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If you experience problems like swelling and fullness during your period, you are definitely not alone; bloating is a very common discomfort faced by women of all ages. The hormonal changes that take place during your menstrual cycle cause your body to retain fluid. Due to this, you may notice swelling in your abdomen, fingers, face, ankles and feet when you have your periods.

Fortunately, bloating during your period is not a major cause for concern and can easily be alleviated using a few simple remedies. Given below are home remedies you can use to relieve this annoying menstrual symptom:

• Bananas: The high amount of potassium present in this fruit helps reduce the amount of fluid your body retains. You could eat a plain banana each day, add slices of the fruit to your morning cereal, or prepare a banana smoothie.
• Cranberry juice: Because of its natural diuretic properties, cranberry can cause your body to flush out the excessive water. Drink a glass of plain, unsweetened cranberry juice once a day.
• Tea: Mild herbal tea contains diuretic properties, which relieve overall bloating and swelling. This remedy also soothes other discomforts associated with your periods, like pain, gas and cramping. Some of the herbal tea varieties that you can choose from include chamomile tea, ginger tea, fennel tea, dandelion leaf tea and peppermint tea.
• Aloe Vera: Most health stores stock Aloe Vera pills, for which you do not require a prescription. These pills help your body process water more effectively, which reduces bloating and swelling.
• Epsom salts: Fill a bathtub with warm or hot water and add one cup of Epsom salt to it. This helps your body get rid of the toxins that may be causing the bloating. You could also add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath water instead.
• Yogurt: The active cultures present in this remedy increase the levels of good bacteria and improve digestion. Have a bowl of plain, unflavored yogurt once a twice a day, during your menstrual cycle.
• Water: Strange though this may sound, the deficiency of water in your body can increase fluid retention and bloating. To avoid this problem, make sure that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.

You could also prevent bloating during period to a great extent, by following a few simple self-care steps, such as

• Reducing salt: Sodium causes your body to retain an extra amount of fluid, which in turn, leads to bloating. Limit your consumption of table salt, pickles, condiments, canned soup, cured meat and salty snacks about one week before your period is due.
• Exercising: When you work out, you tend to sweat off the water that your body is retaining. This reduces bloating and helps you feel more energetic, even during your period. Walking, jogging, running or cycling for about half an hour per day can cause the excess fluid within your body to dissipate.
• Avoiding caffeine: The excess consumption of caffeine during your menstrual cycle can increase the swelling in your tummy and intestines. Try to avoid coffee, chocolate and aerated beverages for a week before your period.
• Eating light: Have at least 5 to 6 small meals, instead of 3 large ones, each day. This will keep you from feeling too full, especially after you eat. It is also best to avoid fried, greasy, refined and junk food to reduce bloating. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead.
• Taking supplements: You could flush out the excess water from your body and relieve menstrual bloating by taking Vitamin B6, or a combination of calcium and magnesium. However, it is essential that you check the appropriate daily recommended dosage with your doctor.

While the home remedies and self-care steps mentioned above are quite safe, it is important to check with a doctor before trying any of them.

References

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water-retention/WO00130

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.