Relieve PMS with a Vegetarian Diet

It has been reported that vegetarians have lower incidences of premenstrual pain and discomfort. This may be due to reduced hormonal fluctuations, which are often exacerbated by high saturated fats in the diet, and can be reduced on a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Vegetarian women experience lower ovulatory disturbances and reduced estrogen exposure by avoiding animal foods.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington, DC recommends a plant-based, low-fat vegetarian diet to reduce PMS pain and symptoms. They encourage consumption of fibre-rich foods, which help bind excessive estrogens and eliminate them. These foods include legumes (beans), whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and fruits. Avoiding animal foods, dairy, and artificial trans or hydrogenated fats is also suggested to reduce exposure to excessive fats that contribute to hormone swings and the pain response.