Your husband and kids keep track of this date, because they know that they should stay away from you, as you could turn from a doting wife and mother into Godzilla in a matter of a few minutes. However, it’s not just the mood swings, as you grow old, and after childbirth, you are more prone to experiencing cramps and mood swings, which can not only drive you crazy, but will also, affect the people who are around you. However, there are indeed a few things that you can make part of your diet, so that you feel better and your body experience less stress during this time.

So, don’t hit the sack with a bowl of your favorite ice cream, instead learn some natural ways that can help you combat these PMS Symptoms. What you should know is that, these symptoms should not interfere with your daily life and the only way of ensuring this is by paying attention to what you eat.

PMS is mainly caused when there is a deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body. So, you have to ensure that your body is furnished with these nutrients and minerals by incorporating PMS foods into your daily diet along with sufficient sleep and physical activity.

Magnesium
Women who experience PMS symptoms that are unbearable, have a deficiency of magnesium in the body. By consuming foods that are rich in magnesium, one can fight bloating, as this mineral help keep water retention to a bare minimum. Magnesium also helps regulate hormone and serotonin levels, which helps one stabilize their mood and keeps mood swings in check. Cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds when included in one’s diet can help alleviate PMS symptoms.

Calcium
Plenty of calcium does not only help make your bones strong, but it also has beneficial affects on one’s menstrual cycle. A daily dose of calcium will prevent bloating, irritability, cramps and mood swings as well. You could also add some calcium into your diet by including yogurt and cottage cheese in to your diet. Salmon and almonds too are great sources of calcium. However, be careful as to not increase your intake by too much, as excessive calcium could affect the body’s ability to absorb magnesium.

Vitamins A, B6 and E
The three vitamins that you should ensure are a part of your diet if you wish to fight those blues, are, Vitamins A, B6 and E. When you are about to get your periods and you are not feeling your best, it is time to increase your intake of Vitamin B6, this will help reduce levels of estrogen and increase levels of testosterone. High levels of estrogen cause anxiety, mood swings and also hamper one’s ability to focus. B6 supports magnesium very well and therefore increases its effectiveness, and helps with muscle aches and bloating. To include Vitamin B6 in your diet, you would have to take B complex supplements and eat foods that are rich in this vitamin like spinach, bananas, bell peppers, potatoes and whole grains. Vitamin A and Vitamin E do not only help you keep your skin looking great, but they also help you fight the harrowing symptoms of PMS by tackling breast tenderness and irritability.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
When combined with Vitamin E, these Omega-3 Fatty Acids not only help reduce cramping but also help reduce symptoms overall. Foods that are rich in these fatty acids include: flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, salmon, tuna and olive oil.

Manganese
Manganese helps reduce water retention and increase mood swings. Foods that are rich in manganese include: brown rice, spinach and pineapple.

There are a few foods that you should consider avoiding as well, as they could only make your condition worse.

Coffee should definitely be avoided. Caffeine tends to increase bloating; it affects your skin and also contributes to increasing irritability and anxiety. Do not consume too much salt, as it can cause dehydrate one’s kin, cause water retention and cause breakouts as well. Sugar depletes B vitamins and also causes moodiness, so reduce your intake of sugar as well.

How you feel during your periods, is entirely up to you. Be sure that you eat well and eat right to stay fit during this troublesome time. A Registered Holistic Nutritionist can help you design a diet plan that allows you to sail through times when you are feeling down and out, homeopathy too can help you deal with these symptoms, so seek the right advice form the right sources to fell better naturally.