PMS or premenstrual syndrome, a condition that occurs up to two weeks before a woman has her period can cause more than a few symptoms that can make one feel miserable. Among some of the symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, weight gain, as well as many other symptoms. These changes are due to hormonal changes in a woman’s body.
In some women their estrogen level goes up, which triggers an increase in the levels of aldosterone. If aldosterone levels rise the kidneys will fail to release fluid in the body and this causes the water retention that gives that bloated feeling, hence weight gain. This weight gain will most likely be found in several areas of the body including the legs. This is due to gravity and will leave you a few pounds heavier.
In dealing with water retention there are ways to help women avoid the problem. Since sodium intake causes an increase in water retention avoiding salty foods around this time of the month is suggested. In addition, some foods that are processed tend to have excessive sodium levels. Fast foods would also fall into this category.
If you like bananas this is a perfect time to indulge in them. Bananas contain a good amount of potassium, which tends to alleviate water retention. Raisins will also do the trick in helping to combat your fluid increase.
Water is a PMS sufferer’s friend. It will flush out the toxins in your body and help to reduce that bloated feeling. Other helpful foods that will ease this fluid retention are cabbage and cranberry juice. These two food products are natural diuretics. To increase digestion productivity you may want to ease up on your diet and try some plain yogurt.
Alcohol and cigarette smoking are not only bad habits they will exacerbate the PMS condition. Avoid both of these poor health habits. Eat several, smaller meals throughout the day and no junk food, as it contains too much salt and a bad nutritional decision.
Other nonfood helpful hints would include resting your legs in an elevated position, avoiding leg crossing, which cuts off the circulation and wearing clothes just a slight bit looser. A vitamin supplement of both vitamin A and vitamin C is also advised due to their water retention combating abilities.
Not everyone suffers these PMS symptoms and only a doctor can diagnose if you are afflicted with PMS. The doctor’s decision will be based on a person’s notable symptoms. A proper diagnosis of PMS will rest with not only the symptoms, but if they interfere with normal every day living. This is where the true problem will be found.
If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of PMS and have been affected by water retention speak with your physician who can better follow your case and make adjustments accordingly. He or she will guide you in the right direction so as to make your life more full and complete.
RESOURCES
MayoClinic: Water Retention: Relieve this Premenstrual Symptom
Chiro: Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome
Joy Bauer: 7 Tips for Beating the Bloat
WomensHealth.gov: Premenstrual Syndrome Fact Sheet
National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine: Licorice Root