How to Reduce Period Bloating: Try These Simple Tips to Feel Better
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Time to read 5 min
Ever notice how your favorite jeans feel snug right before your period? That uncomfortable, bloated feeling is a real struggle for many of us. Period bloating, while common, can be a frustrating companion. There are a few easy things you can do to help your body feel better during that time of the month. Let’s dive into some helpful remedies and tips for beating the bloat.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Period Bloating? Why Does Period Bloating Happen? Simple, Effective Ways to Reduce Period Bloating (Home Remedies) Stay Hydrated Limit Salty Foods Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods Move Your Body Avoid Sugary and Carbonated Drinks Best Supplements to Reduce Period Bloating Vitauthority Stasis Hormone Support Key Benefits You’ll Experience with Stasis Hormone Support A Few More Tips For Relief to Keep in Mind Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Exactly Is Period Bloating?
Bloating during your period is your body’s way of retaining water, which can make your stomach feel swollen and heavy. This typically happens a week before your period starts and can even last through the first few days. It’s linked to hormone shifts (especially estrogen and progesterone) that encourage your body to hold onto water and salt. The result? A puffy, uncomfortable feeling that’s no fun at all!
Why Does Period Bloating Happen?
When your body’s progesterone levels drop, it signals your uterus to start shedding its lining, leading to your period. This hormone shift also causes the body to hold onto excess water. At the same time, estrogen levels rise, which can lead to more fluid retention. This combination can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, and uncomfortable.
Simple, Effective Ways to Reduce Period Bloating (Home Remedies)
While period bloating can feel uncomfortable, there are simple home remedies that may help reduce it. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Stay Hydrated
It might seem counterintuitive, but drinking water is one of the best ways to reduce bloating. When you’re not drinking enough, your body holds onto more water to prevent dehydration. By sipping water throughout the day, you’re helping your body flush out the extra fluids it’s retaining.
If plain water isn’t your thing, try herbal teas, they can be a soothing way to stay hydrated. (you can try chamomile tea or peppermint tea)
Limit Salty Foods
We all know the drill; as much as you might crave salty snacks before your period, too much salt will only make bloating worse. Foods like chips, processed meats, and fast food are packed with sodium, which causes your body to retain even more water.
Instead, try reaching for healthier options like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Related: 10 Easy Ways to Eat More Greens and Boost Your Health
Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods
Potassium helps balance sodium levels in your body, which can reduce water retention. Foods like bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and avocados are rich in potassium and may help ease that bloated feeling.
Move Your Body
When you’re feeling bloated and crampy, the last thing you probably want to do is exercise. But getting your blood flowing with some light activity may actually help reduce bloating. Taking a short walk or doing gentle stretches may help alleviate discomfort, boost your mood, and reduce other PMS symptoms thanks to the endorphins exercise releases.
Related: Best Exercises for Busy Schedules
Avoid Sugary and Carbonated Drinks
Sodas and sugary drinks may seem refreshing, but they can actually make you feel more bloated. Carbonated drinks can add extra gas to your digestive system, and consuming too much sugar may cause insulin spikes, which can increase water retention. Stick to water or herbal teas to stay hydrated.
Best Supplements to Reduce Period Bloating
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements may help manage period bloating by supporting hormonal balance and reducing water retention.
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Magnesium & Vitamin B6
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences suggested that magnesium and vitamin B6 may help reduce the severity of PMS symptoms, with magnesium potentially alleviating symptoms related to water retention and physical discomfort. - Calcium: Calcium may also help with bloating and other PMS symptoms. Studies suggest that taking a daily calcium supplement a few days before your period might reduce the intensity of bloating, mood swings, and even cramps.
Vitauthority Stasis Hormone Support
Vitauthority’s Stasis Hormone Support is designed to help support hormone balance, potentially easing bloating and other symptoms. It may also promote better sleep and contribute to overall well-being, making it a useful addition to your routine for managing PMS bloating.
Key Benefits You’ll Experience with Stasis Hormone Support
With Stasis Hormone Support for Women, you can expect a range of benefits that promote your overall well-being. Regulating your hormones promotes better sleep quality, ensuring you wake up refreshed and energized. The formula also reduces inflammation, easing any discomfort you might experience while supporting a balanced mood and sustained energy levels throughout the day.
Related: Chaos to Calm: The Stasis Solution for Women's Hormone Balance & Harmony
A Few More Tips For Relief to Keep in Mind
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, here are a few extra tips that may help you feel better:
- Chew slowly to avoid swallowing air, which can add to bloating.
- Avoid gum; it’s another sneaky source of swallowed air.
- Get enough sleep, your body does a lot of healing and regulating while you rest, so make sure you’re getting those z’s.
- Try a calcium supplement; some studies suggest that calcium may help reduce PMS symptoms, including bloating.
- Manage Stress: Stress can make your bloating worse. Try relaxation techniques like meditation to help your body stay calm.
Period bloating isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to take over your week. With a few simple adjustments, you can feel more comfortable no matter what time of the month it is. Remember, your body is unique, so it may take some time to find the perfect combination of remedies that work best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is period bloating normal?
Period bloating is a common PMS symptom. It’s caused by hormonal changes that occur in the week leading up to your period. For most women, the bloating will subside a few days into their period.
How long does period bloating last?
Period bloating typically starts a few days before your period and can last into the first few days of your cycle. As hormone levels stabilize, the bloating should naturally subside.
What can I eat to reduce bloating?
Focus on potassium-rich foods like bananas and avocados. Also, staying hydrated and limiting salty, processed foods may help reduce bloating.
Can supplements help with bloating?
Magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6 are all supplements that might help reduce period bloating by supporting hormonal balance and reducing water retention.
Read more: Best Multivitamins and Supplements for Women
