Menstruation/PMS
Most women experience some mental or physical discomfort in the days before menstruation. Common symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) include cramping, mood swings, breast tenderness, food cravings, irritability, and depression.
PMS can be the result of cyclic hormonal changes, brain chemistry changes, and nutritional deficiencies, all of which can be relieved to some extent with a healthy, well balanced diet. Eating a diet high in salt, sugar, fat, and processed starches as well as consuming alcohol and caffeine are known to be contributing factors for PMS in some women.
Beneficial Foods
| Asparagus | Sometimes effective in alleviating PMS-related water retention, due to its diuretic properties (resulting from high potassium, low sodium, and presence of the enzyme asparagine). |
| Dandelion Greens | Alleviates the bloating associated with PMS. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Calcium | Relives symptoms of PMS including mood swings, cramping, food cravings, and breast tenderness. |
| Chlorophyll | Relieves menstrual symptoms. |
| Magnesium | Relieves symptoms of PMS. |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Relieves symptoms of PMS. |
| Vitamin E | Relieves symptoms of PMS. |