What type of diet is best for treating PMS? I’m having mood swings but want to try as natural approach as possible.
If you want to control the symptoms of PMS you should start by changing your behavior. Diet can play a big part.
Many women with PMS find that limiting their caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake helps ease their symptoms, but for others it makes little difference. According to a study from Georgetown School of Medicine a low-fat vegetarian diet may be the answer.
Researchers studied 33 women with moderate to severe symptoms of PMS. For two months the women followed a low-fat vegetarian diet and for the next two cycles they ate their usual diet. Their findings were impressive. The women in the study did significantly better on the vegetarian diet which included unlimited grains, fruits and vegetables and only 10 percent of calories from fat. They experienced less weight gain, less menstrual pain (both in terms of duration and intensity), and fewer PMS symptoms related to concentration, behavioral changes and water retention.
Some of the problems women have with PMS may be related to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with a greater percentage of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) can help keep the blood sugar at a more even level.
Regular aerobic exercise, 30 minutes, three to four times per week is equally important. This increases endorphins in the brain that are known to improve mood. It’s also important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and learn to manage the stress in your life (another perk of regular exercise!).
There’s no perfect diet, supplement, or exercise routine to control all symptoms for all women. Experiment a little to see what works best for you. In the meantime, eating a balanced low-fat diet and getting plenty of exercise are good healthy habits for anyone.