Fight that PMS!

It's that time of the month filled with mood swings and weird cravings. The foods women eat to satisfy these cravings can in fact, magnify PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and irritability. Here are some helpful tips to help curb PMS symptoms:

Eat Calcium Rich Foods: Calcium levels in the blood tend to decrease just before and during a woman's period due to falling levels of estrogen. Low calcium levels have a tendency to cause irritability, nervous tension, and sometimes mental depression. Good calcium sources include low fat dairy, sardines, soybeans, black eyed peas, collard greens, almonds, tofu, and broccoli

Eat Foods High in Magnesium: During the time of the month, falling magnesium levels cause fatigue and headaches. Good food choices containing magnesium are nuts, whole grains, beans, milk and seeds.

Limit Sugar Intake: Of course, many women crave chocolate before or during their period. However, eating excess amounts of sugar can create more highs and lows in blood sugar. These highs and lows can possibly intensify that sugar craving and destabilize mood. Stay away from candy, syrups, sweetened drinks, cookies, cakes, and other sweetened foods.

Stay Away from Excess Salt: A lot of women commonly crave salty foods before getting their periods. Eating too much salt can cause water retention, a large contributor to discomfort during PMS. Avoid salty foods like chips, soy sauce, salt, teriyaki sauce, soups, and pickles.

For some bonus points, stock up on some foods containing vitamin E, such as leafy green veggies, oats, sunflower seeds and oil, and wheatgerm. Foods with vitamin E can help alleviate breast tenderness.