PMS Weight Gain

Women suffering from PMS (pre-menstrual symptom) have increased lower abdomen size and have tough time fighting their belly. It is not fat. Then what is it? It is fluid retention.

It is not exactly known how this fluid retention happens in body leading to weight gain. There are two proposed theories regarding how fluid retention takes place. One theory is that the reduced secretion of progesterone in the body and its subsequent breakdown directs the kidneys to retain salt and water. It acts as an anti-diuretic hormone.

It has been found that women suffering from PMS tend to release more amount of adrenaline and at a faster rate than other women. This may be the explanation that when sugar levels increase in the body after hours of not eating anything, the quick rise in adrenaline causes increased release of sugar from the cells into the bloodstream. This excess sugar causes water retention in the body.

Reducing PMS Fluid Retention

One prime rule is to avoid excess consumption of salt and sugar. The doctor will ask you to limit your sodium intake to 1000 mg per day. This means cut down completely on packaged food items.

Include wholegrain carbohydrates like rice, pasta and brown bread in your meals. Cravings during PMS episodes are one big reason for weight gain. Do not give in to the cravings. The cravings for sweets can be handled by eating sweet fruits.

Calcium supplementation helps in getting rid of excess fluid from the body.  A pill that offers 1200 to 1350 mg is sufficient for the day. Try drinking plenty of fresh juices and soups.  Eating fruits like bananas that are rich in potassium help in excretion of excess water faster.

Eat small meals but at regular intervals so that release of adrenaline does not cause sugar from cells to be released into the bloodstream.  For the same reason, keep check on your stress. Excess stress will immediately shoot adrenaline. For this do breathing exercises regularly. So, the next time you get aggressive at any thing think again, you may be gaining weight.

Keep some healthy snacks like fruits or high fiber biscuits always with you. Eat them whenever you get hungry. Do not skip any meal.