When your hormones get out of whack at PMS, the rest of your health responds immediately.
What adds to the PMS stress is that we are constantly surrounded by elements that are threatening our hormonal balance: think about environmental toxins, prescription medications, our frequent lack of sleep and a variety of trying situations we face throughout the day.
As your menstruation approaches, all of this makes our body feel even worse than usual.
The fluctuating PMS hormones affect our mood, digestion, energy, metabolism, and the way our skin looks. To produce hormones correctly or maintain hormonal balance, your body must get foods with the nutrients you need. Otherwise, it just doesn't have the building blocks to do so. Whatever food you're eating, it is either contributing to hormonal production or causing unpredictable imbalances. Read on to learn what foods can help you reduce the PMS symptoms.
#1 Dairy
When milk products are consumed raw, full-fat, and from healthy, pasture-raised animals, they can heal many of the PMS issues.
The cholesterol in full-fat dairy is necessary for building progesterone, which is commonly deficient in women who suffer from PMS and other hormone imbalances.
Calcium also plays a significant part in regulating hormones. It can reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and balancing progesterone and estrogen.
Milk also contains enzymes that assist in digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
#2 Salt
Contrary to popular myth, unrefined, mineral-rich salt consumption does not contribute to monthly bloating but actually can reduce it.
Getting enough salt balances hormones and helps to regulate water retention in your cells. It also reduces stress by decreasing adrenaline and cortisol levels, which are big contributors to PMS symptoms. Proper salt intake also prevents your body from losing vital minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
#3 Raw honey
Honey contains chiefly two simple sugars, glucose and fructose, in 1:1 ratio. It gives our liver excellent fuel for build glycogen – the most significant agent in stabilizing stress hormones and thyroid hormones.
Low levels of glycogen in the bloodstream trigger the release of cortisol and adrenaline – which are the hormones contributing to PMS. Raw and unpasteurized honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that aid in reducing PMS symptoms.
#4 Eggs
As good sources of vitamins D, B6 and E, eggs are one of the superb foods for preventing PMS symptoms and get your hormone balance right. A study of more than 100,000 nurses has shown that a diet containing these nutrients can help regulate the brain chemicals that contribute to monthly cramps. While providing hormone building blocks, they also reduce mood swings and bloating.
#5 Coconut
Coconut oil makes the perfect combination of healthy fats to increase your metabolism and help you lose some weight. Eat it to reduce cravings and make yourself feel satisfied.
Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which is incredibly healing to the skin and extremely beneficial for hormonal production. It kills bad bacteria and viruses in the body, provides a quick source of energy, and boosts our metabolism.
