Beat PMS naturally

P.M.S. Three letters, one big problem. If you’re bent over, feeling like your innards are crying and find almost everyone infuriating, you’re not alone.

PMS affects up to 90 per cent of us, and is a legitimate day ruiner for over a third. But before you crack on with the paracetamol and the family size Fruit and Nut – hear us out. There are ways and means to soften even the most debilitating symptoms and beat PMS naturally.

1 Join the B-List

Nuts, bananas, beans and wholegrains are packed full of vitamin B, which has been found to help prevent mood-swings, bloating and cravings by regulating blood sugar levels. Anecdotal evidence suggests it could help us keep a lid on the crazy, too.

Vitamin B may also help to reduce water retention – the reason for the irritating bloat you experience either side of your periods which can increase just before and during your period.

2 #JustMoveMore

Suffer from uncontrollable swinging moods during your period? Get up and out from under the covers that extra half-hour early and throw your body around a bit. In the immortal words of Elle Woods, ‘Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins makes you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands.’ Or snap irrationally at their colleagues.

Here’s a workout you can do at home in 10 minutes. No excuses.

3 Fight back

If your default settings are blow-dry, mascara and something sharp and colourful, spendng your period week in baggy clothes with a greasy pony is going to make you feel rubbish.

If you can’t fit into your favourite jeans, up the ante on the hair instead. Or work a bold lip. Even wearing your boss lady shoes will help you get out of the PMS mindset.

4 Hit up the calcium

This stuff is a powerful hormone regulator, but annoyingly, its levels tend to drop off during your period. Fortify yourself with leafy green veggies like sprouts, cabbages, kale; tofu and almonds. To get a concentrated hit try a supplement – and combine it with vitamin D to aid absorption.

How do you beat PMS naturally? We’d love to get your tips! Tweet and share @healthymag or join the chat on our Facebook page.