Period bloating remains something that almost every woman experiences during their menstrual cycle. How to reduce bloating before and duration menstruation can help many women minimise pain and discomfort during their period.
Every woman’s body reacts differently before and during their menstrual cycle. For many women, they experience little and sometimes absolutely zero body changes. However, this is not the case for the majority of women during that critical time of the month.
About a week before menstruation begins, levels of the hormone progesterone begin to fall. Research suggests that changes in progesterone and oestrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. As a result, the body’s cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating.
How can you treat and prevent period bloating?
Despite these pre-menstrual discomforts, many lifestyle changes every woman can introduce to help reduce the symptoms. Some of them I have tried, others I hope to implement moving forward
Salty Food
As stated above, a decrease in progesterone and oestrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. Therefore, avoid salty foods. By doing so, it may help decrease water retention and improve period bloating.
Eat More Diuretics
According to Wikipedia, a diuretic is a class of drug that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine. Passing more urine helps the body gets rid of excess water. As a result, diuretics help to reduce water retention in the body. There are many organic food items with natural diuretic properties. Some of which includes asparagus, pineapples, peaches, cucumber, leeks, ginger and garlic.
Exercise regularly
From personal experience, a habit of regular exercise may help relief pre-menstrual symptoms. Some of the recommended workouts to stretch the body include situps, squatting, running and power walks.
Potassium-rich foods
Thankfully, most of the food item on this list are things I enjoy eating. Eating foods rich in potassium may certainly help reduce period bloating. Research shows potassium decreases sodium levels and increases urine production. Some Potassium-rich foods that may help reduce period bloating and improve your health include leafy greens, such as spinach, sweet potato, bananas, avocados and tomatoes.
