GET RID OF PMS!

Try these simple diet and lifestyle tweaks, designed for every “period personality”.

Up to 8% of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of PMS.*

6 days That’s how long PMS symptoms usually last.*

85% of women are thought to have at least one PMS symptom every month.*

You are a... SCREAMER

The signs: You experience nervous tension, mood swings, anxiety and irritability.

Fix it: Eat regular meals to keep your sugar levels stable – drops in your blood sugar levels (when you haven’t eaten enough) can cause low moods. Also, try supplements such as magnesium, which helps to ease mood swings; vitamin B6, which influences the action of the hormone oestrogen and is often deficient in PMS sufferers; vitamins B1 and B2 to help the body metabolise nutrients; and zinc, needed for healthy hormonal and mental functions.

You are a... CRAVER

The signs: You yearn for sugary foods and have an increased appetite. You may also experience dizziness, fainting or headaches.

Fix it: This may be the result of a poor diet or if you have long gaps in between meals. Eat at regular intervals and reach for healthy snacks between meals. Avoid sugary foods, which will give you a sharp rise in energy, followed by a drop that will leave you feeling worse than before.

You are a... BLOATER

The signs: You bloat, your hands and feet swell, and your breasts feel tender.

Fix it: Reduce your salt intake, as salt can worsen bloating. Eat fibre-rich foods such as wholegrain bread and cereal to prevent constipation, which is common before menstruation and can cause bloating. Drink lots of fluids (water is best), and cut down on caffeinated drinks such as coffee and cola, which are dehydrating. A supplement containing vitamin B6 and evening primrose oil may relieve breast tenderness.

You are a... WEEPER

The signs: You feel depressed, become forgetful, and may experience insomnia.

Fix it: Stick to a healthy diet to keep your mood on an even keel, try to keep stress to a minimum and get plenty of sleep. Take a supplement containing zinc, which can help to alleviate depression and reportedly boost mental functions. Magnesium supplements can also help ease mood swings.

You are a... PHYSICAL WRECK

The signs: You have breakouts, cramps, aches and pains.

Fix it: Breakouts, stomach cramps, and general aches and pains are all aggravated by hormonal fluctuations. Follow a healthy, balanced diet, and steer clear of sugary foods and snacks. Try a vitamin A supplement to keep the skin looking healthy, and evening primrose oil, which has gammalinolenic acid, a substance that helps to regulate hormones.