Are you confident, clear-headed, and physically fit throughout the month, then suddenly tearful, muttled and uncoordinated the week before your period? At the same time, are you powerless to chocolate or doughnuts? Don’t worry, you’re not crazy, nor do your problems stem from a willpower shortage. Instead, you, along with up to 90% of women, might suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The good news is the “grin-and-bear-it” approach to managing PMS that prevailed in the days when PMS was considered “all-in-your-head,” has been replaced with a “take charge” approach that begins with eating right.

Crave Control

Cravings for sweet-and-creamy foods, such as ice cream, chocolate and cookies, are at an all-time high during PMS, with daily sugar intake increasing to 20 teaspoons or more.

Insufficient amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, might contribute to fatigue, poor concentration, spaciness, sleep disturbances, pain intolerance, food cravings, and other PMS-related symptoms. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as starches and sweets, raise brain serotonin levels and improve mood.

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