Ugh, PMS symptoms are the absolute worst. I don’t think anyone looks forward to the inevitable bloating, cramping, headaches and overall feeling of misery that happens once a month along with nature’s little gift to us girls. I believe it’s safe to say that we would all try just about anything to prevent these things from happening.

Unfortunately, I’m not here to tell you about some miracle cure, but now that I think about it, why hasn’t that been created yet? Anyway, while there’s no one thing you can do or take that will banish your PMS symptoms forever, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent them from happening before they take over. Ready to have the best period ever… kind of? Check out these eight ways to help stop PMS:

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Eat More Iron

Recent research (that's been going on for over a decade!) shows that women who eat more iron were less likely to suffer from PMS symptoms. So, fill up on your iron, ladies! Order yourself a steak or a hamburger the next time you go out. Not into eating meat? There are plenty of ways you can make sure you're getting enough iron - you can find plenty of it in leafy greens like spinach or beans. Start eating up and prevent bad PMS symptoms!

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Get More Calcium

You should also be getting more calcium into your daily diet. Calcium has always been super important for women, but I bet you didn't know that it can help with PMS. It's known to help fight moodiness and depression and bloating. If you're seriously not into milk, you can take supplements. Or... can you take this as an excuse to eat more milk and cookies? Yes. Absolutely yes.

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Start Taking A Multivitamin

Studies have shown that taking a multivitamin can result in fewer PMS symptoms. Sounds good to me! Before you run off to the drugstore in search of a bottle of multivitamins, I would suggest talking to your doctor about it. It may require a little remembering on your part, but if your PMS is better, I'd say it's worth it.

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Avoid Salty Foods

You - yes you. Step away from the chips. No, this isn't a joke. I know that this is the time you're craving salty foods the most, but the week before you get your period, you should be avoiding salty foods as much as possible. Eating a lot of salt is basically inviting that gross bloating feeling to take over your body. Try to resist your cravings and snack on something else instead.

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Eat More Flax

Besides filling up on calcium, multivitamins and iron, you should also be eating a good amount of flax. I know, so much eating! Who knew that was the way to get rid of PMS? Anyway, flax helps regulate your hormones and do things like flush stuff out of your system. I know it looks gross and boring, but there are plenty of yummy ways to get flax into your bod: sprinkle flax seeds onto salads, sandwiches or smoothies (they make them more crunchy) or eat any of the delicious flax cereals out there.

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Stop Smoking!

Just in case you needed another reason to stop smoking cigarettes (besides the fact that it KILLS you), research shows that ciggs can make PMS symptoms worse. I know quitting is tough, but can it really be any worse than moaning in bed clutching your uterus because it feels like you're maybe giving birth to an invisible baby?

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Get An Exercise Routine Down

Exercising at the exact time when all you want to do is lie in bed? Sounds fun, right?! No. But having an exercise routine before and during your period will help reduce cramps. It will also help with stress problems, which can make PMS more annoying and release endorphins... which make you happy. Take a walk, get on the treadmill or dance around your room. Just move!

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Go On Birth Control Pills

If all else fails? Maybe you want to consider going on the Pill. If you get the right one for your body, birth control pills can definitely help with PMS symptoms dramatically. Before I was on the Pill, I was taking a day off once a month because I was in so much pain. Now? My symptoms are barely there. Talk to your doctor, your mom, your partner or just figure it out yourself - but if your symptoms are really, really terrible, this may be your best solution.

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How do you prevent PMS? Do you get really bad PMS symptoms? How do you make yourself feel better? Share your tips in the comments!

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