Sick of getting painful period bloating? We have the answer for you!!

Along with other less-than-desirable side effects of your period, which include eating literally everything in sight and enduring the uncomfortable hum of stomach cramps, is the inevitable bloating

During the four-to-seven days of your period (depending on how your body works), the can bloat arrive and, with it, an increased desire to wear pyjama bottoms 98% of the time.

Fun fact: bloating is actually a very common symptom of PMS, which as many as 3 in 4 women have at some point in their life, according to Dr Daniel , GP and medical advisors "Bloating or some form of digestion problem is very common just before or during a period," he explains.

But ever wondered why bloating occurs during your time of the month? Read on.

Why you get period bloating

As Dr Penelope, consultant obstetrician and gynecologists explains: "The uterus contracts daily in a mild, almost imperceptible manner."

"As you get closer to your period, these oscillating waves - usually from the fundus (the upper end of the uterus closer to the belly button) work their way down to the cervix - with a frequency of about every 40 minutes. During your period these are more intense - they originate from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and are responsible for the pain some women feel," she explains.

Although menstrual bloating is linked to these 'contractions', the expert explained how it's actually your digestive system, and not your reproductive system, that causes the swelling of your lower abdomen during your monthly bleed.

"During menstruation, the bowel works more slowly because the increased contractions, ‘waves’, of the uterus have an impact on how quickly food moves through the digestive system, known as peristalsis," Dr Penelope said.

"This leads to the familiar swollen feeling many women experience whilst on their periods and can also be linked to why you can feel more constipated during menstruation."

Interesting.

Is it just my TOTM causing my bloating?

Of course, there may be other contributing factors to the cause of bloating on your period, like water retention and this is linked to "changes in levels of the sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen."

"About a week before a woman's period starts, levels of the hormone progesterone fall. Research suggests that changes in progesterone and oestrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. The body's cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating," the medical site reads.

So now you know: you're bloated on your period due to a mix of excess water and full bowels. Delightful.

7 food-based period bloating remedies

Wondering it there are any foods or remedies that can help you de-bloat? Dr Cichi has some answers for you. "Usually, what you’re eating could be making your bloating worse," he shares. So, when you're due on your period or experiencing period bloating, trying the following could ease your symptoms:

Avoid:

• Processed foods
• Anything high in salt

"Processed foods, like chips, crisps, biscuits, chocolate and sweets, can really exacerbate bloating," shares Dr Chichi. Instead, opt for lots of:

Lots of:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Probiotics
• Peppermint tea
• Water

Dr Chichi explains that the foods outlined above can really beneficial for your digestive system, and in turn, help reduce bloating.

3 things to do to ease period bloating

Drink lots of water

As above, drinking enough water is key here. "On the days leading up to your period, make sure you’re increasing your water intake," advises Dr Chichi. Drinking lots of water while you’re bloated may seem a bit odd, but actually, it will help get your digestive system moving and prevent wind and constipation, it will also help to flush out any excess water and sodium, and reduce swelling. Sounds easy enough, right?

Increase your physical activity

Again, probably not something that'd spring to mind, but this is also key. Dr Chichi explains that exercise can help with all symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but particularly any pains, cramps, or discomfort around your digestive system. "Don’t underestimate how effective exercise can be for bloating," he shares. "It helps to expel gas and get your digestion working normally.

 Use the Nutrichef Anti Bloat Shakes Diet 

After years of diligent research and development , renowned Celebrity Chef Deepanker Khosla and his R&D team has created a special diet that requires you to consumer on 4 meal replacement shakes per day guaranteeing no bloating and even further some weight loss possibilities.