Excess salt can:

• Alter levels of estrogen during a woman’s period
• Cause water retention leading to PMS-related bloating
• Cause breast tenderness and headaches.
• Affect heart and circulation
• Processed foods, fast foods and snack foods contain high levels of sodium

Rich and Fatty foods
These are more difficult for the body to process especially when the body is stressed, and they contribute to weight gain and depression especially when combined with sugar.

Sugar is in many of our foods affecting our health in many ways. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia, diabetes and heart disease, and sudden changes in blood sugar levels can trigger mood swings. While we need sugar is naturally in our diet when it includes complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, pasta, rice, cereals and beans.

Caffeine
A stimulating social drug which unfortunately for women elevates estrogen levels and the risk of PMS, breast and ovarian cancer and fibroid tumors. Learn more.

Excess caffeine can

• Cause or aggravate breast tenderness
• Cause tension, headaches and irritability
• Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, colas, chocolate and some medications

Alcohol is well known for causing premenstrual depression and headaches, it also thins blood and should be avoided.

Functional Whole foods
Certain foods when eaten can help to relieve the severity of symptoms associated with PMS and some foods when restricted have a positive outcome.