PMS, Premenstrual syndrome often known as Period Mood Swing, is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle.
It has a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. It’s estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome.
Period cravings and hunger are real and there are reasons behind it that are legitimate, and scientifically proven. According to Healthline, a 2016 study suggests that changes in levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone cause cravings for high-carb and sweet foods before your period.
Why does compulsive eating happens during period?
According to a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, ovarian hormones appear to play a major role. The study showed that high progesterone levels during the premenstrual phase may lead to compulsive eating and body dissatisfaction.
For all ladies out there, here are some healthy treats for your period cravings:
Dark Chocolate
This is the ultimate solution for any woman going through PMS. Have a bite of dark chocolate. A 100-gram bar of 70 to 85 percent dark chocolate contains 67 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for iron and 58 percent of the RDI for magnesium.
Avacado
If bloating, cravings, and muscle cramps are among your usual PMS symptoms load up on avocado. This good-fat food contains potassium, a mineral that acts as a natural diuretic, sweeping excess sodium and fluid out of your body.
Chia Seeds
Adding some omega-3s to your plate may just do the trick. Harvard researchers think the nutrient may function as an antidepressant, although they aren’t sure exactly which mechanisms are involved quite yet. Add the small, but mighty seed into cereal, smoothies, and homemade baked goods to boost your intake and keep menstrual blues at bay.
Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in magnesium and other essential nutrients, like calcium. If you tend to get yeast infections, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can nourish the good bacteria in your vagina and may help you fight the infections also.
