bloating before period
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Bloating before period

Our monthly ‘friend’ can cause us many symptoms.  There are many root causes of these symptoms.  But, if you experience Bloating before period, there are things you can do to control bloating a week before your period.

Emotional Symptoms of PMS

Here is a list of just some of the emotional symptoms you may have experienced – how many of these look familiar to you?

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Brain fog / loss of concentration
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
brain fog and anxiety
Photo credit: Carballo

How many of these have you had to deal with?  None of them are fun and if we experience any of these 1 week out of every month, that means we’re not feeling well 12 weeks out of a year.  That’s a lot!  And, it doesn’t end there!  What about the physical symptoms?

Physical Symptoms of PMS

In addition to the above symptoms, we may also experience:

bloating before period
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  • Bloating
  • Weight gain (from fluid)
  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Period Poops
  • Cravings for sugar and food in general
  • Tiredness

Bloating before period

As you can see, a very common symptom is bloating before period.  I know few women who don’t experience this before their period.  You feel fatter, your clothes don’t fit right, and you just don’t feel good – in fact, you don’t even feel like you look good.  I get it, it happens to me and I know that my jeans fit a little tighter than they should.  That’s bloating before period and it’s no fun.

bloating
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Root causes

There can be many different causes for the symptoms we experience prior to getting our periods but some include:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Bad diet
  • Allergies to foods
  • Stress
  • Thyroid problems
  • Toxins
  • Liver dysfunction

Bloating a week before period

In order to reduce period bloating, let’s look at diet so that we can come up with some period bloating remedies.  Generally, if we have too much fat (healthy fat or otherwise) or protein, it puts a strain on our liver.  Yes, that even means that if you have a healthy fat like avocado’s, you could be straining your liver.  We know we shouldn’t eat the bad fats and that we should be eating good fats – you just don’t want too much.

healthy fats
morissfoto

This, in turn, causes the liver to work harder and then our stomachs have to accommodate by producing more acid.  Eventually, things start to break down.  It’s a vicious cycle and it starts to aggravate our intestines and cause the problems we know as bloating.

Another common cause is stress.  When our adrenals go into overdrive from stress, this also wreaks havoc.  And, it doesn’t have to be from high level stress.  Any amount of stress can give us a problem if it’s not controlled.  This is why meditation is so beneficial – it helps to calm us.  And, over time, it has huge benefits.

meditation
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But, there is PMS bloating relief!  Knowledge is power and if we know that a high fat or high protein diet can cause bloating, you can make adjustments so you don’t get the bloating before your period (or ever).  And, stress – what can I say?  Stress is a killer and a little bit can be OK.  I mean, when we have a little stress it might “get our butts in gear” to get something done and accomplished.  It’s the constant stress that cause us problems.  I do know it’s hard to manage stress sometimes but again, knowledge is power and we can begin to take steps to take back control.

Period bloating remedies

The good news is that there is PMS bloating relief.  Here are ones I’ve tried and had success with:

  • Fresh celery juice – I know celery and celery juice may be an acquired taste.  I didn’t like celery when I was younger and didn’t know how anyone could eat it, let alone, drink it.  As I got older (into my 30’s), I actually didn’t mind the taste of celery.  Then, I learned that when we eat celery, it’s like eating negative calories.  What do I mean by that?  When you eat celery, the amount of energy it takes to eat, chew, and generally digest celery can really help our waistlines.  Knowing this made me like celery even more.  Try this recipe for Celery Juice – it may help you acquire a taste for this amazing vegetable!
  • Aloe Vera – we all know that aloe vera gel can help with cuts / minor skin abrasions.  But, did you know it’s an excellent digestive aid?  You can buy aloe vera “juice”.  Bloating 2 weeks before period?  No more!  Try drinking a 1/4 cup at first, then make your way to 8 oz.  See if it makes any difference in your bloating before period problems.

Herbs for period cramps

Some of the best PMS supplements come in herb form.  Here are 3 herbal teas that are great supplements for period cramps and bloating:

  • Ginger root – also an acquired taste.  If you like ginger, you’ll love this tea.  The first time I tried ginger tea, I wasn’t sure I liked it.  I thought it was too spicy.  But, after I walked away from it for a minute, I actually realized I liked it.  Further, my tummy felt great!  I think that’s why I reconsidered drinking it.  When I realized I felt good – both my tummy and even my brain, I thought ‘I want more of this!’.  You can read more about my experience with ginger tea in this article:  Ginger and Probiotics.
  • Peppermint – now if you’ve ever tried anything artificially flavored with peppermint and didn’t like it, you should try real peppermint.  It’s nothing like the fake stuff.  Peppermint tea is very nice and soothing.  Also very refreshing.
  • Raspberry leaf – this is actually the first one I ever tried but I put it last on the list because ginger root and peppermint are my top 2 faves.  But, raspberry leaf tea is a very nice tea.

Try one and see which you like best to help with those period cramps!

Vitamins for period cramps

There are a few best vitamins for PMS that are marketed.  I have tried several and these are the ones I still use:

  • Multi-vitamin
  • Milk thistle (great for the liver)
  • Spirulina
  • B Complex vitamins

I focus on my diet and ensure that I am getting the necessary nutrients and then I supplement with these.  Since I’m not a doctor, I merely give these as suggestions.

So, there you have it, my Period Bloating Remedies!

Note:  please consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs.  I am not a medical doctor but I offer you suggestions on what has helped me for the bloating before my period.  Good luck and let me know how it’s going for you.  I really hope bloating before period will be a thing of the past for you.

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