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Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Your PMS is something else. Not only are you uncomfortable most of the time, but your hormones are also telling you to eat everything within reach. But before you give into your cravings, it pays to think twice about what you’re eating.

Some foods can actually make your PMS symptoms worse. The foods on this list can give you more cramps (and make them hurt more), add to bloating, and send your mood swinging (and don’t even get me started on the snacks that break you out).

Of course, they are some of the foods you crave the most when Aunt Flo is in town. To be of assistance, we’ve included a few substitutions that can help you with your cravings without making your period worse.

Image source: Shutterstock

Image source: Shutterstock

Anything in a Package

PMS is just the reason you need to take a week-long break from the office vending machine. Packaged and processed foods have a lot of sodium in them, which can make bloating worse.

Need a snack in a pinch? Read the back of the label. Anything with less than 200mg of sodium should be OK.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Sugary Sweets

The sugar from all of your favorite sweets can cause your premenstrual symptoms to act quite the fool. Before you give into cravings, try satisfying your sweet tooth with fruit or dark chocolate instead. They’re lower in the sugars that aren’t good for you as you deal with your period.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Big Meals

Your hormones may be telling you to supersize it, but when you’re hungry it’s best to go for small meals instead of one big one.

When you find yourself full enough to get uncomfortable, it can make cramps worse and lead to gas, even more bloating, and other bathroom-related digestive issues.