Photo by Rayia Sodeberg on Unsplash.

We talk a lot about achieving ‘balance’ in life and the same goes for your body, too – particularly when it comes to our hormones! As our hormones fluctuate throughout our menstrual cycle, it’s important that we nourish our bodies with all the good stuff to help keep our hormones happy (balanced), and our PMS in check.

TO EAT

Leafy greens

Many people who period, and women in particular, suffer from iron deficiency whilst they are menstruating and so it’s important to replenish your body's reserves. Be sure to add spinach, kale and chard to your cart next time you're doing your shop.

Citrus fruits

Lemons, limes and oranges contain vitamins C & D; a winning combo to help fight the effects of PMS!

Omega 3 rich foods

Like salmon, avocados and pumpkin are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe menstrual pain.

Foods that are high in magnesium

Add dark chocolate, broccoli, bananas, tuna, raspberries and leafy greens to your shopping list! These are all foods that are high in magnesium; a miracle mineral that acts as a muscle relaxant, helping reduce the symptoms of PMS and abdominal period pain.

Drink lots of water

Stay hydrated to keep you brain functioning at peak levels, your muscles lubricated and your skin looking plump and baby-soft.

TO AVOID

Too much sugar

Sugar can make you feel sluggish at the best of times, but it’s also known to contribute to mood swings and poor sleep. If you need a sweet treat during period week (I mean, really, who doesn’t?!) stick to dark chocolate, or just limit your intake of whatever you choose to treat yourself with. Everything in moderation.

Processed foods

Like biscuits, ready meals, boxed cereals, as they are generally high in sodium (salt) which can contribute to excess bloating and discomfort. Basically a lot of what we find in a packet from the supermarket is processed and so be sure to check the ingredients list and try to buy foods with ingredients that you recognise!

Fried foods

As much as your craving that fried chicken, do your best to avoid it during period week. Trans-fats can increase your estrogen levels, throwing them out of whack, which can in turn cause period pain.

Beans, fizzy drinks and refined carbs (like white bread)

All of these things can cause excessive bloating, so we say they’re a no-go.

Coffee

Sorry, Moxettes! Maybe don’t cut it out COMPLETELY, but just reduce your intake if you can just before and during your period. Coffee constricts your blood vessels, which can have an impact on the vessels that connect to your uterus = more ouchy period pain.