PMS doesn’t have to be a terrible time.  There are proactive things we can do to diffuse  our anger and frustration.  Among them is giving ourselves space, time and love.  There   is no shame in being a human woman.  Having a few off days is part and parcel of being a woman.   Taking time away from helping others,  to instead nurture and care for ourselves is easy to do if you acknowledge the importance your mood has on everyone around you.  As the saying goes “Happy wife, happy life.”  I know I for one am never in a bad mood alone, I bring a few innocent bystanders (read husband and children) down with me.

Diet can also play a key role in combatting the exhaustive symptoms of PMS.

Here are the top 10 foods that will help alleviate PMS traits.

1.  Chocolate.  Yes!  There is a good reason why we crave the sweet stuff at this time of the month; chocolate releases endorphins that reduce anxiety.  It also is laden with magnesium which reduces water retention and lifts our mood.  A few pieces of dark chocolate are all you need to receive the health benefits of this lovely food.

2.  Broccoli or Kale – Calcium rich foods without the dairy. Doctors think that in the week leading up to their period, many women  have abnormally high levels of a substance called the secondary parathyroid hormone in their body. This hormone can cause a long-term imbalance in the body’s calcium levels and lead to an increase in PMS symptoms.  Foods high in calcium can decrease PMS symptoms.

3.  Bananas – Vitamin B6 has been proven to reduce water retention, breast tenderness and moodiness.  Go bananas.  Have it with oatmeal in the morning to kick start your day in a positive way.  Munch on one at snack time for a healthy and helpful treat.

4.  Pineapple – This tropical fruit is full of manganese, which research shows increases serotonin levels which acts as an antidepressant.  Bonus?  It also decreases bloating.

5.  Almonds.  Vitamin E helps alleviate many PMS symptoms including breast tenderness and soreness and lowers depression and irritability.  Other foods containing high levels of vitamin E are asparagus and avocado.

6.  Salmon.  Omega 3 soothes cramps and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).

7.  Turkey.  The magic ingredient of tryptophan battles irritability.

8.  Pumpkin Seeds.  An allstar snack due in large part to the magnesium which calms bloating and L-tryptophan which battles irritability.

9.  Greek Yogourt.  Calcium eases PMS and the probiotics can ease tummy woes.

10.  Sweet Potato – Loaded with vitamins A and D to combat deficiencies that lead to oily skin and acne.

I think I’ll run to the grocery store now, for the sake of heart and home!