Beat the bloat during PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is no walk in the park. You can have symptoms that can be emotional or physical or both at the same time! Besides the symptoms only you can feel such as the emotional roller-coaster that can have you crying one minute and laughing the next, there is a dreaded and visible sign that your period is almost here. Your jeans are suddenly too tight, your rings won’t fit, and the mirror shows you a weird puffy version of the woman that went to bed last night. Oh no…bloated!
Why am I swelling?
Relax, this is perfectly normal. Bloating or water retention is a common and annoying premenstrual syndrome that up to 70 percent of menstruating women experience, according to Dr. Diana Bitner, a Michigan-based obstetrician and gynecologist.
Hormonal fluctuation before and during your menstruation is to blame. When estrogen levels are higher before and at the beginning of your period, your body tends to retain water. Progesterone tends to be high in the last half of your cycle and this can make for a slower digestive tract which in turn won’t help symptoms of bloating of fullness. Yeah, a bloating double-whammy, yikes!
You don’t have to wait it out, take control!
There are several really easy steps you can take to alleviate PMS bloating.
–Lean towards protein and potassium-rich foods
Fruits and veggies like bananas, celery, tomatoes, asparagus, and healthy fats like nuts or salmon can help lower bloating.
–Stay away from foods that cause gas
Although you may be tempted by all those yummy recipes online, if you usually get gassy with broccoli and Brussels sprouts, the days leading to your period might be a good time to lay off them for a while. Other usual culprits of the bloat include beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce.
–Get your body moving
Of course PMS can be draining your energy and exercise will be the last thing on your mind, but experts say that physical activity, even if just walking, can alleviate PMS symptoms. This includes bloating (thankfully).
–Keep out the alcohol in that cocktail
Just for now, cut back on the alcohol as it can enhance PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and water retention.
–Drink more water but hold the bubbles
Although that fizzy water makes you feel better in the short term, it might leave you more bloated than before. Try to drink more water, and you can even make it more interesting with green, chamomile or peppermint tea to help relieve gas.
–Get more shuteye
Many times PMS might disrupt your sleep but staying up and not sleeping enough might make the symptoms worse. Try to sleep more as it is during those crucial hours of rest that excess fluid moves back into the body and can be eliminated.
–Cook more and salt less
As tired, grumpy, and swollen as you might feel with PMS, remember that processed foods have tons of sodium. Try to cook at home as much as possible and go easy on the salt as it can work against you and those puffy hands and face.
Remember you are not at the mercy of PMS or water retention, there are many things you can try to reduce or prevent those symptoms.
Now wouldn’t it be cool if there were vegan products that could help making PMS easier for you? Holief™ is here to help! We have a complete line of hemp-infused products so you feel empowered, every day of your cycle!
Holief™ PMS Line: The Relief You Wanted
Holief™ PMS is a product line built around pure and rich Hemp extract, to promote feminine wellbeing. The herbal mix you will find in this product line works to aid in relaxation and relieve pains related to menstrual cramps.
Some of our special PMS products include:
- Holi-Cramp. Relaxing cream with olive oil, vitamin E, MCT oil and infused with Hemp extract. This topical product is formulated to bring relaxation and lasting relief to the lower part of the abdomen. It helps with discomfort associated with moderate menstrual cramps and is ideal for daily use. It is fragrance-free and easy to carry. Use as needed and enjoy the benefits of the purest natural Hemp extract.
- Holi-Cramp Plus. This cream is recommended for strong menstrual cramps and can be used any time during the day. It helps to relax the lower part of your abdomen and brings relief for discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. It contains the same natural ingredients as Holi-Cramp, but It also adds menthol, for a more effective calming and relaxing effect.
Our creams have a certified hypoallergenic base, are paraben free, and use no artificial coloring or scents. They are formulated with natural botanical oils to moisturize dry and sensitive skin.
If you don’t prefer creams, we’ve got you covered with PMS Gummies (delicious natural watermelon flavor) and Holi-Mood Oral Drops. Both products can help you improve your sleep and support emotional balance and relaxation during PMS. Take on your day with grace!
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