Ah, period bloating – we’ve all experienced it. In fact, it’s estimated that 70% of women experience bloating during their period! Whilst it’s completely normal, it can cause discomfort. Not what we want on our period, right? In this blog, we’ll be helping you take power over period bloating with these natural ways to relieve it.
Bloating is one symptom that we can experience as part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It can be caused by changes in the levels of progesterone and oestrogen. It is thoughts that these changes can cause the body to retain more water and salt which lead to a bloated feeling.
So, how can we relieve period bloating?
Keep your hormones balanced:
It’s important to try to keep our hormones balanced to reduce the likelihood of bloating occurring. Certain things such as stress, sugary foods and environmental factors can tip the delicate balance of our hormones. Reducing or eliminating our exposure to these helps to keep our hormone levels balanced which in turn can help prevent bloating. For more of a lowdown on hormonal imbalances, catch up on this blog here.
Avoid salty foods:
Reducing your salt intake is another thing that can help combat bloating. Put simply, the higher our salt intake, the more water our bodies retain which leads to this bloated feeling. Try to prioritise eating home-cooked, fresh meals that are nutrient-dense. This doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favourite comfort foods – it’s important to strike a balance.
Water, water, water:
Focus on drinking as much water as possible (around 2-3 litres a day). Drinking water helps you urinate excess salt out your body, relieving that bloated feeling.
Eat potassium-rich foods:
Try to incorporate more potassium-rich foods into your diet such as spinach, sweet potato and bananas. These are thought to decrease your sodium levels, reducing water retention and relieving period bloating.
Do you have any tips for relieving period bloating? Let us know in the comments below or come chat to us on socials.
