did you find this helpful?

Be the first to rate!
Not yet rated

Healthy eating habits and good nutrition may help relieve some of your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

  • Eat small meals high in complex carbohydrates and whole grains to keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Carbohydrates may also reduce food cravings. A balanced diet with the proper amount of protein may also help blood sugar levels remain steady.
  • Restrict the amount of salt in your diet. Salt can cause your body to hold water (water retention), which may make you feel bloated.
  • Avoid diets high in refined sugar, fat, caffeine, and alcohol because these substances are more likely to worsen PMS symptoms. Sugar may increase feelings of anxiety or tension.
  • Try a vitamin B6 supplement. Take no more than 100 mg daily. High doses of vitamin B6 can cause problems with the nervous system.
  • Try taking calcium (1200 mg daily) and magnesium (400 mg daily). This may improve negative moods and reduce fluid retention and pain. It may take two or three menstrual cycles to see improvement in your PMS symptoms.

Credits

Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated June 19, 2008
Last Updated: 06/19/2008

Health Resources

help

Featured Expert

Yahoo! Experts share their tips and advice

Healthy Living and Your Weight

By Margaret Furtado, M.S., R.D.

See All Yahoo Experts »

Yahoo! Health Groups

Join the Conversation

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss with other memebers in the group. Share tips and experiences

See All Yahoo Groups »

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAgeJul 3, 2009

Don’t tell us. We know. Summer’s here, so there’s no more hiding behind bulky sweaters and big jeans. Read More »

View All Tips »