Water retention. There are reasons why it happens in both men and women (e.g. kidney problems, thyroid malfunctions, etc.) but it’s especially obvious in women around “that time of the month”. We can’t help it because hormonal fluctuations cause the kidneys to retain fluids and suddenly, we’re puffy and feel like we’re a hundred kilograms heavier.
Ah, the joy of what comes with the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) package.
If you often suffer from feeling like the great, big Goodyear blimp on a monthly basis, then take these steps to deflate yourselves and feel less unpretty:
1. Avoid salt.
You need to drastically reduce your salt intake or avoid it altogether when you know that your period is nearing. Salt contains sodium and sodium increases fluid retention. It’s going to be hard to not want to snack when you’re just around the corner from PMS but snacks contain all those little evils. So watch what you eat.
It’s also best to cut down on processed food and fast food because those items are usually overly generous with salt. Actually, cut down on processed food and fast food in general because they’re bad for you anyway!
2. Go ape with bananas.
Stock up on a comb of bananas and add them to your meals. You can opt to put banana bits in your breakfast (e.g. cereal, oats, peanut butter and banana sandwich, banana slices on toast or pancakes, etc.), make a smoothie, or better yet, eat them plain.
The high amounts of potassium in bananas will help eliminate fluid retention. Also, a banana a day may help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis. It’s a win-win.
3. Load up on H2O.
Yes, we know. The last thing you want to do when you’re feeling bloated and experiencing water retention is to drink more water. But, waterlogged or not, drinking more water can actually counter it. Why?
Because water helps flush out your system and can reduce premenstrual bloating. At the same time, it keeps you hydrated so you can be sure that PMS doesn’t show up all over your face (read: bad PMS skin).
Beat that abnormal buildup of fluid in your body and feel better almost instantly with the above home remedies. Start small to see big differences. And who said we can’t handle PMS, eh?
