Premenstrual
Syndrome or PMS is a bunch of symptoms that even the strongest women would
usually face several days before that time of the month. Feeling totally
frazzled and waking up with a different kind of fatigue is a reality, a zit on
the nose that wasn’t there a night before. And oh, those tender breasts plus
the soreness and heaviness. Worst, you can’t stop thinking about that fudgy
chocolate cake you saw on Instagram!
According
to Anne Price, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, an average woman experiences
PMS 450 times in her lifetime. While hormones play a part in these biological
changes, there’s a way how to manage it by avoiding these foods that are likely
to alleviate the symptoms.
1.
Trans fats and hydrogenated fats
These
are the nutritional bad words everyone should be aware of. Trans fats and
hydrogenated fats are unhealthy by-products of a chemical process called
hydrogenation. Manufacturers alter the fats to solidify liquid oils and
lengthen shelf life and flavor of oils and foods that contain them. So, the
next time you’re going to pick up margarine, crackers, cookies, and snack foods
from the grocery shelves, read the labels and drop everything that says
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated even if the nutritional profile says 0% trans-fat.
Go for saturated fats found in coconut or the healthier monounsaturated fats like
olive and avocado oil.
2.
Food allergens
Food
allergies cause digestive issues and skin breakouts that are obvious signs of a
possible hormonal imbalance. But what if you have no idea which food you are
allergic to? Either you have yourself checked by a doctor or try an elimination
diet. This diet is a three-to-six-week eating plan that eliminates potential
food allergens and then reintroduces them one at a time to identify which ones
your body does not tolerate well. Top eight foods that belong to the food
allergen camp are milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and
shellfish.
3.
High fructose corn syrup and refined sugar
High fructose
corn syrup is a chemically produced sugar found in sodas and fruit-flavored
drinks, while refined sugar is the ones usually stored in your pantry. It comes
from sugar cane, processed to extract sugar used to sweeten cakes, desserts,
cookies, coffee, and cereals. The difference between these and the natural
sugars found in fruits is that the former have empty calories with no
nutritional value while the latter are loaded with fiber and other nutrients
that your body needs especially right before the shark week. The absence of
fibers makes you digest these artificial sugars rapidly resulting in insulin
and blood sugar skyrocket. The result? It fuels mood swings and worsens
headaches and difficulty concentrating. That’s the reason as well why you don’t
feel full even after giving in to your sweet tooth. But of course, you don’t
have to deprive yourself especially when you’re PMSing to the max. Just stick
to dark chocolates, dates, raw honey, and reach for stevia or coconut sugar as
healthier alternatives!
4.
Salt
Ever
wonder why you’re bloated or your hands and feet swell during PMS? These
symptoms are caused by none other than hormonal changes that cause water
retention. And loading up on sodium will just make it worse. Swapping salty
food with nuts and loading up on fruits and veggies are good choices to reduce the
accumulation of water weight because of a diet that’s high in sodium!
5.
Caffeine
PMS
is usually associated with fatigue, mental exhaustion, and depression. A lot of
women try to counter these by increasing caffeine intake. But because caffeine
is a stimulant chemical, it causes increased heart rate and blood pressure.
This consequently leads to tension, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and greater
exhaustion. Its diuretic nature also increases urine production and triggers
dehydration that is home to dysmenorrhea. Try herbal teas and decaffeinated
liquids instead while going through PMS.
6.
Alcohol
When
alcohol enters the bloodstream, it alters the brain function that produces
serotonin. Serotonin is called the “happy hormone” because it contributes to a
person’s stability and well-being. It regulates mood, social behavior,
appetite, sleep, memory, and sexual desire functions. It is also responsible in
mood alterations and disorders. Now imagine, that PMS is at its peak and you
decide to wreck them further by drinking your favorite bar drink. Not very
helpful, right? And like the previous item, it is also diuretic. It will rob
you of your much-needed bodily fluids that will lead to prolonged dysmenorrhea.
That said, abstaining from drinking alcohol during this time is strongly
encouraged.
Remember that diet plays a key role in balancing the fluctuating
hormones in a woman’s body. But aside from choosing the right food, picking the
right sanitary pads will keep you centered. The first anion sanitary pad in
retail that’s available at Watson’s, Mercury Drug, all leading supermarkets and
groceries nationwide, it’s also on offer at www.lazada.com.ph
and www.shopee.ph.
The anion strip feature helps to ward off bacteria and fungi that cause a foul
odor, while keeping its freshness up to 3 hours. The findings are a result of
the clinical trial by the Laboratory of Inorganic Nanomaterials, Institute of
Chemistry, UP Diliman that’s why women who are looking for a menstrual pad with
better benefits should try Jeunesse Anion. On top of these unique benefits,
it’s made from sterilized virgin pulp material that provides extraordinary
softness and absorption capacity leaving you fresh and comfortable all day! Jeunesse Anion comes in ultra-day non-wing, ultra-day
pad, ultra-night pad, all-night pad, and panty liner to help every woman to go
through their period with ease and comfort.
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