Craving for salty snacks is a symptom that is commonly encountered by many women prior to their menses. It is one of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Many women suffer from premenstrual syndrome during their reproductive age. The syndrome consists of physical and psychological symptoms. They arise probably a week or ten days before periods. Symptom severity is more in women of the age 20 to 30. What causes this monthly hankering is not very well understood. But it is believed to occur due to change in hormones. In some women salt craving diminishes as menstruation begins.
Causes of salt craving before and during periods
Many women undergo certain changes before and during menses. These changes can be emotional, physical or behavioral. The changes that occur are termed as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
What you need to do when you crave excess of salty food?
Eating excessive salty food before and during menses may not be a good idea. As too much of salt can increase fluid retention in the body which may manifest with symptoms such as breast tenderness, headache, bloating, swelling in fingers and ankle etc. Many women may also complain of pain in back few days prior to menses. If the symptoms are severe, they may interfere in daily life of a woman. A woman can take several precautionary measures to stop inevitable salt craving.
- Eat foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium and Zinc. These foods will reduce the craving for salty food. Eat green leafy vegetables, nuts and beans, whole grain, cheese, tofu, cashew, pumpkin seeds etc in your diet. Avoid eating salted nuts.
- Avoid eating packaged and processed food. Most of them have added salt in them.
- Exercise daily for 45 minutes. Practice yoga and meditation as this will help to reduce depression that triggers food craving.
- Curb your craving for salty food by eating frozen yogurt with fresh fruits.