When “that time of the month” rears its head, I, like clockwork, experience every PMS cliché imaginable. (This might be hyperbolic, but it certainly feels this way.) Commercials with animals make me ugly-cry. I feel uncomfortable and bloated. And no amount of chocolate will satiate this ravenous cocoa fiend.
Honestly, it’s pretty textbook.
And I’m not alone! Ninety percent of people who menstruate experience some type of PMS symptom. (This can run the gamut from cramps to irritability to, yes, chocolate cravings.) Historically, I’ve considered it an unavoidable annoyance, opting to steer clear of cute animals and embracing my comfy pants when PMS strikes.
However, when FP’s resident wellness guru Hillary mentioned HUM Nutrition’s Moody Bird — a supplement said to help erase symptoms — was flying off the shelves, I started to wonder: is everyone in on the secret but me?
Usually I’m the one testing out the latest and greatest beauty and wellness rituals — drinking mushroom water; switching to natural deo — but this time around, our very own FP community uncovered a new product I just had to try.
And with that, I decided to sleuth out the best interventions for avoiding (or at least easing) unwanted discomfort once and for all. Scroll on for tricks to try and alleviating essentials to add to your monthly arsenal.
Honestly, it’s pretty textbook.
And I’m not alone! Ninety percent of people who menstruate experience some type of PMS symptom. (This can run the gamut from cramps to irritability to, yes, chocolate cravings.) Historically, I’ve considered it an unavoidable annoyance, opting to steer clear of cute animals and embracing my comfy pants when PMS strikes.
However, when FP’s resident wellness guru Hillary mentioned HUM Nutrition’s Moody Bird — a supplement said to help erase symptoms — was flying off the shelves, I started to wonder: is everyone in on the secret but me?
Usually I’m the one testing out the latest and greatest beauty and wellness rituals — drinking mushroom water; switching to natural deo — but this time around, our very own FP community uncovered a new product I just had to try.
And with that, I decided to sleuth out the best interventions for avoiding (or at least easing) unwanted discomfort once and for all. Scroll on for tricks to try and alleviating essentials to add to your monthly arsenal.
The Feeling: Bloating
To Do: A gentle yoga flow.
If you’re experiencing cramps and a high-impact workout isn’t in the cards, opt for a lower-impact sweat sesh’, like yoga. In fact, FP’s resident beauty merchandiser Noelle claims her practice’s deep breathing techniques help reduce the discomfort and stress that often accompanies PMS. Fellow FP merchandiser (and devoted yogi) Natalia agrees: “Stretching and Updog help loosen my tummy muscles and ease pain.”
To Try: The Nue Co Debloat+
Formulated with 17 digestive enzymes, licorice root extract, and organic turmeric, this supplement is said to help banish bloat and reduce gas and heartburn. Taking learnings from Ayurvedic medicine, the blend helps ease bloated bellies. It had a twice-a-day dose, so you can integrate it into your everyday supplement ritual.
If you’re experiencing cramps and a high-impact workout isn’t in the cards, opt for a lower-impact sweat sesh’, like yoga. In fact, FP’s resident beauty merchandiser Noelle claims her practice’s deep breathing techniques help reduce the discomfort and stress that often accompanies PMS. Fellow FP merchandiser (and devoted yogi) Natalia agrees: “Stretching and Updog help loosen my tummy muscles and ease pain.”
To Try: The Nue Co Debloat+
Formulated with 17 digestive enzymes, licorice root extract, and organic turmeric, this supplement is said to help banish bloat and reduce gas and heartburn. Taking learnings from Ayurvedic medicine, the blend helps ease bloated bellies. It had a twice-a-day dose, so you can integrate it into your everyday supplement ritual.
The Feeling: Cravings
To Do: Meditate.
While on your period, you may demonstrate a drop in serotonin levels, which triggers cravings. Boosting your serotonin levels may help banish those cravings. One activity that can help: a couple minutes of Zen-inducing meditation daily. (Need a crash course? Read our beginner’s guide.)
To Try: Sakara Life Dark Chocolate Granola
Can’t totally kick the chocolate craving? This dark chocolate granola includes cortisol-balancing ashwagandha, serotonin-lifting dark cacao and hormone-balancing Brazil nuts. Swap candy bars or salty snacks with this filling, fiber-rich alternative that satisfy your crunchy-sweet cravings. Let’s be real: you’ll probably keep it handy all month long anyway. (Or at least I will.)
While on your period, you may demonstrate a drop in serotonin levels, which triggers cravings. Boosting your serotonin levels may help banish those cravings. One activity that can help: a couple minutes of Zen-inducing meditation daily. (Need a crash course? Read our beginner’s guide.)
To Try: Sakara Life Dark Chocolate Granola
Can’t totally kick the chocolate craving? This dark chocolate granola includes cortisol-balancing ashwagandha, serotonin-lifting dark cacao and hormone-balancing Brazil nuts. Swap candy bars or salty snacks with this filling, fiber-rich alternative that satisfy your crunchy-sweet cravings. Let’s be real: you’ll probably keep it handy all month long anyway. (Or at least I will.)
The Feeling: Mood Swings
To Do: Up your calcium intake.
Many people who experience PMS don’t get enough Calcium in their diets. If your diet is low on the nutrient (the daily recommended allowance is 1,000 to 1,300 mg, but consult your physician!), try consuming more Calcium-rich foods like chia seeds, yogurt, beans, and almonds.
To Try: HUM Moody Bird
The twice-a-day supplement is made with two super-charged herbs — Dong Quai Root and Chaste Berry — which are said to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. Chaste Berry has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine and Dong Quai is known to help in balancing estrogen levels. Basically it aids in balancing you out and banishing annoying mood swings. It can take 4-6 weeks to expect results, so it’s intended to be an ongoing part of your supplement regimen. Cranky feelings (at last!), be gone.
Many people who experience PMS don’t get enough Calcium in their diets. If your diet is low on the nutrient (the daily recommended allowance is 1,000 to 1,300 mg, but consult your physician!), try consuming more Calcium-rich foods like chia seeds, yogurt, beans, and almonds.
To Try: HUM Moody Bird
The twice-a-day supplement is made with two super-charged herbs — Dong Quai Root and Chaste Berry — which are said to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. Chaste Berry has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine and Dong Quai is known to help in balancing estrogen levels. Basically it aids in balancing you out and banishing annoying mood swings. It can take 4-6 weeks to expect results, so it’s intended to be an ongoing part of your supplement regimen. Cranky feelings (at last!), be gone.
Of course, if you’re just feeling off or you suspect something more might be up, don’t hesitate to consult your physician for an expert’s advice.
More Essentials For Your PMS Kit:
More To Read
WELLNESS 101
How I Got The Best Sleep Of My Life This Weekend
Because clocking ZZZ’s was a little tricky.
SELF LOVE CLUB
What It’s Like To Design Vibrators For A Living
Inside one of the buzziest gigs around.
WE TRIED IT
Why We're Swapping Tampons For Menstrual Cups
The FP team puts it to the test.