Diet changes to help fight PMS

Ruchi Goyal

Pre-Menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that occur in varying degrees in almost 80 per cent of women, one to two weeks before menstruation. Symptoms can vary but typically include extreme exhaustion, severe depression, uncontrollable anger, mood swings, weight gain, food cravings, water retention, fatigue, irritability, sore breasts and digestive issues.

Pre-menstruation water retention affects several women and is caused by hormonal fluctuations in their bodies. They tend to experience greater water retention than men because of higher fat content in the body and the lower muscle mass. Remember that decreasing the intake of water would only lead to greater water retention and therefore higher water weight. Potassium and magnesium are two mineral saviours that help balance sodium levels, reduce water weight and the Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. Therefore, women should include the below listed foods – rich in potassium and magnesium—in their diets to tackle these issues.

Role of Potassium

Potassium rich foods help in reducing bloating in women by balancing the sodium levels, increasing the urine output and reducing the amount of water retained in our body. It also helps in reducing the muscle cramps. In women, it also helps to maintain bone health and reduce the chances of osteoporosis.

Role of Magnesium

Recent research has established the important role of magnesium in prevention and the treatment of various conditions relevant for women’s health.

A combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 has been found to significantly decrease PMS symptoms and water weight. It is helpful in reducing pre-menstrual migraines too. Magnesium has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for depression, likely related to its role in regulating neuronal function. It also helps fight anxiety, irritability, mood swings and pre-menstrual migraines.

If women are already low on magnesium levels and enter pregnancy depleted (up to 70% of women do), go on to deliver and breastfeed, then the cumulative deficiency may play an important role in the onset of postpartum depression.

Tip -Magnesium is found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It is depleted by stress, alcohol, sugar and sodas (high in phosphoric acid).

PMS, water retention and other related issues cannot be wished away. What women can do is learn to be wise about their food choices to manage these better. The symptoms would reduce though may not totally disappear. This would ensure that short-term hormonal fluctuations do not affect their long-term relationships, professional work, daily routine etc. 

(Goyal is a Chandigarh-based dietician)