Experiencing some discomforts, such as mild pain, mood changes and bloating, before or during your menstruation is quite normal. These symptoms are usually caused by hormonal fluctuations brought by changes in your menstrual cycle. Almost every woman who has undergone menstruation has felt minor aches and problems during or a few days before her period. However, it is important to go to a doctor if your symptoms are severe and debilitating. When it comes to health, it is always better to be sure than sorry.

One problem that many women complain about during their monthly cycle is swollenness or bloating. Some even say that they gain weight before their period because of water retention. Instead of heading to your nearest pharmacy for a dose or two of drugs and pills, it may be better to try natural remedies to ease water retention first. If these all-natural cures do not help ease the symptom, only then that you should try synthetic medication.

Go Easy On The Salt

If you think that you are retaining water, it may be wise to go easy on the salt. In some women, a spike in estrogen days before the period could trigger the production of aldestrone, a hormone that tells the kidneys to store water. Eating too much salty food can exacerbate the situation and make you retain more water than necessary. It is also better to ease on your salt intake even when you are not having premenstrual syndrome problems because a diet that is high in salt can be bad for your heart, kidneys, liver and other internal organs.

De-Puff With Ice

An inexpensive way to ease swollenness in your ankles or legs is to place ice wrapped in towel on the affected area for about five to ten minutes. The cold temperature will help bring your ankles back to their normal size. During the summer months, you can try to immerse your ankles in ice-cold water for relief. However, this is not good for people who have circulation problems and diabetes.

Go Gaga Over Bananas

Eating bananas when you feel bloated will help eliminate excess water in your system because this fruit is high in potassium. If you are not fond of eating bananas as they are, you can always add them to your cereals, salad, dessert, or make them into a shake or smoothie. If you are not really a fan of bananas, try eating raisins as an alternative.

Indulge In Yogurt

A number of women experience food cravings as a symptom of PMS. After eating too much, especially fatty and sugar-filled food, you can experience bloated stomach. To ease the feeling of swollenness in this area, grab a plain low-fat yogurt that contains live friendly microorganisms. These friendly bacteria will help in proper digestion.

Go Gulp Down More Water

It may sound preposterous to advise a person who is suffering from water retention due to PMS to drink plenty of water. But the truth is that many women feel bloated and swollen because they are dehydrated. If you are dehydrated, your internal organs are in a conserve-water mode so you feel swollen all over. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday, more if you are profusely sweating due to exercise and other activities.

Add Some Cabbage

Did you know that cabbage is a natural diuretic? This vegetable is handy if you feel that you are retaining water because of PMS. Eat it raw in a salad or sandwich or you can put them in your stew, soup or any dish you can think of.