Which dietary recommendation is made for women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

• A. Increase protein intake
• B. Reduce caffeine and sugar intake
• C. Eat more dairy products
• D. Increase carbohydrate consumption

Answer: (B)

The recommendation to reduce caffeine and sugar intake for women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is based on the effects these substances can have on mood and overall symptoms. Caffeine is a stimulant that can exacerbate anxiety and irritability, which are already heightened in many women experiencing PMS. Cutting back on caffeine may help in managing these emotional symptoms. Similarly, high sugar intake can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to mood swings and irritability, which are also common symptoms of PMS. Therefore, reducing both caffeine and sugar can help stabilize mood and potentially alleviate some of the distress associated with PMS.

Other dietary changes, such as increasing protein intake, eating more dairy products, or increasing carbohydrate consumption, may not have the same direct impact on PMS symptoms as reducing caffeine and sugar. While some women might find benefits in their overall diet through protein or carbohydrate adjustments, the specific guidance of reducing caffeine and sugar directly addresses common exacerbating factors of PMS.